Purpose:
The OBITen promoting scientific research into migratory movements on the island of Tenerife. It prioritises the need to apply theoretical knowledge to the planning and management of diversity policies, building on the link between theory and practice.
The Observatory not only generates and systematises knowledge but promotes the development of spaces for reflection and debate on topics of interest.
Stimulus/Rationale:
OBITen has an important scientific component, which generates research related to perceptions of the migrant population, living conditions and demographics, among others.
Process:
The OBITen is a joint initiative of the Cabildo of Tenerife and La Laguna University arising that started in 2001.
Since its creation, the OBITen has given public authorities valuable intelligence in their direction of public policy and resources. Each year since 2001 it has organised technical seminars to deepen understanding related to the management of migration flows, diversity and interculturalism.
Over the years, the OBITen has become a key instrument to plan and implement Cabildo’s intercultural strategy.
In the early years there was a sense of crisis management in Tenerife regarding migration, but since 2009 they have recognised the need for a longer-term strategy based upon participation and interculturalism on the island. This has resulted in the creation of the project ‘Together in the Same Direction’.
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