Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

OFFICE IN SOUTH AFRICA

UNESCO Country Representative

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The IOC was established within UNESCO in 1960. The IOC has a coordinating, stimulatory and integrating role in marine science and technology and functions by means of various subsidiaries. It is striving to promote regional cooperation in a variety of marine-related activities, and co-sponsors several oceanographic initiatives together with bodies such as the Scientific Commission on Oceanic Research (SCOR).

The IOC currently has 129 Member States.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
South African Weather Bureau
CSIR
University of Cape Town

GENERAL COMMENTS

South Africa has a special interest in the Southern Ocean and is actively involved in international fora which concentrate attention and scientific research on the management and conservation of resources in this area. South Africa has been an active member of the IOC and has since 1995 enjoyed a position on the IOC Executive Council.

The IOC strives towards strengthening education and training in marine science and its technology, and promotes relevant projects in this field as components of each of its programmes.