Our network for marine ecosystem protection in the Caribbean continues to expand and strengthen its capacity to generate scientific knowledge to face the current challenges of the marine ecosystem. An example of this progress is the strategic alliance between CEMarin and the Universidad del Norte, to which we extend a warm welcome. Professor Oscar Alvares is quoted in this regard. Oscar Alvarez from the Department of Physics and Geosciences at Uninorte is a leading institution in the Caribbean region and in the country in key areas related to the sustainability and conservation of marine-coastal resources.

Universidad del Norte’s entry into CEMarin will benefit both institutions significantly by adding Uninorte’s strengths to this important international cooperation network. For the Universidad del Norte, this integration offers a platform to enhance its research in marine and coastal sciences, areas of great relevance for the Colombian Caribbean region.Faculty will benefit from engagement in multidisciplinary research projects and access to a broad portfolio of funding sources tracked by CEMarin. Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students will have access to resources, training programs, and academic exchange opportunities provided by the CEMarin network and its national and international partners.

On the other hand, CEMarin will also benefit significantly by adding to its network an institution committed to the sustainable development of the Caribbean, together with an outstanding group of experts in marine-coastal issues. This will enrich CEMarin’s research projects with new perspectives and approaches, allowing it to address marine challenges in a more comprehensive and efficient manner.

Universidad del Norte has emerged as a leader in key areas for coastal zone conservation, such as marine risk management, adaptation to climate change in coastal zones, and the implementation of ocean-based alternative energies. In addition, CEMarin would bring to this network for marine ecosystems protection in the Caribbean experts in biology, chemistry, ecology, and other key areas of marine sciences, which will create an enabling environment to address current challenges in the sustainability of Colombia’s marine and coastal zones in a more comprehensive and collaborative manner.

This collaboration will allow for the development of innovative and effective solutions not only in the field of research but also in the implementation of public policies and strategies that guarantee the preservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems in the long term.

Uninorte, with its mission to respond to the challenges of the Colombian Caribbean, will have CEMarin as a key partner to advance impactful research. According to María Cristina Martínez, Dean of Basic Sciences, the university is interested in influencing public policies that support the management and conservation of coastal and marine resources. Additionally, this partnership will benefit students of the Master’s in Earth Sciences, the PhD in Marine Sciences, as well as the Master’s and PhD programs in Natural Sciences.

The incorporation of Uninorte to this network for marine ecosystems protection in the Caribbean promises to be the catalyst for new initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the marine-coastal ecosystems of Colombia, benefiting both the institutions and the Caribbean region in general.

We extend our invitation to undergraduate students and professors in Marine Sciences to join and be part of the CEMarin research network, now with a strong presence in the Colombian Caribbean, as this will maximize the benefits that the network offers, such as educational exchange, the dissemination of scientific knowledge at a national and international level, and the support of experts to enhance innovative and high-impact solutions for the world.