Ready to explore a place dedicated to solving our planet’s environmental challenges? We are standing before the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Studies on Environment and Development, or CIIEMAD. This institution is part of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional. It tackles the complex relationship between society and nature.
CIIEMAD’s story began long before its official founding in 1996. Its roots trace back to the Club of Rome in 1968. This global organization analyzed worldwide issues. They looked at science, politics, and the environment. International meetings followed, addressing urgent environmental concerns.
Mexico hosted a key Latin American meeting in 1982. The United Nations Environment Programme promoted it. Various educational institutions participated. This led to a reform of Mexico’s Political Constitution. The aim was to create environmental protection institutions. They also defined legal frameworks. This ensured law enforcement. It redirected the country’s environmental policy. The Ministry of Urban Development and Ecology was created. The Federal Law for Environmental Protection was enacted.
In 1984, the IPN established the Interdisciplinary Project on Environment and Integrated Development or PIMADI. The United Nations Environment Programme and the University of Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle supported it. They signed a cooperation agreement. PIMADI began its work in September 1984. Professors and researchers addressed society and nature’s interconnected processes. They applied scientific knowledge to foster integrated development.
PIMADI offered postgraduate studies. The Master of Science in Environment and Integrated Development focused on environmental research. It examined transformations from interactions among environmental components. These included the natural environment and human activities. For over 12 years, PIMADI trained professionals. They designed environmental and development strategies. They minimized environmental impact.
On October 31, 1996, PIMADI became the Interdisciplinary Center of Research and Studies on Environment and Development. It is known as CIIEMAD. The IPN’s General Advisory Council approved the change. CIIEMAD continues PIMADI’s work.
Today, CIIEMAD aligns its work with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda includes 17 goals. They aim to end poverty, combat inequality, and address climate change. CIIEMAD has lines of knowledge generation. These relate to biosciences, engineering, society, territory, and the environment.
CIIEMAD’s Environmental Analysis and Monitoring Laboratory achieved accreditation. It met NMX.EC17025-IMNC-2006 standards. It was the first educational institution laboratory in Mexico to do so. The center also achieved ISO9001:2015 certification.
CIIEMAD offers master’s and doctorate programs. These are in Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies. It also offers a doctorate in Conservation of Landscape Heritage. The programs belong to the National Postgraduate System of Conahcyt. CIIEMAD designs specific courses. These align with advances in environmental matters.
Environmental issues are crucial for the world’s future. CIIEMAD is committed to providing practical solutions for humanity’s benefit. It trains professionals. It conducts research. It contributes to a sustainable future. CIIEMAD continues to play a vital role in addressing Mexico’s and the world’s environmental challenges.