On November 2004, FUNGLODE from the Dominican Republic, GFDD from the U.S., Universidad del Turabo from Puerto Rico and the Université Quisqueya from Haiti signed an agreement to create the International Center for Environmental and Sustainable Development Studies ( CIEMADeS, for it Spanish acronym ). CIEMADeS mission:
The Center promotes the collaboration among government, non-government, academic and other institutions to partake and contribute to the improvement of the environment and promote the sustainable development of the region. CIEMADeS objectives include:
•  Develop professional and technical training in the area;
•  Conduct scientific research;
•  Develop sustainable development programs; and,
•  Promote environmental social consciousness.

Areas of Focus: CIEMADeS focuses on supporting and encouraging the planning and execution of programs and projects in the following areas of sustainable and environmental development: •  Solid waste
•  Development of alternative energy sources
•  Quality of air and water
•  Environmental remediation activities
•  Use of information technology for environmental management The implementation of the aforementioned programs will contribute to the development and strengthening of the several critical cross-cutting areas:
•  Increase citizen participation
•  Raise public awareness of the issues
•  Encourage the formation of multisectorial alliances The actions will take place as part of the development of a specialized legal framework and governmental structures in the three countries, appropriate for environmental management, sustainable development and the application of the pertinent international laws. CIEMADeS will facilitate the sharing of experiences and resources, uniting efforts and coordinating activities among neighboring countries in the Caribbean to face common challenges and maximize the results of their efforts.
CIEMADeS activities: CIEMADeS First International Conference CIEMADeS First International Conference is coordinated by the three institutions that integrate the Center and counts with the collaboration of key international allies such as Counterpart International and National Geographic as well as other partners from the private and public sectors from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
This conference will gather experts from diverse institutions and sectors with the objective of sharing experiences and best practices in areas related to the environmental and sustainable development.
The framework for dialogue will focus on presenting common concerns shared by the different island states from the Caribbean and from the rest of the world. This event will be the catalyst for the planning of concrete programs in key critical areas of environmental management and sustainable development, promoting the formation of multi-sectorial and multi national alliances.

Link to CIEMADeS description >>

For more information on this program, please contact Asuncion Sanz, Yamile Eusebio or Maria Victoria Abreu.

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