Canadian University Projects in International Development Database (CUPID)

Americas

Uruguay

• Development of a Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainability of Uruguay's Coastal Zone

Sustainability of Uruguay's Coastal Zone

Project purpose:
The project aims to enhance the capacity of the Universidad de la República to support Uruguay's efforts to effectively manage its coastal areas through the development of a graduate program in integrated coastal zone management and through the enhancement of its abilities to work with government, communities and other stakeholders involved in addressing coastal zone management issues.

Key results to date:
An interdisciplinary Master's program in Integrated Coastal Management at the Universidad de la República is fully operational, targeting students in Uruguay and eventually in the whole Southern Cone. The first two classes of 30 and 25 students, respectively, have successfully completed their studies. The curriculum is derived from five faculties working together and is based on a unique modular approach. Thirteen teachers drawn from the faculties have received marine management training. A National Advisory Committee was created to link all stakeholders to program development, including two government ministries, six municipalities and relevant research bodies. The program has been developed in collaboration with regional partners, and has teaching and student participation from Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Given the importance of research to an integrated coastal management approach, a Coastal Research Centre has been established and is the cornerstone of a new satellite campus under construction in eastern Uruguay. The centre is expected to be a regional hub for coastal zone research in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Student thesis research is conducted in coastal communities and addresses real problems and that contribute to community-level coastal zone management.

Development of a Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture

Project purpose:
The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of Colombia's Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander (UFPS) to develop new courses in sustainable agriculture and rural development that address the issues facing rural farmers. The project also sought to strengthen the capacity of the Universidad de la República in Uruguay in sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Key results to date:
Curricula for the one-year specialization program in sustainable agriculture and the five-year agro-environmental engineering program have been developed. In May 2002, the accreditation board for university programs in Colombia approved the one-year specialization program with courses beginning that September. Faculty training and improved library resources at partner universities in Colombia and Uruguay support the improved capacity of both universities to deliver courses in sustainable and organic agriculture. Two students from Uruguay have completed their master's studies at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Improved South-South cooperation in sustainable agriculture has resulted as faculty members from universities in Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil participated in workshops and peer review of the newly developed specialization program at the lead Colombian university.