07 / 04 / 2014
Belgian and Kenyan scientists have been conducting joint research at the Kenyan coast for almost 30 years (since 1985). The extensive and valuable data sets that this research generated, accessible in the form of theses, reports and other publications, were at risk of being lost, stored in attics and on bookshelves. The publications and raw biotic and abiotic data were traced through contacts with universities and key persons that were/are active in Kenya and have been made publicly available. The collection currently contains: 400 A1 publications, 140 theses, 100 digital sea charts of the East African coast and 57 archived data sets, but also an extensive photo gallery containing photo material from the period 1985 – 2014.
Another activity framed within the MoU was the donation of the oceanographic research vessel RV Zeeleeuw by the Flemish government to KMFRI (May 2013). The vessel now sails under the name ‘RV Mtafiti’, Swahili for ‘researcher’. VLIZ installed navigation tools and sampling equipment on board and organized training sessions for the new crew, scientific staff and technicians of KMFRI. All information, news releases and pictures on this subject can be accessed through the website.
Another activity framed within the MoU was the donation of the oceanographic research vessel RV Zeeleeuw by the Flemish government to KMFRI (May 2013). The vessel now sails under the name ‘RV Mtafiti’, Swahili for ‘researcher’. VLIZ installed navigation tools and sampling equipment on board and organized training sessions for the new crew, scientific staff and technicians of KMFRI. All information, news releases and pictures on this subject can be accessed through the website.