The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi today welcomed the SA Agulhas polar research and supply vessel to Durban. This is the second leg of the Pre-COP17 voyage intended to raise awareness on climate change issues ahead of the international climate change negotiations to be held in Durban this month.
The Deputy Minister encouraged cooperation among various institutions to enhance the objectives of South Africa in dealing with ocean research, particularly in the southern oceans. “It is important to understand the ocean processes involved in regulating the effects of climate change” she said.
The objectives of the voyage have been fully met and these include creating awareness on the role of oceans in regulating the effects of climate change. This was reflected by the various activities during the different legs with stop-overs in Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) and Durban (uShaka Marine World).
“Exhibitions and activities in Port Elizabeth and Durban gave an indication and demonstration that learners, educators, university students and the general public are interested in knowing the role of the oceans in climate change. The various stakeholders have also showed a willingness to participate and collaborate in current and future research activities that the Branch is conducting” said the Deputy Minister.
The voyage was also a success with regard to enhancing human capital development by training the youth to conduct scientific research and testing equipment that will be used in the upcoming South African National Antarctic Expedition voyage.
The voyage highlighted the capabilities of the new supply and research vessel which will be delivered in South Africa in March 2012. The SA Agulhas II is one of the first vessels globally that have been constructed to the new International Maritime Organisations’ Safe Return to Port requirements.
These requirements are intended to ensure maximum safety for passengers in the event of fire or flooding. One of the basic principles is that the ship is its best life boat and that every precaution should be taken to maintain the integrity of the structure until such time that the ship can reach a safe port. The research facilities on the new ship allow for extensive, deep water oceanographic and geological research voyages.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of research in Antarctica and Southern Oceans. “The Southern Ocean has been identified as an important carbon sink, that is, most of the carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere is absorbed there” said the Deputy Minister.
The third and final leg of the Pre-COP17 voyage from Durban to Cape Town will consist mainly of training for young scientists, interns and students whilst further testing the research equipment on the vessel. Training will be conducted on aspects such as data collection and analysis of physical, chemical and biological oceanography which help to understand the role the ocean plays in climate change.
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