Zaragoza, 7 January 2025.- The CIHEAM Governing Board has reappointed Raúl Compés López as director of the Organisation’s Institute in Spain (CIHEAM Zaragoza) for a second term beginning 4 January 2025 and concluding 3 January 2029.

During his first term of office (January 2021-January 2025), Compés López has strengthened the Institute’s role in cooperation in agriculture and food-related issues, seeking greater impact of CIHEAM Zaragoza’s activities in the Mediterranean.

In order to fulfil this objective, he has made significant investments in infrastructures, utilities and equipment, strengthened networks and strategic alliances with prominent local, national and international bodies in the field of agriculture and food and natural resources, consolidated communication strategies, diversified projects, broadened public relations, and introduced changes in governance.

Compés reflects upon his first mandate: “The efforts made over the last four years have focused on enhancing CIHEAM Zaragoza’s capacity to rise to the current challenges faced by the agrifood sector and in natural resource management in the Mediterranean, consolidating the Institute’s relevance in capacity building, knowledge transfer and cooperation”.

Among the priorities set for this second mandate is an ambitious digitalisation plan to optimise processes and increase operational efficiency, together with further renovation work on the Institute’s buildings to adapt to arising needs. Plans also include widening the range of thematic areas and activities related to innovation and entrepreneurship, vital for the engagement of women and youth, job creation, sustainable development in the Mediterranean region, and food security.Orientation towards scientific diplomacy will serve to enhance international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in these fields.

All this will be possible thanks to a decided effort to build on the talent and capabilities of the team, further developing the collaborative environment and commitment to the Organisation’s values and pursuit of excellence.

Since its creation in 1969, CIHEAM Zaragoza has trained thousands of students and professionals from all over the world, particularly the Mediterranean region, in specialist areas of the agrifood sector.

Besides, the Institute promotes sustainable and inclusive development across the region through research and cooperation projects generating knowledge and applied solutions.