SMMI hosts virtual visit from British Virgin Islands Ministerial delegation

Several members of the SMMI took part in a virtual visit from a British Virgin Islands (BVI) Ministerial delegation on 6 and 7 May 2021. The visit’s overarching theme was around the BVI Government’s delimitation of its exclusive economic zone, and demonstrating competence in managing the biodiversity and natural resources therein in a sustainable manner.

The visit, which was introduced by VP Prof Mark Spearing, consisted of six sessions which involved presentations from prominent University of Southampton academics tailored around key policy priorities for the BVI Government. In line with the overarching theme of the visit, the sessions focused on, inter alia, the decarbonisation of buildings; coastal management, resilience and adaptation pathways; and monitoring the marine environment and the conservation of biodiversity. The event was closed by a one-hour session where the reflections from the previous sessions were consolidated and potential collaboration opportunities discussed.

Key attendees from the BVI Government included: Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (BVI Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration), Honourable Natalio Wheatley (Deputy Premier and BVI Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture), Mr Joseph Smith-Abbott (Deputy Secretary for the BVI Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour) and Dr Ricard Georges, President H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

University of Southampton speakers included: Prof Abubakr Bahaj; Prof Andrew Serdy; Prof Werner Scholtz; Prof Ian Townend; Prof Chris Hauton; Dr Ivan Haigh; Prof Robert Marsh; Dr Jon Copley; Prof Joerg Weidenmann; Prof Damon Teagle; Gareth Giles; Dr Wassim Dbouk (organiser/moderator).