The main purpose of the agreement is to establish Yachay Tech University as the academic-scientific foundation of the Proyecto Imbabura Geoparque project.
Yachay Tech University and the local Government of Imbabura signed an agreement to establish the role of the university as the academic-scientific foundation of the Proyecto Imbabura Geoparque project. Cooperation in favor of this project is part of the commitment to establish joint community liaison projects.
Pablo Jurado, official of the local government of Imbabura; Eduardo Ludeña, PhD, Rector; Carlos Merizalde, Coordinator of Proyecto Imbabura Geoparques; Paul Arellano, PhD, Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment; and Jorge Gomez, PhD, Professor of the same School, were present during the event. Representatives of the School of Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment also presented the research they have been working on for the past few months, as it is focused on the project
The signing of the agreement commenced with a few words by Pablo Jurado, who thanked the authorities of Yachay Tech for deciding to promote this project. Jurado also highlighted the commitment that his institution has in promoting the development of Yachay Tech University as an opportunity for academic growth for Imbabura, in collaboration with other institutions of higher education in the province. Rector Ludeña, on his part, highlighted the importance of making knowledge available to society.
Through this agreement both parties agreed to work together with local actors related to the Proyecto Geoparque Imbabura Management Committee. Also, Yachay Tech University agreed to promote student participation in the project and to consider said participation as part of their pre-professional practice and community liaison hours. Lastly, the local government pledged to provide technical resources to students participating in the project.
The final project of the Geoparque project is to achieve the UNESCO Global Geopark status for the province of Imbabura. In this sense, another commitment acquired by Yachay Tech is the characterization of geo-sites of interest for the Project. During the first phase, they hope to work with Cuicocha, Imbabura Volcano, Fuya Fuya/ Mojanda, Valle del Chota, San Pablo/ Peguche, Yahuarcocha, Angochagua/ Huaraczapas, Salinas, Pimampiro, among others. Additionally, the School of Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment will organize scientific and technical training events related to the theme of the Project.
Jorge Gómez, Ph.D., Professor of the School of Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment will be in charge of coordinating the fulfillment of the acquired commitments, while Carlos Merizalde, Director of International Cooperation of the Local Government and Coordinator of Proyecto Imbabura Geoparque will be in charge of coordinating all actions on their behalf.
