Progress report for
Develop research capacity and transfer of marine technology through the UNESCO/IOC Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science in the Western Pacific and adjacent regions in support of the SDG 14.a
Achievement at a glance
The RTRC network has been developed in a co-design and co-implementation approach with wide support of Member States in the region. It builds on countries strong ownerships and host institutions specialization areas, links closely to national and regional priorities, cross-fertilize the region wide knowledge and expertise, and is based on an open and transparent development process of multi-disciplinary and multi-nation representation.Till December 2017, two Regional Training and Research Centers have been established, respectively on Ocean Dynamics and Climate (RTRC-ODC) in the First Institute of Oceanography, State Ocean Administration, and on Marine Biodiverity and Ecosystem Health (RTRC-MarBEST). The RTRC-ODC center has been providing regular two-week trainings and associated research opportunities since 2011 to more than 310 young scientists from 33 countries, including the recent training on the development of coupled regional ocean models, 12-23 June 2017; Since its inauguration in Oct 2016, the RTRC-MarBEST center started organizing two-week international training course on Crustacean Taxonomy on 17 to 29 October 2016, and a two-week long training on molecular taxonomy on 25 September-5 October 2017.
The level of backing to this initiative was indicated by the strong willingness expressed by a wealth of countries in the region at the 11th WESTPAC Intergovernmental Session (21-23 April 2017) and the recent Japan organized workshop on Future RTRC Networking in the Western Pacific (23-24 January 2018, Tokyo, Japan). Japan highlighted the importance for IOC and its WESTPAC to develop the capacity of its Member States for sustainability science, and informed that Japan is considering to establish a RTRC on Sustainability Science on a trial basis. Philippines expressed its willingness to establish a RTRC on Marine Protected Area. Vietnam is preparing for the establishment of a RTRC on Marine Toxins and Seafood Safety. Thailand briefed that they will establish a RTRC in 2018, subject to internal approval process.