The Soqotra Field Research Station
Abstract
The main platform for the research activities of the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and the Senckenberg Research Institute on Soqotra is the Soqotra Field Research Station in Hadiboh. It is open to collaborators of the Environment Protection Authority and researchers of international and Yemeni institutions are admitted for joint study and research, or as guests upon request on a cost-recovery base. The establishment started in March 2009 and was finished in December 2010. It is situated in the very east of Hadiboh City, some 100 m away from the shore and the ring road, providing easy access to sea water and the road system. The Field Research Station consists of two buildings: the "Dormitory House" provides 3-4 sleeping rooms, accommodating 6-8 people comfortably and community facilities including a small living room, bathrooms and a kitchen. The new "Science Building" contains an office, a wet and sorting lab and store rooms for field equipment and diving gear. Details can be found at www.bik-f.de . From its inception on the Station was intended to represent the nucleus for the future set up of a fully equipped and permanently staffed Soqotra Research, Conservation and Visitors Centre. It is now timely to re-launch the process of brainstorming and planning on how this goal can be achieved. Critical issues in conceiving and setting up a framework for the Station would include, but not necessarily be limited to: a) scope and mission; b) national and international stakeholders; c) institutional and legal setting (accordingly); d) steering and supervisory mechanisms and administrative structures; e) infrastructure planning; f) implementation projects and partners; and last but not least, g) operational i.e. financial and administrative sustainability in the long-term.