Brussels, 24/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 24 September, the European Commission endorsed the Interreg-V Operating Programme for the Indian Ocean 2014-2020 for a total of €74 million, €63.1 million of it from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD).
The measure covers the ultra-remote regions of La Réunion and Mayotte and 12 non-EU countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Australia),along with French Australasian outposts Terres Australes et Antarctiques françaises (TAAF).
The programme is two-pronged with a cross-border aspect relating to La Réunion and its closest neighbours in the Indian Ocean Commission, viz. Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles, and then a transnational aspect with the all the countries and territories participating in the programme.
Five priorities have been laid down: enhancing research and development and cooption in the field of pharmacopeia, biotechnology, energy and adapting to climate change; - consolidating economic exchanges in farm and agri-food products; - developing the capacity to adjust to climate change and risk prevention and management to boost the regional civil protection mechanism; - environmental preservation via joint action; - improving basic, professional and higher education to intensify professional mobility and exchanges.
The Operational Programme covers some 20 research bodies involved in cross-border and transnational programmes. A regional centre of expertise for the protection and management of natural dangers will be set up on the island of La Réunion. Thirty or so collaborative projects for the promotion of cultural and natural heritage will also receive funding. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)