In a time of social distancing, the AIR Centre brought people back together by launching a series of online networking meetings that will take place every Friday, always starting at 1 PM UTC. During these relaxing Networking Fridays, researchers, technology innovators, representatives of multilateral organizations, government officials, and social entrepreneurs will present to and discuss with the audience their current work and, most importantly, explore ways of future collaboration. Our goal is to keep our network active, connected and informed of interesting activities going on around the Atlantic region. Let’s inspire each other and thrive through all this together.

The second session in the series was held on May 8th, 2020, when we met Samuel Mafwila, Director of SANUMARC – Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, which is a multidisciplinary research centre of the University of Namibia, located at Henties Bay, in the stunningly beautiful coast of Namibia. The main themes discussed were the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Southern Africa, desert and coastal agriculture in Namibia and the importance of and indigenous knowledge. Stewart Bernard, Principal Researcher from CSIR – South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Chief Scientific Officer of the AIR Centre, moderated the session.

Samuel has combined total of more than 20 years working experience in both public and private sector where he served in various capacities. Currently, he is also the Coordinator for the Operating Unit, United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA), Henties Bay, and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Namibia. He has served as a Course Director for the Regional Graduate Network in Oceanography in Namibia; former Manager for the I&J and NAMDEB Mariculture Venture. Sam is a certified project management professional, and manages project portfolios including various EU-funded Projects, UK Research Funded, National Commission for Research, Science and Technology. He serves on Boards of Corporate Companies and Advisor on various scientific bodies. Chairperson of the Namibian SCOR National Committee. He has published more than 20 scientific papers and specialized reports. He is a Marine Scientist by profession and an entrepreneur in his own right.

Education: PhD, Marine Science, University of Cape Town, Department of Zoology – 2011. MSc Applied Marine Science, University of Cape Town, Zoology Department – 2003. BSc (Honours), Marine Biology, Rhodes University, Entomology and Zoology Department – 2000, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Biology and Physical Science)- 1998, Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Geography)- 1997 University of Namibia.

Expertise and Research Interests: Oceanographic and Environmental Research, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management, Marine Biodiversity, Fish and Fisheries Research, Aquaculture, Blue Economy Initiatives and Policy, Curriculum Development and Instruction and Project Management (PMP).

We will continue with the Networking Fridays. More information about past and future sessions is available here. Expect some very exciting afternoons, or mornings or evenings, depending on where you are…

If you need any additional information please send an email to Jose Luiz Moutinho.