MUSCAT 2008 REQUEST FOR SCIENCE FELLOW

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 000283

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, OES/ENV, OES/PCI
DEPT PASS EPA, HHS
AMMAN FOR ESTH MBHALLA
DUBAI FOR ATO DWILLIAMS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT AMPR KSCA OTRA SENV EAGR TBIO MU
SUBJECT: MUSCAT 2008 REQUEST FOR SCIENCE FELLOW

REF: A. STATE 28712


B. MUSCAT 207

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Summary
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1. To build on the past success of the Embassy Science
Fellows Program in Muscat, Embassy requests a Science Fellow
for FY 2009 in either medical sciences (with an emphasis on
diabetes) or agricultural diseases ("dabas," date palm
insect). Embassy will provide the Fellow with administrative
support, including housing, an office, transportation for
official meetings, and other logistical assistance. End
Summary.

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From Diabetes to Dabas Infestations
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2. Embassy requests a Science Fellow for Winter 2009 to
furnish expert advice to host country colleagues and
officials, and to facilitate ties between the Omani ESTH
community and U.S. counterparts. In particular, Embassy
would appreciate a Fellow who specializes in diabetes
research and awareness. Diabetes is a serious concern in the
Sultanate. At the end of 2006, 54,599 diabetics were
registered with the Ministry of Health, with 5,167 new cases
reported that year. The Ministry officially reported that
the diabetes prevalence rate had increased from 9.75% in 1991
to 11.6% in 2000, though up to 25% of Oman's population of
2.5 million could be affected by type two diabetes mellitus
today. The Ministry of Health is concerned that individuals
might not even be aware that they are diabetic.


3. Embassy also would be interested in hosting a Fellow with
experience on the "dabas" date palm insect, which is common
in Oman. As reported ref B, the Ministry of Agriculture has
asked for USG assistance in conducting joint research on the
impact that the dabas insect has had on the cultivation of
Omani date palms. These requests stem from the Ministry's
continued interest in protecting Omani agriculture. In an
early 2007 meeting with the Ambassador, Agriculture Minister
Sheikh Salim bin Hilal al-Khalili noted that agriculture,
including date palm cultivation, has always been an important
component of the Omani economy. For this reason, the
Ministry is very interested in strengthening its disease
management efforts, especially in light of potential threats
from neighboring countries. The Ministry places particular
emphasis on diseases and insect infestations affecting date
palms.

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Building on Success
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4. Embassy is currently hosting a science fellow to assist
the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs on a project
entitled "Coastal Zone Development: Cumulative Impacts to
Biotic Resources." Through this research, the Fellow is
analyzing the impact of large-scale development projects on
species and habitats, with a view toward providing
recommendations on avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating
potential damage. The Ministry is enthusiastic about the
Fellow's presence in Oman, as are other entities responsible
for environmental protection, including the Diwan of Royal
Court, Environment Society of Oman, and Sultan Qaboos
University. The current Fellow's visit follows the hosting
of a second NSF-sponsored Science Fellow in early 2004.

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Logistics: Housing, Resources, and Office Workspace
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5. The Science Fellow would report to the Political/Economic
Chief and work closely with the Public Affairs Officer and
Economic/Commercial Officer, who serves as the Embassy's ESTH
officer. Office space would be provided along with
telephone, computer, and internet access. Embassy would
provide housing, but personal transportation would have to be
arranged by the Fellow. (Note: An economy car rents for
approximately $420 per month. End note.) Assistance in
making appointments and other logistical arrangements would
be provided, as well as interpreting and translating services
on an as-needed basis. English is widely spoken in Oman,
particularly in Muscat. Embassy will assist the Fellow to
obtain a host country visa.


MUSCAT 00000283 002 OF 002



6. Embassy's preferred time frame for hosting a Fellow is
January 2009, for approximately two to three months. Point
of contact is Economic/Commercial Officer Brian Grimm, email
GrimmBM@state.gov; phone (968) 2464-3623; fax (968)
24-694-355.
GRAPPO