The beach city of Nha Trang in the central province of Khanh Hoaon April 22 hosted a symposium themed “A Healthy Ocean for Prosperityin the Western Pacific: Scientific Challenges and Possible Solutions.”
More than 550 scientists from 24 countries andterritories are attending the event, which is co-organised by theIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Sub-commission for theWestern Pacific (IOC/WESTPAC) and the Institute of Oceanography, amember of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
The symposium is providing a chance for scientists to exchange theirknowledge on marine science and boost comprehensive cooperation towardsimproving management and policy-making.
It also aims to review the scientific achievements the sub-commission has made during its 25-year history.
As many as 501 scientific reports are scheduled to be delivered duringthe four-day event, focusing on understanding ocean processes in theWestern Pacific region; ensuring marine biodiversity, food safety andsecurity; and the maintenance of ocean health.
Within the framework of the event, a forum will be held for instituteheads to discuss development guidelines, challenges in science andtechnology and ways to boost regional actions towards the common goal ofthe IOC.
According to Director of the Instituteof Oceanography Vo Si Tuan, this is the first time Vietnam hashosted the IOC/WESTPAC international symposium, now in its ninth year,recognising the country’s role and responsibility for the world’soceanography.
As one of the IOC’s sub-commissions set up in 1989, IOC/WESTPAC consists of 20 member countries, including Vietnam.-VNA