The Iberostar Group and the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB in its Spanish initials) have signed a collaboration agreement for the creation of the ‘Iberostar del Mar’ Research Chair, which will be held by Dr Guillem Mateur, a professor in the UIB’s Department of Biology. The agreement was signed recently by the Iberostar Group’s Vice-Chairman, Gloria Fluxà, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Balearic Islands, Llorenç Huguet.
The objectives of the ‘Iberostar del Mar’ Research Chair are as follows: (i) to promote specialised research in all areas related to the study, management and conservation of the marine environment; (ii) to encourage research in the field of marine ecology and similar areas of study, allowing for the creation of new research groups and training of specialised research staff; and (iii) to foment the transfer of knowledge through studies focusing on the marine environment challenges facing tourism companies and the organisation of courses, talks, seminars and round table debates in order to promote the sustainable use of marine resources and raise society’s awareness of the importance of marine conservation.
The Iberostar del Mar Research Chair will provide optimum conditions for interaction and the mutual benefit of all those sectors involved: the scientific community for the generation of knowledge; the industrial sector for the application of this know-how and a rational use of marine resources; and academia for the purpose of educating, training and raising awareness amongst future generations. This initiative is part of the ‘Wave of Change’ movement we have set up in order to promote environmental conservation, focusing particularly on the protection of the seas and oceans.