University sets up Buyat Center

University sets up Buyat Center

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The state-run Sam Ratulangi University in
Manado (Unsrat) has set up the Buyat Center as part of the
university's efforts to enhance environmental research and
monitoring in North Sulawesi province.

The center will focus mainly on investigating the
environmental impacts of economic and household activities on
coastal waters and small islands in the province, said Unsrat
Rector Lucky Sondakh on Friday.

The researchers at the center will be recruited from various
schools and departments in the university, including the Marine
and Fisheries School, the School of Economics, and the School of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The Buyat Center has been named after a high-profile
environmental case that allegedly involved pollution by mining
giant PT Newmont Minahasa Raya. The company has been accused of
having polluted Buyat Bay in South Minahasa regency, North
Sulawesi province.

"The center will also be open to those who wish to seek
information on the environment," said Lucky. -- Antara