UPS started a project that will benefit more than 8000 people who work in artisanal fishing by making it more innovative and sustainable. The project is supported an Italian cooperation agency which has provided over two million dollars.

A meeting was held with Juan Cardenas, UPS president; Leonardo Orlando, prefect of the province of Manabí; Oscar Arcentales, mayor of Pedernales; Jessica Quiñonez, representative of the beneficiary communities; Cristian Luca; Brenda Ratto; and Bernardo Salgado, The meeting via zoom was attended by Caterina Bertoloni, Ambassador of Italy in Ecuador; Sergio Trevisani, from the municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto; Agustin Zimmerman, from the United Nations; as well as people from the communities of Canoa, Cojimíes, La Chorrera, Chamanga, Guadal, El Colorado, El Churo, Pueblo Nuevo and the province of Esmeraldas.

Juan Cardenas stressed the importance of the project and stated that they worked together with people from the community who are directly involved. "Our job as a university is not only to provide training, but to really educate people and help them create their life mission. This is how we will have people capable of performing their social role", he said.

The ambassador of Italy in Ecuador spoke about the social and environmental impact of the project which will help reduce the effects of climate change and employment for women and young people. Trevisani was extremely happy with the start of the project; Zimmerman explained the project is really important because it aligns with the sustainable development goals and the UN's 2030 agenda.  

Quiñonez said that "one of the qualities of fishermen is patience, since no one could fish with anger, we are strong and brave, this project opens opportunities and motivates us to continue working hard. We go fishing in good and bad weather, whether it rains or it is sunny, we do it because we love our families. I know that this project will be a success".

Finally, the prefect of Manabí thanked UPS for the implementation of this project and said it will provide all the support needed.