Pond Island —- On Wednesday, 24 April, the University of St. Martin (USM) and Eco-Sint Maarten Agriculture and Research Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the study and practice of agroecology and community development on the bi-national island. Both institutions are looking forward to collaboration in the design of undergraduate (BA) courses and scientific research in community farming to support food sovereignty and sustainability.
Agroecology, which is considered at once a practice, study and worldwide health movement coinciding with climate change and debates on sustainable development, applies ecological principles to the production of food and natural medicines. Students will have the opportunity to learn the theory and hands-on practice of organic farming, aquaponics, and community development.
Cooperation between Eco-Sint Maarten and USM is the direct result of a seminar on Agroecology and Sustainable Development held at USM in September 2018, whereby the director of the Agricultural and Research Centre, Mr. Denicio Wyatt lectured on the importance of producing food locally and naturally.
“Local food production can foster sustainable and equitable development. At Eco-Sint Maarten, we have hosted visitors from North America, Europe and other Caribbean islands, so even tourism can be transformed to serve the community. In consonance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we can eliminate poverty by producing healthy food and natural remedies organically”, stated Mr. Wyatt, whose farm in St. Peters has attracted the attention of community leaders and international bodies such as United Nations Development Programme and UNESCO.
“Our purpose is not to create careers in agriculture, although that might be an option for some individuals. Rather, we seek to incorporate local and global knowledge about agroecology into our curriculum and research plans,” said USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona. “Agriculture and sustainable development has been given scant attention by government and the business community. That is unfortunate as agroecology has the potential to contribute to economic development, public health and social cohesion,” he added.
Carmona and Wyatt would like to use this cooperation to make links with research centres and universities abroad, in order to strengthen the global network of local producers and raise consciousness about the potential that such a small island like St. Martin has.
“The possibilities are endless. We can get researchers to look at soil, air and water quality, hurricane preparedness and set up farm cooperatives. Our students can learn and eventually contribute to the transformation of Sint Maarten,” Carmona concluded.
The MOU was enthusiastically greeted by other members of the community. Also signing the MOU were Head of the St. Peters Emergency Operations Group (SPEOG) and Eco-SXM Board Member Ms. Marie Boasman, in the presence of Mr. Clifton Wilson of Simadom Trading and Services, and USM Board President Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet.
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