Wales and Tanzania unite under first UK twinning agreement
Bangor University is the first UK university to lead a twinning partnership under UNESCO's UNITWIN Network.
The Network will see academics at Bangor University's leading School of Ocean Sciences sharing their expertise in sustainability and marine sciences with marine scientists and academics in Tanzania, east Africa.
Under the Network partnership, around 14 academics at Bangor University will be working with over 20 researchers at the Institute of Marine Sciences, Zanzibar, part of the University of Dar es Salaam, to extend the Institute's research capacity and create a regional centre of excellence in marine sciences and technology in east Africa.
A wider goal is to promote sustainable management of coastal regions 
and resources of east Africa through research and cooperation. This will contribute towards fulfilling the UNESCO Major Lines of Action in Natural Science, Education and Culture, and the Millennium Development Goals of ensuring environmental sustainability, including clean water resources and a reduction of poverty and hunger through sustainably managed marine resources.
Patricio Bernal, Executive Secretary of the UNESCO/ Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) commented: “The UNITWIN Network in Marine Biology and Sustainable Development in East Africa stands to make a strong contribution to marine and coastal sciences research in Tanzania and more widely in the West Indian Ocean region”.
Professor Merfyn Jones, Vice Chancellor of Bangor University said: ‘Bangor University is committed to making a difference here in Wales and across the world. This partnership in sustainability education marks a further and deepening involvement with colleagues in Tanzania and we are delighted to be able to share our expertise with them in such a critically important area of research.’
'The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is looking forward to a 
fruitful networking between its Institute of Marine Sciences and the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University,' commented Dr Margareth S.Kyewalyanga, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Dar Es Salaam. 'The project is bound to improve networking and exchange of marine scientists and information between related Tanzanian and partner institutions abroad, as well as promote efficiency in management of research, education, and knowledge transfer among and within the partner institutions,' she added.
'East Africa's shallow waters and coastline provide vital economic and food resources for over 20 million people. But the increasing demands of a growing population, pollution and climate change all contribute to the degradation of the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves and the sea life they support. It's vital that Tanzania and other countries in the region have the necessary skills and knowledge to plan for the best management of their resources for their long term benefit,' explains Dr John Turner, who will be leading the Network Partnership on behalf of Bangor University.
The 5 year partnership will increase the numbers of trained researchers and academics in Tanzania and also extend the degree programmes available to students. The Institute will also develop courses similar to Bangor University' long-running and unique Marine Environmental Protection MSc degree. Tanzanian academics will be able to visit Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences to learn the latest techniques in environmental impact and biodiversity assessments and policy formation. The Network also offers exciting possibilities for exchange or research projects for Bangor students.