The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), with its partners, the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Applied Centre for Climate and Earth Science Systems (ACCESS), and various universities, arrived in Port Elizabeth on the polar research and supply vessel, SA Agulhas today, 14 November 2011 from Cape Town on a Pre-COP 17 voyage to Durban.
This is a very historic occasion in that it is the last voyage of the SA Agulhas along the South African coast and this may also be only the second visit of this 32-year old vessel to Port Elizabeth harbour.
The Pre-Cop 17 voyage has the following four objectives:
- To raise the awareness of South Africans to the vital role of oceans in climate change, leading to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 17 / CMP 7 negotiations due to start in Durban later this month.
- To demonstrate South Africa’s capability in ocean research, particularly in the Southern ocean and to further cement the partnerships with institutions which bring value to our understanding of the dynamics of the ocean as a driver of climate and climate variability.
- To test some of the specialised research equipment in preparation for the voyage to the South African Antarctic Base (SANAE IV) later this year.
- To provide a platform for training and capacity building to young scientists and students who are involved in ocean research.
On the voyage from Cape Town to Durban, scientists from a host of institutions presented research findings and scenarios highlighting the issues of climate change especially the impact on coastal communities.
En route to Durban, the department has joined hands with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) by giving presentations and an exhibition to members of the University community, press as well as learners from local schools.
The exhibition included a display of equipment used in the analysis of physical, chemical, and biological parameters of the ocean, such as dissolved oxygen, sea temperature and phytoplankton. In addition, the exhibition demonstrated South Africa’s marine biodiversity and range of organisms from microscopic forms such as plankton to top predators such as sharks, seals and so forth.
SAWS displayed observation equipment that aids weather forecasting. This includes a drifting weather buoy, upper air balloons, and an automatic weather station. Information about the Southern ocean stations (Marion Island, Gough Island and Antarctica) and other career opportunities was displayed.
NMMU was selected as the venue for the presentations and exhibition as a result of a partnership the Department on ocean research following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year.
The purpose of the MoU is to guide cooperation on ocean and coastal research, and capacity building between the Department and University. The Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Engagement, Professor Thoko Mayekiso voiced appreciation of the progress on the implementation of a MoU. Andre Share, Chief Director: Oceans and Coasts, expressed gratitude to the NMMU for their cooperation in ocean research.
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