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South Africa: Country, EU to Discuss Science, Tech Initiatives
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BuaNews (Tshwane)
6 May 2008
Posted to the web 6 May 2008
Nthambeleni Gabara
Pretoria
The South African government will host a European Union (EU) delegation on Tuesday to discuss targeted initiatives on science and technology.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, the meeting forms part of the seventh annual Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC).
The JSTCC was established in 1998, following the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between South Africa and the EU.
It is responsible for reviewing collaboration between the two parties, including South Africa's participation in framework programmes, sharing new developments in science and technology policy matters and devising strategies to enhance future collaboration.
"For this reason, scientists from both the EU and South Africa jointly explore new and emerging scientific and technological areas and needs; seeking to resolve major global issues," said the department.
These include climate change, energy and HIV and AIDS. Presently, South Africa's researchers have participated in more than 200 Framework Programme projects, and in other EU related programmes.
In other projects, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research represents South Africa in a project aimed at demonstrating that solar disinfection of drinking water is effective in eliminating waterborne diseases.
Looking towards the future, the committee is expected to agree on several targeted initiatives under the Seventh Framework Programme to promote future co-operation in specific thematic priorities.
These include poverty related communicable diseases, food, agriculture, fisheries and biotechnology, and climate change and sustainable development.
The two will also cooperate closely in supporting the implementation of the Science, Information and Space Partnership of the Joint Africa-EU strategy adopted during the Africa-EU Summit held in Lisbon, Portugal in 2007.
The European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP) is also a dedicated platform implemented by the department to support South Africa's participation in the framework programmes.
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In 1996 a standing agreement was signed between the two on science and technology co-operation.
The agreement affords South African researchers the opportunity to participate fully in the EU's Framework Programmes for Research and Technology Development.
The partnership also complement the longstanding political, economic and development co-operation ties between the two parties.
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