This e-book brings together voices from different parts of Latin America that speak from the same impulse: to understand how the university can transform both professional training and the territories surrounding it. In these pages, stories of students and graduates who, from different disciplines, contexts, and accents, have found in the university experience a way to commit to the common good.

From the classrooms of Bucaramanga, Colima, Lima, and Santiago, projects emerge that transcend the academic. Mar铆a Thereza, Mar铆a Luc铆a, and Diana, from Colombia, participated in initiatives in which the Law became a tool for inclusion and the defense of human rights. Florangel, Shirley, and Jos茅 C茅sar, from Peru, brought their legal knowledge to environmental defense. In Mexico, Nancy and her classmates at the University of Colima learned from bees and local beekeepers.

In Chile, Mar铆a Jes煤s and Nicol谩s from the University of Chile accompanied women entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their projects and autonomy, demonstrating that innovation can also have a social and everyday face.

Although their trajectories are developed in different countries, these experiences share the same orientation: the desire to learn by doing, to build knowledge with others, and for the university not to limit itself to observing reality, but to transform it together with those who inhabit it.

What is presented here are not only academic projects, but significant trajectories that leave a mark on those who participate and on the communities with which they are linked. They are stories that show how higher education, by entering the territory, can also be a space of hope and transformation.

The publication is now available in English and Spanish. Explore the publications today!

• Link to Spanish version/Enlace a la聽versi贸n en聽Espa帽ol
• Link to English version/Enlace a聽la versi贸n en Ingles

This partnership focused on wastewater management and sanitation services, looking at how wastewater can be sustainably transitioned to clean water and compost. The partnership brought together multiple stakeholders, each playing a key role in addressing Harare鈥檚 environmental challenges. Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) contributed scientific expertise, developed training materials, and facilitated workshops on innovative solutions such as biomonitoring and vermicomposting. Harare City Council and Chinhoyi Municipality coordinated community engagement, ensured alignment with local policies, and participated in training initiatives.

The collaboration yielded significant results in advancing environmental sustainability. Municipal staff and students gained hands-on experience in waste management and pollution monitoring, while local capacity was strengthened through low-cost biomonitoring training.

This video includes testimonials from the following project participants:

• Tatenda Matewa, Chinhoyi University of Technology
• Chipo Dekesa, Chinhoyi University of Technology
• Tapiwa Whingwiri, Zim Earthwarm Farms
• Mike Kambeni, Chinhoyi University of Technology
• Professor Tongai Mwedzi, Chinhoyi University of Technology
• Elpha Machaba, Chinhoyi Municipality

Interested in learning more about this project? Read the full project story here.

View the video below:

From February to June 2025, The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) commissioned an outcome assessment to examine the extent to which adaptation outcomes have been achieved through its support of 大象传媒-N, with a specific focus on UNEP-supported 大象传媒-N initiatives across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative data collection across multiple levels. In total, over 100 stakeholders were consulted during three regional visits in four countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, and South Africa), as well as interviews with 大象传媒-N leadership, regional coordinators, students, faculty, and local government representatives; some of these were through focus group discussions (FGDs) while others were through group or individual interviews. A stakeholder survey was also administered to city鈥搖niversity pairs, and relevant documentation, including project reports, training materials, and strategic guidance, was reviewed. The assessment additionally compiled and analysed a provisional database of UNEP-supported 大象传媒 projects in the three regions to classify their adaptation relevance and implementation status.

The assessment is structured around five overarching questions agreed in consultations with UNEP:

1. What key adaptation outcomes have resulted from 大象传媒-N implementation?
2. How has the 大象传媒 Model strengthened adaptation knowledge and capacity among municipalities, universities, and students?
3. What financial mechanisms and strategies are required to ensure 大象传媒’s long-term sustainability for adaptation?
4. What best practices and lessons have emerged from UNEP’s support to 大象传媒? How could these be replicated or scaled up?
5. How can UNEP enhance its support to expand the 大象传媒 model for broader adaptation impact?

This report is intended to support UNEP’s internal reflection and strategic decision-making regarding future engagement with the 大象传媒 Model. Read or download the full report below.

In a Mapuche neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, artisans are trading traditional adobe bricks for experimental eco-friendly alternatives. In a canyon that straddles the U.S.鈥揗exico border, families are planting vegetation to stem polluted runoff. And in Panama鈥檚 Parita Bay, grassroots leaders are defending wetlands that shelter thousands of migratory shorebirds.

These are just three of five community-driven projects launched this week across Latin America under a new initiative to accelerate ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in cities. The program, led by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Transdisciplinary Academy and the 大象传媒 Network, seeks to show how unusual partnerships between universities and communities can drive climate resilience in the Global South.

