Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Mataram City Government, West Nusa Tenggara, is exploring a strategic partnership with New Orleans, through the University of New Orleans (UNO), on disaster management.

Head of the Mataram Regional Research and Innovation Agency, I Nyoman Swandiasa, said here on Tuesday that the cooperation aims to elevate Mataram into a globally recognized city, in line with West Nusa Tenggara’s vision of gaining international recognition.

“Mataram is considered an important prototype that must be developed further as the face of the province,” Swandiasa said.

He made the statement after a meeting between Mataram city officials and The Beach at UNO Vice President Safin Khan, who was on a return visit to the city.

According to Swandiasa, Mataram and New Orleans share many similar characteristics in terms of natural disaster challenges.

New Orleans has extensive experience in dealing with hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina, while Mataram faces coastal flooding.

Therefore, the Mataram City Government is planning to adopt disaster mitigation concepts and coastal management practices, such as abrasion control, that have been successfully implemented in New Orleans.

In addition to disaster management, the cooperation will also focus on developing an innovation ecosystem, as New Orleans has a highly advanced research and technology hub in The Beach at UNO.

“We hope to collaborate in research and technology to improve the quality of our community and civil servants,” he said.

He added that the cooperation has strong potential, as The Beach at UNO has committed to funding collaborative programs, including exchanges and ongoing activities.

The partnership will be conducted through universities rather than directly between governments.

Swandiasa expressed hope that the cooperation can begin this year and deliver innovative solutions for sustainable development in Mataram.



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