DR PANIKKAR,N.K - LEARNING RESEARCH BY DOING

In this paper bilateral and multilateral research projects are discuss ed as particularly attractive means of external assistance to capacity building. The International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE; 1959-65) w as the first large scale project with a strong component of capacity b uilding, largely due to the farsighted efforts of Dr N.K. Panikkar. Re cent examples described in the paper, include multilateral regional re search projects in the Middle East and in the Benguela region as well as a bilateral study of the Brazilian mangroves. Combined research and training projects should be of long term nature and have to be based on full partnerships from the early planning through all phases of imp lementation, up to final publications. Each project should be of direc t value for the sustainable development of the host country and the re gion, it should meet the following criteria: high scientific quality a nd good prospects for obtaining results of general scientific importan ce, and if possible, linked to ongoing international programmes in mar ine science and monitoring. It should be incorporated into the structu re of scientific organisations of the host country and linked to other national or regional projects. The universities of the region and the ir academic teaching programmes should directly benefit from the progr amme. In the course of the project full use should be made of the data and experience already existing in the region. It should ensure full bilateral data exchange and provide links to international data storag e and retrieval systems. Joint publications - preferably in English - in international journals as well as participation in international sc ientific meetings shall open the entry to the international marine sci ence community. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.