Cablegate: Embassy Science Fellows Program 2008

VZCZCXYZ0050
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLGB #0273 1061554
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 151554Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY KIGALI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5242

UNCLAS KIGALI 000273

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KSCA TSPL SENV AMGT OTRA APER RW
SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2008

REF: STATE 28712

1. Summary: In response to reftel, Post supports a request
from the Government of Rwanda (GOR) to host Embassy Science
Fellow Maxine Levine, USDA in 2008. The GOR has agreed to
provide housing and office space for the proposed Science
Fellow. Embassy point of contact is Alexander Sokoloff;
email sokoloffaw@state.gov; phone: (205) 596 400. End summary.

2. Specific project objectives: (a) Support the building of
a database of biological and biodiversity information
relevant to Rwanda; (b) analyze specific skills and knowledge
gaps in Rwanda and identify appropriate training initiatives
with international partners; (c) assist in the design of the
proposed Regional Biodiversity Research Center.

3. The proposed Science Fellow will be sponsored by the
Ministry of Science and Technology in the President's Office
(MSTPO). MSTPO is the lead agency within the Rwandan
government for the development of science and technology with
a mandate to encourage a prosperous knowledge-based economy
including knowledge acquisition, knowledge creation,
knowledge transfer and the nurturing of an innovation culture.

Timeframe July 28, 2008 - September 24, 2008. MSTPO has
requested that the Science Fellow stay for a third month
(through October 2008) if Ms Levine is available and can
obtain medical clearance.

Area of expertise/discipline:
Soil Scientist with USDA - Natural Resources Conservation
Service with expertise in natural resource management
including biofuel production.

Housing: The Ministry in the President's Office responsible
for Science and Technology will provide housing, office space
and other work requirements.

ARIETTI

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