Ocho Sur, a leading agro-industrial group dedicated to the sustainable production of palm oil in Ucayali, and the National Intercultural University of the Amazon (UNIA) have signed a Framework Agreement to strengthen intercultural academic training, promote applied research, and enhance collaboration between higher education and the private productive sector in the Peruvian Amazon.
A strategic alliance to promote local talent and innovation
The agreement, signed by UNIA’s Rector, Dr. Juan López Ruíz, and Ocho Sur’s Executive Director, Michael Spoor, establishes joint action areas that include:
Technical and academic training
Internship and professional practice programs
Scientific and applied research
Sustainable development projects involving Amazonian communities
This partnership aims to boost intercultural education, strengthen student development, and promote innovation that benefits Indigenous communities involved in responsible agriculture and forest conservation.
Private sector commitment to Education in Ucayali
During the ceremony, Ocho Sur senior executive Economist Alfonso Morante Chávez emphasized the importance of Education as a foundation for sustainable development in the Amazon region.
“Our company is strongly committed to Education. We believe it is essential to align academia with the private sector to strengthen students’ training and contribute to a sustainable future for Peru and the Amazon,” he noted.
UNIA’s Vice-Rector for Research and Acting Rector, Dr. Víctor Sotero Solís, highlighted the significance of partnering with a company that plays a key role in Ucayali’s development:
“This agreement will enable our students to complete their pre-professional internships and allow our faculty to develop research on fertilization, pest management, and product improvement. This connection with the Ocho Sur Group is extremely important for our academic and scientific development,” he stated.
Driving sustainable development in Ucayali and the Amazon
Through this strategic alliance, Ocho Sur and UNIA reaffirm their commitment to intercultural education, scientific research, and sustainable development, building strong bridges between academia and the private sector to contribute to the integral and sustainable progress of Ucayali and the Peruvian Amazon.
