The China Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Cooperation Center (CAMC)
The China Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Cooperation Center (CAMC) is related the output of the specific strong deep collaboration between the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) of China and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) of Egypt. While both institutions are prominent in their respective countries for oceanographic research.
The National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), established in 1918, is Egypt’s premier governmental research institution dedicated to the sustainable development and management of the country’s aquatic resources. Operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, NIOF’s mission encompasses enhancing the potential of marine and freshwater resources, combating pollution, and improving living standards through advancements in fisheries and aquaculture technologies.
The Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) is one of China’s premier national research institutions in marine science and technology. Established in 1966, it operates under the Ministry of Natural Resources and plays a central role in China’s marine scientific research, especially in deep-sea exploration, marine geology, geophysics, climate change, marine ecology, and remote sensing.
The NIOF& SIO have been actively engaged in international collaborations to enhance marine scientific research and sustainable development. One notable partnership is with the China-Africa Cooperation Centre on Satellite Remote Sensing Application. This collaboration focuses on utilizing satellite remote sensing technologies to monitor and manage natural resources, particularly in coastal zones. By leveraging China’s expertise in remote sensing, the partnership aims to build a data-sharing service platform and conduct monitoring of natural resources, including mangrove ecosystems, in Africa. This initiative not only strengthens scientific cooperation between China and African nations but also contributes to the sustainable development of marine resources in the region.
Additionally, the 21st Century Maritime Cooperation Committee and the Egyptian Institute of Oceanography have signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote global marine development. This agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to collaborate on marine scientific research, capacity building, and sustainable utilization of ocean resources. Through these partnerships, NIOF continues to play a pivotal role in advancing oceanographic research and fostering international cooperation for the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
International Cooperation
The NIOF & SIO is actively involved in global marine science initiatives and is recognized for its participation in:
Partnerships with institutions such as the International Seabed Authority (ISA), IOC/UNESCO, and numerous universities worldwide
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
Joint marine research programs with developing countries, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia
Planning & Research Areas
Deep-sea exploration and resource assessment
Marine geology and geophysics
Physical oceanography and climate systems
Marine biology and ecology
Marine environment monitoring and modeling
Polar research, including expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic
China-Africa Cooperation
Egypt alone, SIO has been management to involved in projects across the Africa region, focusing on:
Joint research on deep-sea ecosystems and marine resource management
Capacity building in ocean sciences
Marine data sharing
Remote sensing technology
CAMC Role in the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”
The SIO is a scientific backbone supporting China’s efforts under the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, with a focus on marine environmental protection, sustainable ocean resource development, and international marine science cooperation.
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