NEW DELHI: With an aim to advance collaboration in research and innovation in polar science, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), operated by Polar Knowledge Canada (Government of Canada), and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (Government of India), signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) on Wednesday.
Dr David J Scott, president and chief executive officer, Polar Knowledge Canada, and Dr Ravichandran M, Director, NCPOR, signed the MoC. The High Commissioner for Canada to India H E Nadir Patel and Dr Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, were present at the signing ceremony along with other dignitaries.
As per the co-operation agreement, both organisations will work to (i) identify mutual areas of interest and strive to integrate research projects where possible; (ii) develop mechanisms to facilitate reciprocal access to polar research infrastructure and logistical services; (iii) facilitate the exchange of personnel, data and other resources in areas of mutual interest; (iv) engage and collaborate with the appropriate entities in Canada and India to ensure research projects are inclusive. On this occasion, Dr Scott said, “This Memorandum of Co-operation between the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research of India lays the groundwork for exciting, mutually beneficial research collaborations that will strengthen our ability to understand and respond to climate change as it affects the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the entire globe.”
High Commissioner Patel remarked, “I am pleased that our two countries have established this important framework for engagement in the area of polar co-operation. This is a concrete outcome of our common commitment to strengthening and broadening our bilateral partnership. The scope for research coordination under the MoC is truly multifaceted, including positive contributions on priority themes including climate change, sustainable development, clean energy, and so much more.”
Canada and India share a wide range of common interests and priorities, based on priority themes including collaboration on trade, investment and mutual growth, bilateral and international co-operation on sustainable development, securing a clean energy future, and addressing global climate change.
OBJECTIVES: • co-operate in Arctic and Antarctic research by facilitating access to research infrastructure, while sharing resources and data; and, • co-ordinate and integrate research activities to enable efficient operations and advance knowledge creation in the polar regions.