Embedded Files
Post date: Sep 09, 2020 8:28:33 AM
The newly designed Lecture Theatre of the UoM saw the hosting of a half-day workshop on the Research & Development component of the “Observatoire de L’Environnement” on Tuesday 08 September 2020.
During “Les Assises de L`Environnement” organised by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change in December 2019, proposals were made for the setting up of an “Observatoire de l’Environnement” which would inter alia, serve as a repository of environmental data with the ultimate goal to disseminate environmental information and research works to enable rational decision making and encourage research and development for sound policy development.
Following the Assises ,the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change in collaboration with the University of Mauritius decided to hold this half day workshop to bring to light the importance of the the Research and Development Component.
Honorable L.D. Dookun-Luchoomun, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and Honourable K. Ramano, Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, both guest speakers at the Ceremony highlighted the imperative need to address environmental issues that affect the world and its consequent impacts on the national social and economic and ecological aspects of different countries.
The Exhibition of the research works carried out by the academics were also greatly appreciated.
Prof Jhurry launched the Special edition of the UoM SDG`s Newsletter dedicated to the Observatoire de LEnvironnement with a special focus on the Research and Development Component .
Speech of Vice Chancellor:
Honourable (Mrs) Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, GCSK,
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary
Education, Science and Technology
Honourable Kavydass Ramano, Minister of Environment, Solid
Waste Management and Climate Change
Excellencies and members of the Diplomatic corps
Excellency Ms Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator
Deans of Faculties
University Colleagues
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning and welcome in this newly refurbished Lecture Theatre which is hosting its first event. It is with immense pleasure and satisfaction that I welcome this partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change entrusting the UoM to lead the Research & Development component of the ‘Observatoire de l’Environnement’. This is perfectly in line with UoM’s vision to promote a ‘Research-engaged and entrepreneurial University’ and we are most grateful to Hon. Minister Kavydass Ramano for his trust in the UoM.
This partnership focusing on research is most timely as the world including Mauritius faces (i) an unprecedented environmental and climate crisis with air, water and ocean pollution as well as a threatening of the biodiversity (ii) a rise in technological capacity where cooperation becomes a must and (iii) the digital revolution and all accompanying disruption that causes to our traditional economic model.
To address these challenges and shifts, we cannot think in terms of either the economy or the environment. We have to embrace fully the concept of sustainability and reconcile economic development with environmental sustainability and social inclusion. The UN SDG Agenda 2030 provides us with a roadmap to achieve sustainability through 6 societal transformations: education and know-how; health and well-being, clean-energy and industry, sustainable land use, sustainable cities and digital technologies.
Science and Technology lies at the heart of all six transformations. The COVID-19 pandemic and the 'Wakashio' oil spill have both reminded us how dependent we are on S&T and how much innovation depends on S&T. It is imperative we have in our country a critical mass of scientists and engineers that can tackle problems and develop actionable solutions. We also need to encourage the young minds to opt for the sciences. At the UoM, we have put in place several projects that support the SDGs through the Agri-Tech Park to address food security and modern agriculture, the e-library to provide access to knowledge to all, the National Road Safety Observatory to contribute to solving the road safety problem in Mauritius, the green roof project for sustainable energy and the marine litter project for ocean pollution amongst others.
We have put in place at the UoM a mechanism to support national priority research projects of a multi-disciplinary nature such as environmental problems. So we are equipped in terms of human resources – staff and students - to efficiently lead the R&D component of the Observatoire de l’Environnement. However, goodwill is important but certainly not enough. We need funding for projects to move forward. Maybe the time is ripe to think of new funding schemes from TEC and MRIC that would address research with potential impacts on society. The MRIC has launched in a recent past the COVID-19 and the Oil Spill call for proposals. Perhaps we should have more of similar schemes.
Prof Dhanjay Jhurry, CSK, GOSK, FAAS
Vice-Chancellor
Page updated
Report abuse