In all of the University of Guyana’s (UG) 61 years in existence, it has not managed to put together a teaching programme or institute that holistically addresses all of the work that needs to be done country’s marine and riverine sector. But now, with the launch Monday of the Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE), the university is well on its way to moving the sector forward.
IMAREE was launched at the Berbice Campus, John’s Sciences Centre, and the critical role it will play in advancing research, education, and consulting in marine and riverine ecosystems was highlighted.
It is a venture for stimulating active research aimed at tacking issues like hydrology, biodiversity, climate change and pollution using a transdisciplinary approach.
“Imagine that scientists at the University of Guyana Institute [will be] engaging in cutting edge research in microbiology, molecular biology and biotechnology using marine organisms, and imagine how these initiatives would trigger the prospects for the development of new drug therapies as alternative energy and innovations to improve public health,” UG’s Chancellor Professor Edward Greene said.
“Imagine also the institute’s contributions to sustainable marine aquaculture and fisheries in the marine ecosystem of Guyana,” he added.
The goals of the new institute include providing advisory services to stakeholders in various areas like business, environmental impacts and assessments, and policy planning.
UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Paloma Mohamed Martin, shared how had it not been for the present government’s support in the form of funding to UG, particularly the Berbice Campus, for the design and development of this institute, it would not have been possible.
She noted that the marine and maritime sector is a very complex area and that the university is trying to fill the gaps that exist. Over the next four years, she noted, they are hoping to turn out between 500 and 700 graduates in marine biology, aqua biotech and other areas.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill attended the launching ceremony with Bharrat pointing out that it’s not only about conservation and preservation but about the economics, the business opportunities and the benefits can be derived through the marine economy.
He stressed the importance of balancing economic development with economic sustainability. “I think that should be the best approach for any economy. We need a balanced approach.”
According to Senior Lecturer (Biology) Calvin Bernard, the core areas of the institute will include marine and riverain biodiversity, ecology and pollution, marine engineering, computing and robotics, economics, tourism and transportation, security and preservation, among others.
Deputy Director of IMAREE Phillip Da Silva spoke about the wide range of programmes that the institute will be offering, one of the first being the BSc Marine Biology.
“Previously, the university was offering a biology degree programme and there were some options but most of the students were taking the general option and so now introducing the marine biology, it will offer even those who would have graduated with the general option to come back and specialise in marine biology.”
Another programme, among several others, is the Diploma in International Shipping and Logistics, a two-year programme.
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