IRD in East Africa and the Indian Ocean combines many scientific topics such as marine sciences, climate change, health and environment with the challenges of South-South cooperation and the international sustainable development agenda.
Jointly organised by IRD, the Malagasy Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and around twenty partners, Mangroves 2017 brought together numerous players in society, via science, training and the dissemination of knowledge, to talk and raise awareness about the mangroves of the Indian Ocean.
In particular, this mobilisation produced the “Message from Mahajanga”, targeting all decision-makers, backers and operators, to generate real support, attention and ongoing funding for the mangroves.
Held annually since 2015, following the model of major international scientific forums and having acquired a Pan-African and international dimension, the Science Forum South Africa is a platform for debate on the role of science and innovation in society, and for promoting international partnerships in these domains.
The third forum, held in December in Pretoria (South Africa) attracted over 2000 participants from 60 countries, who took part in 39 round tables, 32 scientific conferences and numerous thematic workshops. Elisabeth Barbier, Deputy Director General of IRD, took part in a round table on scientific diplomacy.
on 14 and 16 December, the University of La Réunion hosted the BioHealth International Conference on biodiversity, health and food. A partner of the 2017 conference, IRD took part in several plenary and parallel sessions.