Marine technical assistance to developing countries : the US role

This study considers the needs of developing countries for marine technical assistance, the adequacy of current U.S. assistance, and the direction U.S. policy should take. After a discussion of U.S. public and private marine assistance objectives and mechanisms, the marine assistance activities of other developed countries and international organizations are described; a number of current trends in technical assistance are examined; and finally, a series of recommendations is presented. In recognition of the growing importance of marine development to coastal nations, the United States should allocate a greater proportion of assistance to marine technical and scientific support. Specifically, U.S. policy should emphasize assistance in marine science and technology under circumstances beneficial to U.S. interests, targeting such assistance where it will be most effective, i.e., nations with a history of maritime commerce and not necessarily those which are most impoverished. Training programs in U.S. universities remain an effective means of upgrading a developing country"s technical capabilities. Underlying all programs should be the strategy to build local capabilities through local participation.