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 RTRCs initiative has been recognized as a best of practice of countries in the region for capacity development and transfer of marine technology , as expressed by many members states at various international events. \\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe RTRC network has been developed in a co-design and co-implementation approach with all Member States in the region with their strong supports received. It builds on countries strong ownerships and host institutions specialization areas, linking closely to national and regional priorities, cross-fertilizing wide knowledge and expertise among Member States. This commitment will also contribute to the UN Decade of Marine Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTill December 2019, a total of five Regional Training and Research Centers have been established or nearly established to serve the demands of Member States for sustainable development, respectively on: \\\\r\\\\ni. Ocean Dynamics and Climate (RTRC-ODC) in the First Institute of Oceanography, State Ocean Administration of China; \\\\r\\\\nii. Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health (RTRC-MarBEST) in the Indonesian Institute of Science, Indonesia; \\\\r\\\\niii. Reef Management and Restoration in the Marine Science Institute, University of Philippines Diliman; \\\\r\\\\niv. Marine Toxin and Food Security in the Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; and \\\\r\\\\nv. Plastic Marine Debris and Microplastics in the East China Normal University.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThese RTRCs have started to provide regular trainings and associated research opportunities to all developing countries, in particular from the region. For instance, since the voluntary commitment was made, regular trainings were organized at the RTRC-ODC on model development (12-23 Jun 2017), regional ocean forecasting systems (2-7 Jul 2018) and climate dynamics and air-sea interactions (17-28 Jun 2019); and by the RTRC-MarBEST on Molecular Taxonomy (25 Sep 6 Oct 2017, Jakarta, Indonesia), coral health index (22 Oct-2 Nov 2018), and carbon stock and sequestration assessment (4-12 Nov 2019). Other three RTRC being established in 2029, are to provide regular trainings and research opportunities. \\\\r\\\\nChallenges faced in implementation
Fluid governance, sometimes, at national level as a result of government reshuffling;\r\n\r\nBeneficiaries
Ocean research institutes, universities, and competent government agencies of UN Member States for oceans in the region, which include the State Oceanic Administration of China and its First Institute of Oceanography; Indonesian Institutes of Science and its Research Center for Oceanography; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the University of Tokyo; Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology; Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and the Institute of Oceanography; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the Phuket Marine Biological Center; and the University of Philippines.\r\n\r\nAt international level: IOC and other ocean-related global programs, leading ocean research institutions outside the region