CVPED aims to effectively integrate research and education by facilitating the research activities of Dutch and Filipino students.

The programme has the following objectives:

(1) To contribute to the growth of environmental science as an interdisciplinary field of research and education.

(2) To strengthen the research, education and extension capacities of both universities: Isabela State University (ISU), and Leiden University (UL).

(3) To contribute to the institutional development of Isabela State University (ISU).

(4) To stimulate the implementation of projects on sustainable development of the Cagayan River basin and adjacent areas within administrative Region II .

17 years of cooperation in the field of environmental science have strengthened research capacities and provided the necessary scientific input for the sustainable management of natural resources in Northeast Luzon .