Under the title “Integrating Port Facilities into the Urban and Social Fabric of Gandia,” Campus Gandia of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) hosted the Regional Economy Forum, organized by the newspaper Levante-EMV in collaboration with Valenciaport.
Campus Gandia Leading the Way in Oceanography
The meeting, inaugurated by the director of the university campus, Jesús Alba, brought together key institutional, economic, and social leaders to discuss the major challenges facing the Port of Gandia. This area, undergoing “constant and profound transformation,” has emerged as a “benchmark for oceanographic research.”
“We’ve always known that our focus should be directed toward the sea,” said Alba at Campus Gandia. The announcement of the creation of the new center for the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), which will build on the successful legacy of the Joint Unit for Marine Studies Technology between the IEO and the Gandia Campus, “is clear proof of the outstanding work accomplished.”
The director of Campus Gandia also highlighted the launch of the PhD program in Marine and Coastal Science and Technology two years ago. He added that next year, the Marine Science and Technology degree is set to be introduced, aimed at individuals passionate about pursuing careers in marine studies.
Sustainability and Research
Víctor Espinosa, a research professor specializing in underwater acoustics, also took part in the forum. In his speech, he outlined how Campus Gandia is advancing projects designed to promote oceanography, enhance the marine environment, and ensure the efficient and sustainable use of fishing and aquaculture resources.
Espinosa also highlighted three key areas that the future research building will focus on. Firstly, the focus will be on “ensuring the sustainability of fishing, emphasizing both the compatibility of catches and the preservation of marine species along with their socio-economic viability. Secondly, as has been the practice in Gandia for years, research will be conducted to advance aquaculture initiatives. The third area of research focuses on generating knowledge to ensure that human activities consistently maintain the health of the marine environment.”
The Joint Research Unit for Marine Studies Technology, established by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and Campus Gandia, commenced operations in 2010 with the goal of leveraging the synergies between the IEO’s research interests and the technological expertise of UPV’s teams. Currently, collaborative projects and initiatives are underway to promote oceanography, enhance the marine environment, and ensure the efficient and sustainable use of fishery and aquaculture resources.
Source: Laida Frasquet, Journalist for the Office of Communications at Campus Gandia. Universitat Politècnica de València
