General News
Registration is now open for the Science Conference 2017: Science and Technology for Sustainable Development to be held at the National University of Samoa from 22 to 24 November 2017. NUS in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme will host the three - day conference, the first major joint initiative since the signing of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding.
The main theme for this conference is "Science for Sustainable Development". The term Science is used here in its broadest sense and is inclusive of Technology and Traditional knowledge. The conference is multidisciplinary and aims to bring together academics and practitioners in the use or applications of Science for sustainable development. The conference aims to promote research in Science and provides a forum to bring together scientists to share and profile their research with a particular focus on the provision of solutions and pathways to sustainable development. This is particularly important and relevant within the context of the Pacific with its increasing risk and vulnerabilities and the numerous barriers hindering the realisation of sustainable development goals.
Mr. Roger Cornforth, Acting Director General of SPREP states "It is important for SPREP to ensure the work we do internationally and regionally directly benefits our 21 Pacific island members. Working alongside NUS ensures a platform for the sharing of science, research, technology and environmental innovation, to address the many challenges of sustainable development in Samoa and the region, including climate change, ocean conservation, and pollution".
Samoa. Photo: R.Wright/SPREP
Key note speakers for the Science Conference 2017 includes the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture the Hon. Loau Keneti Sio; Mr. Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP; Emeritus Professor Rowena Cullen of Victoria University of Wellington; and Professor Peter Lockhart of Massey University.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Patila Malua Amosa notes "The partnership with SPREP is greatly valued by NUS and the opportunity to share a joint platform for research on sustainable development for Samoa is important for the university. The opportunity to engage researchers within and beyond Samoa is exciting with the key note addresses on Integrated Ocean Governance; Sustainable e-Government for Pacific Island States and DNA Diagnostics from Lab to Field".
Other conference topics include: The Contribution of ICTs in Primary Industries in Pacific Island Countries; "Radiant Energy": Another alternative energy source for Samoa?; "It takes a village": Village Outreach and Sustainable Tourism in Palauli District; Seasonal Forecasts and Climate Traditional Knowledge in Samoa to Increase Community Resilience and Sustainable Development; and Benefits of 3Rs for Marine Ecosystem Services and Tourism Industry.
In addition to presentations from NUS and SPREP the conference includes research from the University of the South Pacific, Ibaraki University of Japan, The Open University of Sri Lanka, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, James Cook University, PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute, University of Duesseldorf, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Over 100 participants are expected to attend the Science Conference 2017, which is also sponsored by SSAB and the New Zealand High Commission. For more information on registration visit the NUS website www.nus.edu.ws or contact Professor Dr. Ioana Chan Mow email: [email protected] and Dr. Taema Imo email: [email protected].
The main theme for this conference is "Science for Sustainable Development". The term Science is used here in its broadest sense and is inclusive of Technology and Traditional knowledge. The conference is multidisciplinary and aims to bring together academics and practitioners in the use or applications of Science for sustainable development. The conference aims to promote research in Science and provides a forum to bring together scientists to share and profile their research with a particular focus on the provision of solutions and pathways to sustainable development. This is particularly important and relevant within the context of the Pacific with its increasing risk and vulnerabilities and the numerous barriers hindering the realisation of sustainable development goals.
Mr. Roger Cornforth, Acting Director General of SPREP states "It is important for SPREP to ensure the work we do internationally and regionally directly benefits our 21 Pacific island members. Working alongside NUS ensures a platform for the sharing of science, research, technology and environmental innovation, to address the many challenges of sustainable development in Samoa and the region, including climate change, ocean conservation, and pollution".
Samoa. Photo: R.Wright/SPREPKey note speakers for the Science Conference 2017 includes the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture the Hon. Loau Keneti Sio; Mr. Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP; Emeritus Professor Rowena Cullen of Victoria University of Wellington; and Professor Peter Lockhart of Massey University.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Patila Malua Amosa notes "The partnership with SPREP is greatly valued by NUS and the opportunity to share a joint platform for research on sustainable development for Samoa is important for the university. The opportunity to engage researchers within and beyond Samoa is exciting with the key note addresses on Integrated Ocean Governance; Sustainable e-Government for Pacific Island States and DNA Diagnostics from Lab to Field".
Other conference topics include: The Contribution of ICTs in Primary Industries in Pacific Island Countries; "Radiant Energy": Another alternative energy source for Samoa?; "It takes a village": Village Outreach and Sustainable Tourism in Palauli District; Seasonal Forecasts and Climate Traditional Knowledge in Samoa to Increase Community Resilience and Sustainable Development; and Benefits of 3Rs for Marine Ecosystem Services and Tourism Industry.
In addition to presentations from NUS and SPREP the conference includes research from the University of the South Pacific, Ibaraki University of Japan, The Open University of Sri Lanka, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, James Cook University, PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute, University of Duesseldorf, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Over 100 participants are expected to attend the Science Conference 2017, which is also sponsored by SSAB and the New Zealand High Commission. For more information on registration visit the NUS website www.nus.edu.ws or contact Professor Dr. Ioana Chan Mow email: [email protected] and Dr. Taema Imo email: [email protected].