The UNU-FTP was established in 1998, but prior to that the idea of having a UNU fisheries programme had been explored in the late 80's.
After a pre- feasibility and a feasibility studies in 1995 and 1996 a final decision was made in establishing a UNU-Fisheries Training Programme. The programme director, Dr. Tumi Tomasson, was hired in 1997 to prepare the first intake of fellows in 1998 and develope the programme.
Background
In 1998 the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) of the United Nations University (UNU) was established at the Marine Research Institute in Reykjavík, Iceland. The possibility of establishing an FTP in Iceland as part of the UNU network of academic training and research was suggested in the late 1970s at the time the UNU Geothermal Training Programme was initiated in Iceland. The idea was revisited in 1994 by officials from Iceland and the UNU. Following a pre-feasibility study in 1995 and a feasibility study in 1996 by a team of international experts, appointed by the UNU, a formal agreement was signed in June 1997. After a year of preparatory work the first six students came to Iceland in August 1998. The programme offers a six month post-graduate course in fisheries to professionals from developing countries.
Why Iceland?
One of the reasons Iceland was chosen by the United Nations University to host the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) was the working environment that embraces the programme. Due to the programme´s interdisciplinary nature it is necessary to have good access to both governmental institutions and the private industry in addition to the academia. From the beginning private industry has supported the programme by inviting the FTP to observe their operations and has assisted fellows in their final projects with advice and facilities. Private companies thus contribute to the practical aspects of the Fisheries Training Programme
After a pre- feasibility and a feasibility studies in 1995 and 1996 a final decision was made in establishing a UNU-Fisheries Training Programme. The programme director, Dr. Tumi Tomasson, was hired in 1997 to prepare the first intake of fellows in 1998 and develope the programme.
Background
In 1998 the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) of the United Nations University (UNU) was established at the Marine Research Institute in Reykjavík, Iceland. The possibility of establishing an FTP in Iceland as part of the UNU network of academic training and research was suggested in the late 1970s at the time the UNU Geothermal Training Programme was initiated in Iceland. The idea was revisited in 1994 by officials from Iceland and the UNU. Following a pre-feasibility study in 1995 and a feasibility study in 1996 by a team of international experts, appointed by the UNU, a formal agreement was signed in June 1997. After a year of preparatory work the first six students came to Iceland in August 1998. The programme offers a six month post-graduate course in fisheries to professionals from developing countries.
Why Iceland?
One of the reasons Iceland was chosen by the United Nations University to host the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) was the working environment that embraces the programme. Due to the programme´s interdisciplinary nature it is necessary to have good access to both governmental institutions and the private industry in addition to the academia. From the beginning private industry has supported the programme by inviting the FTP to observe their operations and has assisted fellows in their final projects with advice and facilities. Private companies thus contribute to the practical aspects of the Fisheries Training Programme
