The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is proud and delighted to announce the appointment of a prominent Solomon Islands academic, Dr Transform Aqorau, as Professor and Director of the Institute of Ocean, Islands and Sustainable Development (IOISD).
Dr Aqorau joined SINU as visiting professor last year and shortly after, was appointed as the Director of the Institute of Ocean, Islands and Sustainable Development (IOISD) at the School of Fisheries.
Professor Aqorau said he is humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve the country and the University with the appointment. He asserted “I will do my best to help establish the Institute, develop a programme of research, secure funds and personnel and mentor a successor.”
Speaking on the establishment of the Institute, Professor Aqorau explained that the Institute could potentially be a flagship for SINU where real expertise could be developed in the productive sectors that would sustain the country’s economy particularly in forestry, agriculture, oceans and other natural resources.
Professor Aqorau assured “In the short to medium term, we can look to develop one to five days fully cost recovery tailored, but competency-based training for the various government ministries and agencies engaged in natural resources management. This should lead to the development of an applied post-graduate certificate in natural resources management which should be fully accredited at USP and other NZ and Australian Universities.”
Professor Aqorau further reiterated that the development of the Institute, securing its financial independence and attracting strategic partnerships would require a lot of collaboration with the different stakeholders and development partners such as GEF, Green Climate Fund, SIG Ministries, International and Regional Research Institutions and Universities. “It will take time and a lot of effort, but I believe we are able to achieve this goal,” concluded Professor Aqorau.
Source: SINU Media