OES Public Affairs ActivitiesBureau of Oeans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
(Updated July 29, 2004)
Polio
- Since 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been striving to eliminate polio from all countries in the world. Nigeria is one of six countries in the world where polio remains endemic and Kano and neighboring states in northern Nigeria are responsible for more than half the world's new cases of polio infections. OES funds will be utilized in that region, with cooperation from agencies and local groups, to create public awareness.
- OES/PA has awarded a grant to Africa Vision 525, a Nigerian NGO, to design an awaremess campaign to inform Nigerians of polio's hazards, the necessities of vaccination, and to dispel myths surrounding the issue. Radio jingles, discussion programs and dramas will be broadcast in English and Hausa languages, and public service messages will be published in the leading northern Nigerian newspaper. The American Corner that opens in Kano on August 5 will, among other things, distribute these media messages on polio.
South Asian Eco-tourism
- Networking with South Asian embassies, various Chamber of Commerce representatives will hold a conference in Mumbai, India regarding coastal zone management, pollution, and sustainable eco-tourism.
- OES/PA will facilitate this event which highlights a collaboration between public and private interests towards the common sustainability, development, and prosperity goals.
Namibian Air Quality
- Utilizing interest from Windhoek, Namibian embassy personnel, OES/PA has collaborated with officials in Walvis Bay, Namibia to set a conference/workshop that will discuss and elucidate efforts to improve air quality and water cleanliness in the region. Facing rapid development, Walvis Bay has experienced increasing pollution from advancing technology.
- OES/PA will actively support Post personnel and their local NGO and business contacts should result in a productive public seminar outlining efforts towards cleaner development and healthier air and water.
Northern Europe
- OES/PA is funding its Oceans Deputy Assistant Secretary to Tallinn, Estonia. There, David Balton will address a broad Estonian audience on a multitude of fishing and oceans issues that are important to this coastal region on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, followed by a reception. Scheduled event is late September 2004.
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