2007-11-16(24-2007) News Release
The Government of Canada today announced a new project with the University of Calgary that will put sustainable expertise in water management and conservation in the hands of Bolivians, up to now largely dependent upon foreign experts for advice and assistance in this area vital to the country’s health and development.
Water is a scarce resource in this Andean nation. Disputes over its access and control have resulted in conflict between competing communities, who have no public- or private-sector experts to guide them on water management in the country’s unique social environment.
The project is funded by the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development Program of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada administers the projects on CIDA’s behalf.
Experts in water management from the University of Calgary will work with colleagues in the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier to develop new curricula, train faculty and students, and upgrade library and water laboratories. They will also contribute to applied research, workshops and short courses on water themes, public education and awareness building, policy research, and construction of a web site. Students in the program will work in local communities to gain hands-on experience and insights. The project will run from 2007 until 2013.
Graduates of the program are expected to find jobs in Bolivia’s water sector, either in businesses or government, and to use their cutting-edge knowledge to bring truly Bolivian solutions to water management.
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Information:
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: (819) 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Backgrounder
The Government of Canada today announced a new project with the University of Calgary that will put sustainable expertise in water management and conservation in the hands of Bolivians, up to now largely dependent upon foreign experts for advice and assistance in this area vital to the country’s health and development.
Water is a scarce resource in this Andean nation. Disputes over its access and control have resulted in conflict between competing communities, who have no public- or private-sector experts to guide them on water management in the country’s unique social environment.
The project is funded by the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development Program of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada administers the projects on CIDA’s behalf.
Experts in water management from the University of Calgary will work with colleagues in the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier to develop new curricula, train faculty and students, and upgrade library and water laboratories. They will also contribute to applied research, workshops and short courses on water themes, public education and awareness building, policy research, and construction of a web site. Students in the program will work in local communities to gain hands-on experience and insights. The project will run from 2007 until 2013.
Graduates of the program are expected to find jobs in Bolivia’s water sector, either in businesses or government, and to use their cutting-edge knowledge to bring truly Bolivian solutions to water management.
-30 -
Information:
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: (819) 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
