Strengthening marine science partnerships: Angola showcases Research Vessel "Baía Farta" at UN Ocean Conference

Angola's commitment to marine science and international ocean governance took stage during a high-level collaboration event at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), highlighting the country's ambitious Kalunga 2025 Program and its research vessel "Baía Farta."

The event, titled "Strengthening Collaboration with Angolan Partners for Development of Marine Science and Innovation," brought together distinguished marine science leaders and government officials to explore partnership opportunities and showcase Angola's growing capacity in ocean research.

The gathering featured key figures including Angola's Minister of Fishery and Marine Resources, H.E. Carmen dos Santos, and Filomena Vaz Velho, Director General of the National Institute for Fisheries and Marine Research (INIPM). International participants included Manuel Barange, Assistant Director General of FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Sheila Heymans, Executive Director of the European Marine Board, Maria João Bebianno, Portuguese researcher, and Mafalda Carapuço, AIR Centre's Deputy Executive Director.

The research vessel "Baía Farta," which docked at Port Lympia in Nice on June 1st, served as the focal point for discussions. Equipped with cutting-edge technology for fisheries assessment, environmental sampling, ROV observations, and deep-sea research, the vessel represents Angola's concrete commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

The event highlighted Angola's strategic Kalunga 2025 Program, designed to consolidate the country's active and sovereign presence in ocean space. The program encompasses applied scientific research in marine biology, fisheries, and oceanography, technical capacity building, international partnerships, and blue diplomacy initiatives.

The presentation of research campaign results emphasized the importance of scientific research in sustainable marine resource management, reinforcing Angola's position in global ocean governance while promoting international collaborations in research and capacity building projects.

This initiative demonstrates Angola's full adherence to the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030) and positions the country as an emerging leader in African marine science with continental ambitions and global reach.