• The Spanish headquarters of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) commences the 2024-2025 academic year with the participation of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture and of the Government of Aragon

• The ceremony featured the inauguration of the Plaza del Mediterráneo, a newly-established space symbolising the spirit of cooperation and dialogue of the international organisation

PRESS RELEASE

Zaragoza, 28 October 2024.- CIHEAM Zaragoza has welcomed the 102 young individuals from 30 countries who are undertaking training in the international master’s programmes, that provide high-level specialist education in areas such as aquaculture, fisheries management, water management and governance, plant breeding, animal breeding, animal nutrition, and olive growing.

The Campus of Aula Dei (Zaragoza), home of the Spanish headquarters of the international organisation, hosts the opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 academic year, presided by Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza; Teodoro Miano, secretary general of CIHEAM; Carlos López, deputy director general of Multilateral Economic Relations and Air, Maritime and Land Cooperation (MAEC); Fernando Heredia, deputy director general of International Relations and Community Affairs (MAPA); and José Manuel Cruz, director general of Rural Development of the Government of Aragon. Over 300 people have signed up for the event to attend in person or on line.

During the keynote lecture, Alberto Garrido, professor and vice-rector of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, has addressed new paradigms for water management in the context of climate change, highlighting the need to adapt water resources to a future marked by greater variability and scarcity due to extreme climatic events. Garrido comments on the issue: “Technology applied to water management, new challenges in wastewater treatment and improvement of the ecological status of water bodies, together with advances in the agrifood sector are crucial to ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, which is a key component of food security in the Mediterranean region ”.

Ramón Esteruelas-CIHEAM Zaragoza Prize

The ceremony also presented the first edition of the Ramón Esteruelas-CIHEAM Zaragoza Prize for Outstanding Achievement. The prize was awarded to Silvia Ramia, student of the 2021-2023 edition of the Master in Agrifood Marketing.

This award was created in honour of Ramón Esteruelas, a visionary agronomist born in Biota (Zaragoza), who founded CIHEAM and led its Governing Board from 1962 to 1983. This prize recognises the academic excellence of master’s students at CIHEAM Zaragoza.

Presentation of the Plaza del Mediterráneo

The academic ceremony gave way to the inauguration of the Plaza del Mediterráneo, a newly-created iconic space at CIHEAM Zaragoza. It has been designed as a tribute to the Mediterranean through symbols such as the olive, a map of the region engraved in stone, a fountain and a signpost to the Mediterranean capitals. It represents the values of cooperation and dialogue at the heart of CIHEAM’S mission and serves as a gathering place for members of the international community engaged in training programmes and other activities run by the Organisation.

“This space brings us closer to the Mediterranean, to its geography, history and culture. From Zaragoza we aim to make a meaningful contribution to overcome the region’s challenges in food security, climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. Our Institute stands as a hub of knowledge, cooperation and scientific diplomacy at the service of the international community working in agriculture and food”.

In pursuit of excellence in international training

Since its creation in 1969, CIHEAM Zaragoza has trained thousands of students and professionals from all over the world, with particular focus on the Mediterranean region, offering specialised training in the agrifood sector.

The master’s programmes are delivered in collaboration with national and international institutions across Spain: Andalusia (Cordoba and Seville); Aragon (Zaragoza); the Canary Islands (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria); Catalonia (Barcelona and Lerida); and the Valencian Community (Alicante and Valencia).

For the 2024-2025 academic year, 14% of the students come from Spain, 58% from the eastern and southern Mediterranean; and 28% from other countries of the world.