IODE

IODE and Kenya

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, in particular it’s programme on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) has had long collaboration with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). Building on the Marine Information Exchange programme between Kenyan and Flemish institutions established in the framework of the Kenya Belgium Project in Marine Sciences in the 1980’s, IODE has developed a robust “Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa – ODINAFRICA”. With the support of the Flanders – UNESCO Science Trust fund, ODINAFRICA has focussed on the development of capacity and infrastructure for the collection, processing, archival, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data and information products. This included the establishment and equipping of the Kenya National Oceanographic Data and Information Centre (KeNODC). Staffs of KeNODC and the KMFRI library have been training on a wide range of topics related to marine data and information management. Support was provided for strengthening of the sea level observation network, preparation of the Kenya Coastal and Marine Atlas, and development of databases and directories crucial for the integrated management of the coastal zones (e.g. oceanographic data, marine species, experts and institutions, and projects). ODINAFRICA also facilitated the repatriation of data collected in Kenyan waters from other regional and international data centres.