Georgetown : Professor Prem Misir, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana in a recent statement said that there is an ongoing discussion with senior faculty members of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to institute a linkage with the school of Earth and Environmental Science, particularly relating to promoting biodiversity and conservation management in Guyana.
In September 2011, Dr. Misir was awarded a Professorship at the University of Central Lancashire in public Health. He said since his appointment, this project has been under contemplation and discussion has been ongoing with members of UCLan. He has been working very closely with Professor David Phoenix, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UCLan, Professor Akin Akintoye, Dean of the school of Built and Natural Environment along with Professor Jaipaul Singh from the School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, who have shown great interest in the project.
Ms. Rose the Coordinator at the school of Earth and Environmental Sciences has also expressed great interest in this project.
This project will help to enhance the status of biodiversity courses worldwide, but most importantly in Guyana. This is not an area that is given much importance. “Rigorous scientific research is hardly ever done on biodiversity in the region,” Dr Misir said.
Professor Misir also said that Guyana is very rich with biodiversity resources that are not being utilized, and this project will benefit the students in Guyana without any additional cost to them. The UCLan team is trying to form a model similar to Operation Wallacea to meet the expenses of this project. Operation Wallacea refers to a network of people/academics working together for the achievement of common goals.
However, this project, if successful will offer joint courses, which will allow UCLan students to start studying here and complete their education in Guyana and student exchange programmes which will allow local students to have the opportunity to study at UCLan. The University of Guyana will not have to meet any expenses. The tuition fees which the exchange students will be paying will include their accommodation fees, etc.
Professor Misir expressed his hope about the project being implemented in Guyana for the enhancement of the status of biodiversity and conservation management and the betterment of the students of Guyana.
