Environment Canterbury and the University of Canterbury are joining forces to tackle pressing environmental issues.
Together the organisations are committing to a series of science projects that will help protect the natural world, New Zealand’s most important taonga.
Both Waitaha Canterbury institutions are using science to support environmental sustainability aimed at creating a more resilient future for all.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the leaders of the university and the regional council outlines a range of collaborative projects.
The include support for University of Canterbury (UC) student work during academic breaks, student-led research projects, internships and co-creation and delivery of academic mutually beneficial research projects.
ECan chair Peter Scott said it makes sense that the regional council works closely with a leading learning organisation such as the UC to benefit the Canterbury region.
“Those in education, research and innovation can bring so much to our work by way of new ideas and ways of doing things.
“By working together, the university and regional council are setting a powerful example of how we can unite to protect our natural world and create a more sustainable future for generations to come,” Scott said.
For UC, the partnership is an excellent example of its strategic intent to collaborate, share expertise, and enhance impact in the community, UC’s Tumu Whakarae vice-chancellor, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, said.
“Engagement with our community is at the heart of UC’s institutional strategy to be a university that is actively engaged and partnering with the wider city and region to build a better future.
“We’re protecting our future by securing sustainable food sources and clean waterways, ensuring our biodiversity and biosecurity and increasing our understanding of the natural world and our impact on it.”
At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to create opportunities for more people to get involved in environmental studies and career pathways, De la Rey said.
