VZCZCXRO7944
RR RUEHDE
DE RUEHMS #0283/01 1061359
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 151359Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9481
INFO RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 0359

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 
 
------- 
Summary 
------- 
 
¶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. 
 
----------------------------------- 
From Diabetes to Dabas Infestations 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶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. 
 
------------------- 
Building on Success 
------------------- 
 
¶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. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
Logistics: Housing, Resources, and Office Workspace 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
 
¶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