In this context, the University of Cauca actively participates in the agreement of intent through its institutional mission and vision, integrating the various initiatives it develops in the Cauca River basin into this collaborative platform. Professor Juan Pablo Paz highlighted that, from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Tull Research Group, the University supports community-based water management processes and collaborates with the National Rural Water Board, facilitating coordination with the Ministry of Environment and other entities for the benefit of rural communities. “The University of Cauca is part of this agreement of intent and, through its mission, vision, and the work carried out in the Cauca River basin, contributes to this collaborative platform,” stated the professor, noting that the agreement, initially signed under a previous administration, was renewed under Rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera. It is worth mentioning that Professor Paz, widely recognized for his work in defense of water resources, was recently appointed by the President of Colombia as a representative to the Board of Directors of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cauca (CRC).

In this way, the University’s participation in this collaborative platform responds to a long-term vision that recognizes the upper Cauca River basin as an essential component for the environmental, social, and economic development of the region. Through research, teaching, and social outreach, this house that is #HeritageOfAll promotes processes focused on the comprehensive management of water resources, ecosystem conservation, and the strengthening of local capacities, contributing scientific and technical knowledge to inform decision-making.