Partners in Science: Kenyan-Dutch Co-Operation In Marine Research - I . 1992-1993.
This document gives an outline of a partnership in marine science between Kenya and the Netherlands. It is a special part of the Dutch ”Indian Ocean Programme” (lOP; 1990-1995). The central theme of the lOP is climatic change and its consequences. This theme fits in very well with a number of international research activities, such as the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (JGOFS, LOICl) and the World Climate Research Programme (TOGA,WOCE). The programme is also easily connected with on-going research in Kenya. It is a natural extension of the CEC-project ”Study and management of Kenyan mangrove ecosystems”. The present programme is a partnership between the Kenyan Marine Fisheries and Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa and The Netherlands Marine Research Foundation (SOl) of The Netherlands Organisation for the Advancement of Scientific Research (NWO) in The Hague. In 1982 the Dutch government initiated a five year programme in marine science with the Indonesian government. The Snellius-II Programme (1982-1987) was successful. The Snellius-II approach, entailing transfer of knowledge and building infrastructure by the execution of a joint research effort, is internationally recognized as an effective management tool for sustainable development. The co-operation with Kenya is organized on the basis of this experience. Inadequate infrastructure in Kenya has hindered the development of marine science. To develop marine science, funding for large scale marine projects and co-operation between Kenya and developed countries is needed. This report gives details of the first phase (1992 1993) of a seven year partnership. The philosophy of this endeavour is to sustain development through the execution of a joint research programme. The central theme of the present programme is ”the study of the effects of the monsoonal regime on coastal marine systems”. It consists of two main projects. One is based on board the Dutch research vessel 'Tyro' and will investigate processes on the Kenyan shelf and coastal ecosystems. The other is land-based near Mombasa and investigates coastal processes and pollution in the Kenyan coastal environment. Implementation of the seven year programme should allow Kenya to develop its present marine science capability in such a way that it can succesfully act as the regional centre, as proposed in UNEP's Eastern African Action Plan. The Kenyan coast is an area of great physical beauty and rich in living resources. Palm beaches, clear turquoise waters and the colourful marine life of the coral reefs now attract about one million tourists yearly. Yet there are problems: local pollution, habitat destruction, tourism and the pressure of the growing population. Dams constructed or planned in the Tana river will effect the estuarine productivity in the estuarine and coastal area. Soil erosion as a result of deforestation and environmen tally destructive agricultural practices inland, is effecting catches of fin fish and prawns in Ungwana (Tana river) and threatening the reefs around Malindi (Galana -Sabaki river). Mangroves are extensively cut for poles, firewood and charcoal. They are also effected by siltation and, due to upstream hydraulic works, by fluctuations in the amount of fresh water and sediment reaching them. Loss of the extent and vitality of mangrove forests may reduce marine biological productivity.
| Other Authors: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Report biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute & Netherlands Marine Research Foundation
1992
|
| Subjects: | Oceanography, Marine sciences, Coastal oceanography, Marine ecology, Research programmes, Research institutions, Research, Climatic changes, Marine pollution, Mangroves, International cooperation, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/6991 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|