From 7 to 14 September 2012, the Two Oceans Aquarium hosted the 8th International Aquarium Congress (IAC) right here in the Mother City at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The 8th IAC was a resounding success and, as it gathered aquarium thought leaders from around the world, it also gathered their best ideas for how to share experiences and collectively inspire change.
It all started with an IAC-first – the Voices for the Future of our Oceans youth video conference, attended by aquarium youths from around the world via live streaming video and audio.
Click here for a full report on the event, and click here for all the pics.
The tone for the week was set by a festive welcome function on 9 September here at the Aquarium, where aquarium professionals could re-connect with their peers and mingle among the exhibits, all of which were given top marks by the delegates.
An opening ceremony on 10 September was attended by VIPs like popular weatherman Derek van Dam, V&A Waterfront CEO David Green, Western Cape minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde, Western Cape minister of Education Donald Grant and Dr Monde Mayekiso, head of Oceans and Coasts at the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. The ceremony kicked off by a thrilling, emotional performance.
Certain key themes emerged during the week of IAC plenary presentations. The importance of sharing knowledge and how to sustain business were top of mind, and we heard very interesting thoughts on business management, Japanese inspiration and collaboration.
Two Oceans Aquarium signs formal partnership with Institut Océanographique, Monaco
The big news on everyone’s lips is the Aquarium’s formal partnership with Institut Océanographique in Monaco. The five-year agreement was signed on Wednesday, 12 September, at the Cape Town ICC by Dr Patrick Garratt, managing director of the Aquarium, and Mr Robert Calcagno, chief executive officer of the Institut Océanographique.
The partnership will focus on research, conservation, animal husbandry, personnel training, education and awareness. How thrilling to be working with such a prestigious organisation.
Click here to read more about the landmark agreement.
In a seashell
At the closing of the 8th IAC, Two Oceans Aquarium Managing Director Dr Patrick Garratt delivered a fantastic summary of all the findings and moves made during the congress.
Themes, new formats and thoughts on going forward are all outlined here on the 8th IAC website.
