CLUSTERS
International Exchange
Could we serve our neighbouring nations through ocean-related education and exchange?
Could growing their capability and capacity also be to our benefit?
For strategic, political and sustainable development reasons, WA institutions are recommended to lead international capability and capacity building programs in the Indian Ocean.
WA institutions are already invested in: science partnerships across the Indian Ocean, programs to develop capability and capacity in specific areas, and campuses on neighbouring nations’ islands and in coastal areas.
There is scope to extend our reach and exchange programs with a focus on education, capability and capacity development in oceans-related disciplines. These may be in the form of training, scholarships, accelerator programs, secondments, joint science projects and donation of infrastructure.
The livelihoods of our less-developed neighbours depend on healthy oceans.
Our oceans can only be researched, monitored and managed through international collaborations.
Growing real capability requires more than occasional visits and provision of scientific equipment.
Greater capability enables economic and sustainability benefits.
Factors including our relative wealth, capability, location and history place WA in a unique position to lead such initiatives. Both anecdotally, and in some cases measurably, there are significant benefits of active and generous outreach, education and exchange:
