Opening of Vanuatu's first School of Marine Sciences

Vanuatu's first School of Marine Sciences was officially launched on Friday August 1, 2025, marking an important milestone in regional efforts to strengthen scientific understanding of the ocean and improve management of the marine environment.

Organized by the Institut national de recherche pour le développement (IRD) in New Caledonia, in collaboration with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and with the support of the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD), the week-long summer school takes place from thepartement des pêches du Vanuatu (VFD), the week-long summer school takes place from August 1 to 7 on the campus of the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) in Port Vila.

The program brings together some 50 participants from key Vanuatu institutions, including the VFD, the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) and the Department of Environment and Health (DEH).Protection and Conservation (DEPC) and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), as well as students from the NUV and the University of New Caledonia. A team of 20 researchers and engineers from the IRD in Nouméa, led by Dr Pascal Dumas, will provide training in disciplines such as marine biology and ecology, oceanography and oceanography.cology, oceanography, water chemistry, instrumentation, data analysis, governance, policy, artificial intelligence and photogrammetry.

At the launch, the French Ambassador to Vanuatu, Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, spoke of the long-standing scientific partnership between France and Vanuatu, which dates back to the 1980s. " This summer school is a continuation of that spirit," he declared.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD), Mr. Sompert Gereva, who is also the Director of the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD). Sompert Gereva, who also officially declared the School of Marine Sciences open on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and Marine Affairs (MFOMA), decried the practical value of the program in helping Vanuatu's fisheries sector.crit the practical value of the program in helping early-career researchers and technical staff acquire the skills needed to manage marine resources. " Marine science education is essential to understanding and managing our oceans, which are vital to environmental and human well-being," he said.

Valérie Verdier, IRD Director General, said the summer school was part of a shared goal to strengthen the research capabilities of Pacific island countries. " This week brings together diverse viewpoints, from researchers and PhD students to local technicians and students, which will enrich discussions between marine disciplines and environmental governance. "she declared.

Ms Emmanuelle Boutier, Head of the AUF - Vanuatu national office, spoke about the history of the AUF in Vanuatu, which began in 1998, and its close links with the IRD (formerly ORSTOM). " Even before IRD changed its name, we worked side by side, sharing offices and vision," she said.

The program includes four days of intensive courses and a final field day in northern Éfaté, focusing on practical demonstrations. Topics range from physical oceanography and water chemistry to environmental policy and indigenous knowledge systems.

Organizers say the event is part of a broader effort to build scientific capacity in the region and address current environmental concerns. The creation of the National University of Vanuatu in 2020 has created new opportunities to develop local expertise in marine science, climate adaptation and sustainable development.

The official launch brought together representatives from partner institutions, diplomatic missions and academia, reflecting a shared commitment to cross-border collaboration and Pacific leadership on ocean issues.

Source: www.auf.org/