IECA enters cooperative agreement with UNESCO

Denver — The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Region One Board of Directors recently approved a cooperation agreement with UNESCO Bureau of Sciences for Latin America and the Caribbean through its International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO IHP-LAC). Recognizing a common interest in fostering scientific and technical cooperation for enhancing capacities to better manage erosion control, sediment transport and sedimentation processes both organizations chose to pursue this partnership.

“Region One IECA embraces the common goal of working together towards sustainable erosion control and sediment management in context of sustainable water resources development in the Latin American and Caribbean Regions,” stated IECA Region One Board President, Brock Peters. “Naturally, we are thrilled to work together with UNESCO IHP-LAC by mutual and concerted cooperation within the framework of this agreement in order to achieve shared strategic objectives.”

Slated to last two years this cooperation agreement will include scientific exchange, the development of joint policy briefs and information materials, joint programs and activities to promote the improved understanding of sediment processes and methods for investigation and monitoring. Acknowledging a capacity building need for sustainable sediment management, this partnership will also pursue the organization of cooperative training events, conferences and other identified capacity building events.

Region One IECA is indebted to Dr. Pablo Garcia Chevesich, both an UNESCO project lead and an IECA member, who recognized the complementary missions of both organizations and brought this opportunity forward. Region One IECA Vice-President of International Development, Craig Benson, stated that, "It is envisioned that IECA’s Ibero-American Chapter members will play a significant role in implementing this agreement due to common language and culture in Latin America and the Caribbean. The first project under discussion is in Cuba.