Pursuing partnerships for ocean science and research

Tour of Marion Dufresne provides opportunity to showcase French/South African partnerships

SOUTH AFRICA: Guests who were welcomed onboard the French oceanographic research vessel, the Marion Dufresne, in the Port of Cape Town yesterday left with a better understanding of how the ongoing partnership between France and South Africa is advancing ocean science and research.

One of the largest research vessels in the world, the 120m Marion Dufresne, has been involved in multi-disciplinary ocean observations in the Southern Ocean alongside South Africa’s own research ship, the SA Agulhas II.

After a brief tour of the vessel, guests from the South African government and research community were briefed on the type of research that scientists from both countries have been conducting. This includes important work aimed at fostering a better understanding of the ocean’s role in climate regulation, and involves strategic measuring of currents, salinity, temperature, as well as other variables.

“Partnerships have never been more relevant. No nation can meet the challenges we face alone,” French Consul General in Cape Town, Sophie Bel, told guests in her welcome address. “Our purpose today is to celebrate that cooperation,” she added while also acknowledging the growing pressure facing the world’s oceans.

“We are witnessing growing interests in the region, and it is our responsibility to protect it,” she said.

Echoing concerns around pressures facing the oceans and the polar regions in particular, Jean Spiri (Head of the Cooperation and Cultural Action Service / French Institute of South Africa) outlined the French Polar Strategy. He acknowledged the importance for France and South Africa to work together within an international space where the same values are not always shared.

Noting the overview of the research that was presented, Deputy Director General of Research Development and Support at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Imraan Patel, confirmed the Department’s commitment to marine and ocean science.

“It is good to see an increase in interest and appreciation of the ocean,” he said, adding that marine and ocean science remains a “strategic priority” for the Department, while describing the partnership with France as a long and stable relationship.

“We need to make strategic choices as a small country at the tip of Africa,” he said, explaining the challenges of allocating resources while noting that marine science remains especially important in relation to changing narratives around environmental concerns. “Partners like France enable us to meet our own targets,” he said.

PHOTO: Team of scientists, Members of Parliament, as well as French and South African government representatives against the backdrop of the Marion Dufresne in the Port of Cape Town.  (© Maritime Review Africa)

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