Policy and Operations Session & Historical, Social and Educational Perspectives Session.
The second-last session, Policy and Operations, of the 2016 SANAP Symposium was chaired by Tracy Klarenbeek (National Research Foundation, Department of Science and Technology).
During this session Dr Gilbert Siko (Director: Science Platforms, Department of Science and Technology) gave us an update on the current initiatives within SANAP as well as the new initiatives regarding the MARS (Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy) implementation plan.
Thomas Mufananadzo (Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations, Department of Environmental Affairs) set some light on the environmental aspects behind projects and activities on the Prince Edward Islands (Marion and Prince Edward Island).
The last speaker in this session was Carol Jacobs (Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations, Department of Environmental Affairs), continuing on the environmental aspects behind projects and activities but in this case focusing on Antarctica.
The 2016 SANAP Symposium ended with three interesting talks on educational, social and historical perspectives within SANAP.
Prof Isabelle Ansorge (Head, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town) gave some feedback regarding the initial attempt of South Africa’s first class afloat programme called SEAmester. During July 2016, 41 postgraduate students from 15 universities across South Africa joined in on SEAmester, accommodated for 10 days aboard the S.A. Agulhas II. During their time on the research vessel students were exposed to the different aspects of marine science. Prof Ansorge received positive feedback from all students after this wonderful experience. Keep an eye open to be part of the next cruise.
Anché Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University) gave a talk entitled “Social interaction as a tool for science communication to create Antarctic Awareness”. ALSA has realized the need to communicate Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research to the public, as people in general are not aware of South Africa’s involvement in the Antarctic Sector (Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Gough Island and Antarctica). Communication is mainly undertaken by face-to-face interaction. We started with visiting schools and libraries in the Western Cape and we are now planning to expand these visits in other parts of South Africa as well. We also used printed material as handouts in order to create awareness. We recently designed a Kids Activity booklet with word puzzles and other activities concerning Marion Island. Feedbacks we’ve received from this material are very positive.
The 2016 SANAP Symposium ended with the historical background to research conducted at Marion and Prince Edward Islands, a talk given by Prof Brian Huntley, who was the botanist on the First Biological & Geological Expedition to the islands 50 years ago. To look back to when it all started was most interesting. South Africans can be proud of the fact that we’ve done so much over the years and that we are still able to be involved in the Antarctic Sector.
The next SANAP Symposium will be held in 2018 and we are already looking forward to it.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, 16 August 2016
