Successful Scientific Kick-off of the BRIDGES Research Program

We recently concluded an inspiring few days in La Réunion for the Scientific kick-off meeting of the BRIDGES Research Program, which took place from September 24 to 26, 2024.

The event began with an institutional opening attended by key regional leaders, including Gilles Lajoie, President of the Academic Council of the University of La Réunion, Jean-Pierre Chabriat, Regional Advisor for Higher Education, Research, and Energy Transition, and Maya Cesari, President of the Blue Institute. Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, Prefect and Senior Administrator of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, also took the floor. The Prefect of La Réunion was represented by Abel Hiol, Regional Academic Delegate for Research and Innovation. Karine Pothin, Director of Reunion Island Biodiversity Regional Agency and President of WIOMPAN (WIO Marine Protected Areas Network) also shared thoughts with us. The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation was represented by Alain Lagrange, in charge of marine engineering and development. Research organizations were represented by Laurence Tibère, IRD Representative for Reunion, Mayotte and the Eparsian Islands; Éric Abadie, Head of Ifremer’s Indian Ocean Unit; and François Criscuolo, Deputy Scientific Director of CNRS Ecologie et Environnement.

Their support underlines the importance of collaboration between regional and international stakeholders to strengthen social and environmental resilience in the South-West Indian Ocean region.

This institutionnal opening was followed by 2 days during which we engaged in more than six thematic sessions.The event featured valuable discussions and knowledge sharing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management.

During those 3 days, we had the chance to count with over 120 participants on-site and 60 participants online.

Key highlights from the event include:

The Scientific presentation of BRIDGES and of its Knowledge and Capacity sharing component,
The Scientific Programs Presentation featuring experts from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO).
The Networks and Synergies Session with contributions from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network (WIOMPAN), and Varuna_MPA – Project Réserves Naturelles de France.
A discussion on Opportunities for Regional Cooperation, with speakers from the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), WIOMSA, and Reunion Island’s Regional Council.
A session dedicated to the Specific Challenges for MPAs in the South-West Indian Ocean, featuring experts from the Reunion Island Marine Nature Reserve, Mayotte Natural Marine Park, Maputo National Park, Mohéli National Park, and the French Southern Lands.

We are also thrilled to announce that the BRIDGES International Scientific Advisory Board was officially launched during this event! A heartfelt thank you to all board members for their commitment and valuable contributions, which will undoubtedly enhance the impact of our research efforts.

The event closed with an informative field trip to the Reunion Island Marine Nature Reserve, where participants gained a deeper understanding of local conservation initiatives.

The BRIDGES Team would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this event a success. We look forward to pursuing ongoing collaboration with all partners involved, as your participation is crucial in shaping the future of the BRIDGES Research Program.

Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye out for our upcoming aftermovie!