Stakeholders from across St Helena have upskilled their counter pollution skills as part of an MCA-funded training programme for the British Overseas Territory.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provided funding to support St Helena’s pollution response capabilities, as part of the island’s ongoing work to maintain standards and ensure environmental resilience.
Located between Africa and South America in the middle of the South Atlantic, St Helena is Britain’s second-oldest overseas territory and has close links to the UK and its maritime interests.
In October, representatives from across the St Helena Government and non-government organisations took part in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Levels 1, 2 and 3 training.
The training was funded by the MCA through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Overseas Territory Civil Resilience programme.
Alison Leighton, Overseas Strategic Policy Manager at the MCA, said: “Marine pollution has devastating impacts on the natural environment and animal habitats.
“We're pleased to support the St Helena Government in its work and objectives to enhance skills in pollution preparedness, and we congratulate the group who are undertaking this important training.”
Terri Clingham, Deputy Head of Maritime for the St Helena Government, said: "This training program represents an important investment in St Helena’s long term environmental resilience.
“The training has helped embed international best practice across government functions and strengthened our collective preparedness to manage pollution risks. We are grateful to the MCA for their continued support in building capability in a remote island context.”
Delivered by Ambipar Response, refresher and newcomer training sessions aimed to maintain and strengthen St Helena’s counter pollution capabilities among areas of governance and administration, including port control, sea rescue, customs and policing, and environmental management. External stakeholders that attended included Solomon & Company Plc and the National Trust.
On 30 October, His Excellency the Governor Nigel Phillips hosted a presentation ceremony at Plantation House, where certificates were presented in the company of government officials and the Ambipar training team.
