Partnership to boost research

The National Education

By ROSELYN ELLISON
THE PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with agricultural company, Kamapim Ltd.
Vice chancellor Prof Aisak Pue said the MoU was signed in December at the University’s Vudal Campus in East New Britain.
He said this was to foster collaboration and partnership in training research and business extension and development in the fields of agriculture, environment and other areas related to natural resources.
Signatories were Prof Pue and Founder and managing director of Kamapim Ltd, Dr Nancy Irwin.
Under the MoU, there will be collaboration in areas of common interest of the two organisations and their staff.
Prof Pue said there would be exchanges of visiting scholars and consultants for training, seminars and other research and business purposes.
This will provide staff and student engagement in industry training and engagement of Kamapim Ltd business consultants as guest lecturers at the University.
“Kamapim Ltd scholars and business consultants will provide advice to University of Natural Resources and Environment on its postgraduate study programmes and work with UNRE to write research and business proposals for joint funding to support relevant postgraduate programmes,” Prof Pue said.
Kamapim Ltd, which is based in Madang, focuses on sustainable agriculture and supports an inclusive economy for smallholders.
It is part of an international green industrial holding focusing on the production, processing and supply of natural products for the food and beverage, cosmetic and health care industries.
It develops business that limits impact on the environment and contributes to preserve biodiversity.
Prof Pue said Kamapim Ltd developed high quality sustainable agricultural crops with landowners that protect large tracks of primary rainforest and preserve traditional culture. “PNGUNRE looks forward to the partnership which will benefit not just staff and students but farmers that it networks with throughout PNG,” he said.