The Exhibition Facility of the Albion Fisheries Research Centre, refurbished by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the project for the Development of Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Management System, was inaugurated, this morning.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mauritius, Mr Kan Masahiro and the Senior Chief Executive of the of Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Dhanandjay Kawol, were present on that occasion.
The Exhibition Facility, comprising informative panels, posters, interactive corners and exhibits, showcases the marine biodiversity of Mauritius, the mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, coral reproduction and threatened, critically endangered and vulnerable coral species.
In his address Ambassador Masahiro recalled that Japan has remained a committed partner to Mauritius and through the JICA, has contributed in infrastructural development initiatives, marine conservation and the protection of coastal ecosystems.
The renovation of the Exhibition Facility is one of our most significant initiatives, as it is a viable tool for environment education, he said.
Mr Kan Masahiro underlined that the promotion of environment education will ensure that future generations, who will eventually play a major role in safeguarding the marine ecosystems, do understand their importance.
According to the Ambassador both Japan and Mauritius understand the significance of protecting their oceans, while highlighting that together, both countries will continue working towards a future where economic development and environment sustainability coexist.
On his part Dr Kawol expressed the Ministry’s deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for funding the rehabilitation of the Exhibition facility, pointing out that it was constructed by the JICA which again funded its subsequent expansion in 1995.
The assistance provided by the Japanese Government through the JICA over the years has been instrumental in the advancement of the fisheries sector in Mauritius, he said.
Emphasising that Japan and Mauritius share a longstanding relationship, Dr Kawol outlined the various assistance and support that Mauritius benefitted from over the years. These include: the construction of the Fisheries and Training Research Centre at Pointe aux Sables; technical assistance in various fields, namely aquaculture, marine conversation, planning and development projects; as well as full support following the grounding of MV Wakashio in 2020.
With regard to the refurbishment of the Exhibition Facility, the SCE pointed out that it comes at an opportune time when the Ministry is putting emphasis on sensitising students and the public at large on preserving our marine ecosystems as well as promoting ocean literacy in view of developing the blue economy in Mauritius.
“Educational tours will be organised for students to create an interest in the field and to raise generations of ocean-literate people who will advocate the country’s national heritage- its ocean,” he added.
Source : GIS Mauritius
