Progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Universities: UNAN-Managua case

Abstract

The Biotechnology Laboratory through the BIOREM project Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites linked the university with society throughout the development of research studies, where the university provided scientific, analytical and practical knowledge. The research project was carried out in the mining area of Santo Domingo y la Libertad, Chontales, where mining activity has increased and has been deteriorating the quality of soils and water, added to this the effect of direct exposure to toxic metals such as mercury used in the gold extraction process through gold-mercury amalgamation. Different universitysociety interaction activities were carried out, such as meetings with representatives of the mayors of Santo Domingo and La Libertad, visits to the Rastras where gold is extracted, Rastras owners and mining workers on adequate protection during the process of mercury handling and environmental pollution; Also, postgraduate and graduate students were trained through their inclusion in the experimental processes, generating two (2) theses to opt for the Bachelors Degree in Biology at UNAN-MANAGUA and two (2) theses to qualify for the Engineering degree in Environmental Quality of the UCA. The universitysociety link-up in the BIOREM project was successful since the approach with the artisanal mining was achieved, as well as the transfer and acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge.