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