Linking Science and Policy
Date: Jun 13 2000
Summary: In various fora, and in the review of the value of
scientific research institutions, linking Science and Policy has
become an issue in order to ensure public-funded scientific
research is relevant...
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The recent climate conference in Rarotonga had, as a sub-theme
"Linking Science and Society". In many other fora, and in the
review of the value of scientific research institutions, this
has become an issue in order to ensure public-funded scientific
research is relevant. In order to succeed, and survive,
scientists have had to come out of their research closets and
put on their public relations hats.
At the recent climate conference, Ambassador Slade the Permanent
Representative of Samoa to the United Nations and Chair of the
Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) an informal group within
the UN commented as follows.
"We would see science as providing an essential component in the
search for feasible pathways towards the management of the
environment and towards sustainable development. The provision
of information for the better formulation and selection of
environment and development policies in the decision-making
process is an obvious, and effective, way. To this end, it
will be essential to:
- enhance scientific understanding;
- improve long-term scientific assessments;
- strengthen scientific capacities in all countries, especially
developing countries and, in the context of our conference,
small island States in particular; and
- ensure that the sciences are responsive to emerging needs."
He went on to add, "As a first step towards improving the
scientific basis for essential and long-term strategies is a
better understanding of land, oceans, atmosphere and their
interlocking water, nutrient and bio-geochemical cycles and
energy flows which all formpart of the global system. None of
these issues can be treated in isolation. This is essential
if a more accurate estimate is to be provided of the carrying
capacity of the planet as a whole and of its resilience under
the many stresses placed upon it by human activities. Science
can provide this understanding through increased research into
the underlying ecological processes and through the application
of modern, effective and efficient tools, many of which are now
available."
Of the need for science and technology in the Pacific islands in
order to support sustainable development there is no doubt. The
very establishment 28 years ago by Pacific island states of the
South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) demonstrated
this need. This was reaffirmed in 1996-97 during a Governing
Council review of the future role and direction of SOPAC.
An independent reviewer concluded as follows.
- SOPAC has developed a reputation as a quality research
organisation that produces relevant information to its member
states. It is well equipped for the task, is well known and
respected in the area, and has developed a wide network of
contacts and linkages with cooperating agenciesin the region.
For these reasons the cost of carrying out research in the
region through SOPAC is lower than could be achieved by any
external agency.
- Support for SOPAC means that vital information about the
region will be gathered and that the knowledge base and the
technical expertise will be retained in the region. Use of SOPAC
is cost effective and efficient, and is directly related to the
achievement of the region's priority needs. Best of all, support
of SOPAC is a big step towards the ultimate goal of all aid
programs, namely, self-sufficiency.
So how to link science and policy for the benefit of Pacific
small island developing states? Many attempts have been made, I
would like to highlight one that has been in place and
successful since 1985.
Within SOPAC the Science, Technology and Resources Network
(STAR) was founded as a vehicle to assist the international
scientific research community to provide advice to policy makers
within SOPAC member states.
Initially STAR was primarily concerned with "blue-water" marine
geoscience, tectonics and resources. However, in response to the
changing needs of SOPAC island member states the scientific
priorities of STAR have expanded its scope to cover several
other fields relating to SOPAC's work program and its
strategic plan. This has ensured that the relationship between
policy makers and the scientific community has remained a
relevant and working one. STAR actively seeks a broad spectrum
of participation to ensure that SOPAC's work program and its
forward planning are influenced by international science and
technology that is both excellent and relevant.
STAR meets in conjunction with each annual session of SOPAC
Governing Council. STAR meetings are not merely a venue at which
researchers present scientific and technical papers and discuss
results and implications. Participants have the additional
responsibility to formulate advice to SOPAC Council (policy
makers) concerning its work program and to highlight technical
and scientific issues of particular importance or urgency. At
the 1999 Council meeting over one hundred participants attended
STAR and 72 scientific papers were presented.
Professor Keith Crook from the University of Hawaii, who has
recently retired as the Chair of STAR observed that one of the
great strengths of SOPAC is its ability to mobilise excellent
science and technology bring it to bear so as to address the
national needs of the Pacific island states. The long-
established working relationship between SOPAC Governing Council
and the international research community is a vital element in
this endeavour, which STAR is charged to nurture.
As an example of the success of STAR providing this link between
science and policy makers, at the 1999 STAR session Dr Loren
Kroenke from the University of Hawaii, and a longstanding
technical adviser, provided advice on the rise and fall of sea
level in the Pacific, increased subsidence, tilt and uplift
of coral atolls and volcanic islands. He presented evidence of a
newly forming active seismic zone similar to that presently
extending from Papua New Guinea, through Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu, Fiji to Tonga and New Zealand. This "new" seismic zone
is further north and extends through the Federated States of
Micronesia, Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu to Samoa.
If Kroenke's ideas are correct the future implications for
islands in these states and the regional generally are to say
the least, great. In order to further the science to understand
these implications and the risk they present, Council endorsed
the recommendations of Kroenke to:
- encourage the installation of new land and ocean bottom
seismic stations,
- undertake nearshore and offshore mapping surveys, and
- extend sea level monitoring efforts to ensure meaningful sea
level rise/fall interpretations.
Conferences come and conferences go, but in reality, to
effectively make a difference in linking science and policy
requires long-term sustained effort such as the scientists in
the STAR network supporting the policy makers of the SOPAC
Governing Council.
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For more information please contact, Dr Howorth on tel: (679)
381377; fax: (679)370040 and/or email: russell@sopac.org.fj
---------------------------
Anna Elaise
Information Technology Officer
SOPAC Secretariat
Private Mail Bag, GPO
Suva, Fiji Islands
Tel: +679 381 377, Fax: +679 370 040
Webmaster: webmaster@sopac.org.fj
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