The Department of Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, has formalized a series of strategic partnerships throughout April 2025, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability, research, and education.

On April 2, the Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to spearhead an island-wide mapping and geo-tagging initiative of threatened coral species. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the country’s marine biodiversity conservation strategies through data-driven research and environmental monitoring.

Also on April 2, a second MOU was signed between the Department and Branch Development Limited (Iberostar). This partnership is designed to foster scientific research and environmental education by creating opportunities for collaborative internships, capacity-building activities, site visits, fieldwork, and knowledge exchange. The initiative underscores the mutual goal of integrating academia with private-sector efforts to promote sustainability in Jamaica’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

The month concluded with the signing of a third MOU on April 30, this time between the Department of Life Sciences and the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation. The purpose of this agreement is to establish a collaborative framework for research, education, and biodiversity conservation, with a specific focus on the development of the Hope Royal Botanic Gardens and the Department’s Botany Garden. The partnership will support joint efforts in capacity building and public environmental awareness, promoting sustainable development and green spaces for learning and recreation.

Together, these agreements reflect the Department of Life Sciences’ proactive approach to building partnerships that enhance environmental stewardship, foster experiential learning, and drive impactful research across Jamaica.

Photo caption: Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory

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