UCCI PUTS ITS SUCCESSFUL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT ON SHOW

“I think Cayman has a really unique opportunity where it has both resources and the economical sophistication to take on some of these challenges.”

That quote by Cleveland Julien, who leads the University College of the Cayman Islands RESEMBID project, underlines the resounding success of the local project to date and the scope to set a template for the rest of the region.

“It would be a lost opportunity for us if we don’t intend to lead across the wider Caribbean. So we’re really hoping that Cayman and Cayman government and business community join us in that effort to make our institution in the island a leader in sustainable practices and options,” he adds.

What Cayman has achieved to date will be highlighted this week during a two-day exposition and workshop on Thursday November 30th and Friday December 1st.

Appearing on the Caymanian Times podcast, Cayman Conversations with Ralph Lewis, Mr Julien said the two days of the exposition and workshop will demonstrate what has already been achieved under the Cayman RESEMBID sustainability project and get a buy-in from the government and the business community on the next steps.

“It gives us the opportunity to bring the experts into the room and for us to listen and learn about what’s being done and for us to begin making commitments around what we want to do,” he said about the day’s event on November 30th from 9 am to 12 noon mainly for UCCI faculty and staff.

For Friday December 1st: “We are inviting external stakeholders; government, business community and community leaders to join us in this collaborative effort to etch out this plan.”

Central to the plan as outlined is the eventual development of a Cayman Islands Centre for Sustainability as a legacy product from the RESEMBID project. This will be focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship and development, Mr Julien said.

One aspect of this which has already been developed is the UCCI’s  150kv solar system, part of a comprehensive review and upgrading of the university’s energy, water, air quality and waste management system.

Mr Julien is hopeful that this undertaking and the data they have compiled from it would go towards extending the project not only in Cayman but also giving the Cayman plan a wider regional appeal.

“We’ve been encouraged by our collaborations with government and private industry, and we are even getting interest from non-profit organisations who are trying to do similar work here.”

The UCCI’s RESEMBID sustainability project has been described by the university as ‘more than just a partnership’.

“It is a catalyst for innovation, education, and sustainability. At its core, the project aims to develop a comprehensive renewable energy and sustainability plan for UCCI, setting the stage for a greener, more resilient future. Here, we will highlight the journey in our sustainability transformation with RESEMBID. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future that transcends boundaries and empowers change,” it says in an official document.

The EU-funded RESEMBID project (Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme) for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) has sustainable development at its core, with a particular focus on energy, water and waste management.

The Cayman Islands undertaking has been uniquely successful in demonstrating the application of both the principles and the practical aspects within the operations of the university. The project at UCCI also has significant student involvement in career development and potential job creation. Getting businesses on board is the next step in the process.

“We can put together the best strategy possible but if we cannot get the people to be involved, if we cannot begin to engender a culture on campus and with our partners that helps us to execute on those, then that agenda is not going to go anywhere,” Mr Julien stated.

This week’s workshop and exposition are regarded by project officer Julien as demonstrating the success of projects they’ve undertaken with funding from RESEMBID with an outlook of further funding from other agencies to continue this vital work.

The Cayman Islands currently leads the region in the successful implementation of RESEMBID sustainable development projects.