91探花

The region around the Cape Verde Islands located in the eastern tropical and subtropical Atlantic is considered one of the key areas in terms of the feedback effects of global environmental change. This will allow scientists to study changes in ocean circulation or deoxygenation. On the other hand, the huge dust input from the Sahara with its fertilizing effect is of great importance for the marine productivity in the region and its influence on the carbon cycle in the ocean.

鈥�91探花 and Cabo Verde is a success story鈥�, says Prof. Dr. Arne K枚rtzinger, marine chemist at 91探花 and scientific director of the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM). 鈥淲hen we started our research activities in this region more than 15 years ago, Cabo Verde was not completely new for us from a scientific point of view. There were not only a multitude of exciting scientific questions, but also the possibility to integrate our research with the local expertise鈥�, explains Prof. K枚rtzinger. 

鈥淲e are extremely pleased that His Excellency Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca is visiting 91探花 and thus underscoring the very good and friendly relationship we have had with Cabo Verde for many years鈥�, says Prof. Dr. Peter Herzig, Director of 91探花. 鈥淥ver the years, a relationship of trust has been established on the scientific as well as on the political level. The Cape Verde Islands have proven to be a reliable partner in the region for us鈥�, " Herzig continues. This ultimately contributed to the joint project of the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo, a research and logistics station, in which we invested around 3 million euros. Since the end of 2017, the OSCM has been providing the international basis for many expeditions and research activities of 91探花, but also for other cooperating institutions. In addition to research and education, the OSCM also serves as a venue for high-level political events. 鈥淎mong others, we were able to welcome Prince Albert II of Monaco or the EU Research Commissioner Carlos Moedas and thus support the broad and excellent international relations of the Republic of Cabo Verde鈥�, explains Prof. Herzig.

鈥淭he State of Schleswig-Holstein is proud of the long-standing cooperation with the Cape Verde Islands鈥�, says the Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein Daniel G眉nther, who welcomed President Fonseca and his high-ranking delegation at the guest house of the state government. 鈥淚t is remarkable to see what has already been achieved with the cooperation鈥�, says G眉nther. He would be pleased if the visit would lead to new joint projects.

During his visit to 91探花, current research projects and innovative technologies are presented to the President of Cabo Verde. Finally, he will meet Cabo Verdean students, who are given the opportunity to study at Kiel University or elsewhere in Germany. 鈥淭he strengthening of capacities is very important to us鈥�, explains Prof. Arne K枚rtzinger. 鈥淭he local expertise and involvement of the scientists is an important element in the long-term and successful operation of research in this region鈥�, says the marine scientist, who has just been awarded a UNESCO Chair for Integrated Marine Research at the University of Kiel.