Ministry of Tourism gives one million dollars to universities for sargassum research
The rector of INTEC, Julio Sánchez Maríñez, received the funds on behalf of the Interuniversity Network for Research on the Management and Treatment of Sargassum in the Country
Santo Domingo. - The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, gave one million dollars to the Interuniversity Network for Research on the Management and Treatment of Sargassum in the country.
The assignment was received by the rector of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Julio Sánchez Maríñez, representing the Interuniversity Network, which also includes the Pontifical Catholic Mother and Teacher University (PUCMM), the Ibero-American University (Unibe) and the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University (UNPHU).
The APEC University (Unapec), Federico Henríquez y Carvajal University (UFHEC), the Catholic University of Cibao (Ucateci) and the ISA University are also part of the Network.
Minister Collado said that the delivery of these resources is part of the commitment of the authorities, together with the private sector, to seek a scientific and lasting solution to the problem of sargassum that affects some beaches in the country.
"Sargassum is not an issue exclusive to the Dominican Republic, but we are working here to find scientific and long-lasting solutions regarding its management. That is why this contribution to the Interuniversity Network," Collado said, when delivering the contribution of one million dollars.
Upon receiving the donation, INTEC Rector Julio Sánchez Maríñez said that the Network is committed to carrying out research actions for the management and treatment of sargassum in the country, in order to find optimal solutions to alleviate the negative effects that this algae causes to the environment and communities and consequently to the tourism sector and the economy.
The president of Asonahores, Juan Bancalari, welcomed the formalization of the delivery of these resources and is confident that with their research the universities will have solutions that will serve to generate economic sources.
He said that the private sector is making huge investments and sacrifices in a problem that is universal and affects the entire tourism industry.
With this contribution, the work of the aforementioned universities on sargassum is strengthened, from the axes of biodiversity, social impact, monitoring and application.
In each of these areas, universities have initial initiatives and efforts that can be maximized and articulated based on the competencies of each one, both in physical resources (researchers) and in materials or equipment.
Universities will be able to offer solutions to improve monitoring, collection, treatment and transformation systems, eliminating and mitigating the impact on the well-being of people and communities, on the economy and productive sectors and on marine ecosystems.
Through this contribution, the Minister of Tourism reiterated his commitment to do everything necessary to present tangible results that benefit citizens, the tourism sector and the environment, with transparency and care, convinced that the coordinated work between the public and private sectors and academia guarantees the development and well-being of our nation.