The IRD network abroad and in the French overseas territories

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The evolution of the network of IRD representatives, of which effective implementation began at the end of 2016, has two priority objectives:

In 2017, the network expanded to around ten new countries. This means that at the end of 2017, IRD had a differentiated network with representatives in 40 countries (31 at the end of 2016).

The principle of equitable partnership, which is central to the ambitions of IRD’s POS, was embodied by the launch of the first scientific and strategic steering committees (CPSS). With an equal number of members from the North and South and of both genders, these committees will be led by representatives in 24 countries. They will help to improve consideration of the partners’ research and development issues in the definition of IRD’s country strategies, but also provide better coordination with the “French team” abroad. The first strategic steering committee meetings were held in 2017 in Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Senegal, and the members of these committees have already been identified in around 10 countries.

Mutualisations of the representation role also took place in 2017 in Tunisia with Cirad, in Madagascar with the National Natural History Museum (MNHN), and in Ethiopia with the French Centre for European studies (CFEE).

Efforts to work more closely with regional organisations which are a priority for IRD, were launched with support from the representatives: signing of a framework agreement with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), dialogues started with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and with the African Union Commission (AUC), exchanges with the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Latin America and Caribbean regional meeting of the IRD network, held in Peru in December 2017, allowed thematic priorities to be identified for the Institute in the region. These will form the core of the regional strategy.

Key figures

Map of IRD across the world.

Mediterranean

In spite of its assets, this region suffers from increasingly social and ecological pressures, leading to unprecedented changes and challenging the possibilities for medium and long-term development. IRD has been working around the Mediterranean since 1957 and has 5 representatives there today.

West Africa

This region experiences certain difficulties, especially the depletion of natural resources, extreme weather conditions and problems with insecurity, although the economic outlook is positive. IRD has worked here since 1946 and has 10 representatives here.

East Africa and the Indian Ocean

IRD in East Africa and the Indian Ocean combines IRD’s scientific and operational topics such as marine sciences, climate change, health and environment with the challenges of South-South cooperation and the international sustainable development agenda.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Drawing on a dense and varied network of scientific partners, IRD works in a spirit of regional cooperation. The Institute benefits from long-standing presence, recognised by the national funding agencies.

Asia and the Pacific

IRD has been working in Southeast Asia since 1976 and has 5 representatives there today. In the Pacific, IRD has 2 representatives, in New-Caledonia and in French Polynesia.

Et demain ?

The priorities in 2018 will be:

  • Improving parity in the network
  • Launching scientific and strategic steering committee work in around 10 countries
  • Consolidating partnerships with regional organisations
  • New mutualisations of the representation role, particularly in Nigeria and India