SA IORAG
South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group
IORA is committed to strengthening academic, science and technology cooperation with the IORAG established as one of the first functional bodies of IORA, and the Working Group for Science and Innovation established in 2020.
The Blue Economy was adopted as a cross-cutting priority area within IORA at the 14th IORA Ministerial Meeting in Perth, Australia, on 9 October 2014. The focus on the Blue Economy with IORA is to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities within the Indian Ocean region’s maritime economic activities.
DRM for IORA, revolves around the development of knowledge and capacities by governments, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from hazards and emergency situations.
IORA is attributing high importance in strengthening cooperation in the Fisheries Management Sector (wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture).
Recognising that a safe and secure Indian Ocean is important for socio-economic development, IORA recognised Maritime Safety and Security as a priority area in 2011.
IORA promotes tourism and cultural exchanges by setting proposed policy directions for government cooperation and providing platforms for dialogue in promoting tourism amongst Member States, Dialogue Partners, and other international bodies.
Promoting trade and investment is at the heart of IORA. The Indian Ocean Rim region has been linked by commerce for centuries and is still at the centre of global trade and investment flows.
IORA recognised Women’s Economic Empowerment as a priority area in 2013, and is committed to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.