The second AMESD Forum, under the theme “AMESD Services and Products: Achievements and Perspectives In Support of Environmental Management”, was held from 20-23 July 2011 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava, Mauritius”.

Organised as a joint initiative of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) and the Indian Ocean Commission, this forum gathered around 150 scientists, technicians, decision and policy makers as well as administrators at the regional and national levels from Africa. During the forum, the achievements of the AMESD programme had been presented to the participants with emphasis on showcasing service and product deliveries by each Regional Implementation Centre.

The Opening Ceremony was introduced by Mr Rezah M. Badal, Officer-in-Charge of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the AMESD Regional Implementation Centre for South West Indian Ocean region. A welcome statement was provided by Mr Callixte d’Offay, General Secretary of the Indian Ocean Commission, followed by remarks given by Mrs Chiara Tardivo, Representative of the European Union.  Her Excellency Tumusiine Rhoda, AUC DREA Commissioner, also provided welcome words to the audience on behalf of the African Union Commission.

The audience was honoured by the presence of Mr Devanand Virahsawmy, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Mauritius who remarked that the forum was of particular significance for Africa where there is continuously growing pressure for more land, water, energy and food.