UH joins forces with
Costa Rican university

Both want to help develop
diversified economic foundations

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Associated Press

The University of Hawaii and EARTH University of Costa Rica are joining forces to work toward environmental and social sustainability.

UH President Evan Dobelle and EARTH University President Jose Zaglul were to sign a memorandum of agreement today at Maui Community College.

"This agreement, the first UH has entered into in Latin America, is an excellent example of how UH is quickly becoming a model global university," Dobelle said. "Latin America is our closest neighbor. Hawaii and Costa Rica have much in common, including a strong dependence on agriculture and tourism and a deep commitment to the environment and social sustainability."

There is an increasing need for establishing sustainable agribusinesses as Hawaii and Costa Rica strive to develop more diversified economic bases while preserving environmental and social sustainability in their respective regions, UH officials said.

The primary focus of the partnership will be research and education fostering entrepreneurship and agricultural sustainability, they said.

David Cole, who was named president and chief executive officer of Maui Land & Pineapple Co. in August, is a significant player in the new academic partnership, the officials said.

Cole was instrumental in the development of the relationship between the universities, and he will support the community outreach component of EARTH University students in Hawaii, particularly on Maui, they said.

Cole is also chairman of Sunnyside Farms LLC, which produces organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat and eggs on a 500-acre farm in Washington, Va.