Funded through the Global EbA Fund 鈥攆inanced by International Climate Initiative (IKI) of theGerman Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and co-managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and partners鈥� the projects aim to support  for its mainstreaming and scaling up.

鈥淯rban communities in Latin America are often on the frontline of climate risks, but rarely in the driver鈥檚 seat of adaptation,鈥� said Kim Portmess, STeP Program Lead at the IAI. 鈥淭his initiative flips that dynamic by giving communities the tools, knowledge, and partnerships to shape their own futures.鈥�

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Argentina

In Campo La Cruz, a Mapuche community in Jun铆n, adobe brickmaking has been central to both livelihoods and cultural identity. But the practice contributes to deforestation and land degradation. Through the project CheCiencia, community members are working with researchers from the National University of the Northwest of the Province of Buenos Aires to co-design solutions: ecological bricks made from recycled plastics, remediation of degraded areas, and assessments of urban climate risks.

鈥淲e want to keep our traditions alive, but also protect the land that sustains us,鈥� said a community leader.

Food Security and Education in Colombia

In the hills outside Medell铆n, the SERES Project is transforming schools into climate hubs. Children tend urban gardens while families restore nearby forests, learning about rainwater harvesting, composting, and water conservation. The goal is not just environmental recovery but building resilience into everyday life.

Cross-Border Challenges in Mexico

In Tijuana鈥檚 Los Laureles Canyon, where untreated wastewater and garbage wash into Mexico鈥檚 protected estuaries, residents are confronting both local and binational crises. A new initiative led by Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana and Costa Salvaje A.C. combines phytoremediation, clean-ups, and environmental and public health education with legal advocacy for the constitutional right to a healthy environment.

Meanwhile, further inland, a second Mexican project is targeting one of the world鈥檚 dirtiest industries: construction. By recycling demolition waste and scrap glass, researchers and builders in Baja California are testing greener materials to reduce emissions, protect aquifers, and restore damaged ecosystems.

Wetlands Under Pressure in Panama

Panama鈥檚 Parita Bay is one of the country鈥檚 most important sites for migratory birds, yet it faces intense pressure from Chitr茅鈥檚 rapid urban growth. Here, communities are documenting traditional fishing and tourism practices while demanding a voice in land-use planning. The coalition hopes to safeguard mangroves and salt marshes that provide food, flood protection, and 鈥渂lue carbon鈥� storage.

A Model for the Global South

Taken together, the five projects represent a shift in how climate adaptation is being approached in Latin America: not as imported solutions, but as collaborative experiments that weave together academic teaching with local knowledge.

Climate experts say this approach is gaining urgency as cities in the Global South grow faster than anywhere else. The Global EbA Fund noted that, if these unconventional collaborations succeed, they could serve as a template for other urban areas facing the twin pressures of climate change and inequality.

More details and photos of the project are available here

Desde Argentina hasta 笔补苍补尘谩, comunidades y universidades unen fuerzas para replantearse la adaptaci贸n clim谩tica urbana

En un barrio mapuche a las afueras de Buenos Aires, los artesanos est谩n sustituyendo los ladrillos de adobe tradicionales por alternativas ecol贸gicas experimentales. En un ca帽贸n que se extiende a ambos lados de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y 惭茅虫颈肠辞, las familias est谩n plantando vegetaci贸n para frenar la escorrent铆a contaminada. Y en la bah铆a de Parita, en 笔补苍补尘谩, los l铆deres comunitarios est谩n defendiendo los humedales que albergan a miles de aves migratorias costeras.

Estos son solo tres de los cinco proyectos impulsados por la comunidad que se han puesto en marcha esta semana en toda Am茅rica Latina en el marco de una nueva iniciativa para acelerar la adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas (EbA) en las ciudades. El programa, dirigido por la Academia Transdisciplinaria del Instituto Interamericano para la Investigaci贸n del Cambio Global (IAI) y la Red 大象传媒, pretende mostrar c贸mo las alianzas inusuales entre universidades y comunidades pueden impulsar la resiliencia clim谩tica en el Sur Global.

Financiados a trav茅s del Fondo Global EbA 鈥攆inanciado por la Iniciativa Internacional sobre el Clima (IKI) del Ministerio Federal Alem谩n de Medio Ambiente, Acci贸n Clim谩tica, Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza y Seguridad Nuclear (BMUKN) y cogestionado por la Uni贸n Internacional para la Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza (UICN) y sus socios鈥�, los proyectos tienen como objetivo apoyar  para su integraci贸n y ampliaci贸n.

芦Las comunidades urbanas de Am茅rica Latina suelen estar en primera l铆nea de los riesgos clim谩ticos, pero rara vez llevan las riendas de la adaptaci贸n禄, afirma Kim Portmess, directora del programa STeP del IAI. 芦Esta iniciativa invierte esa din谩mica al proporcionar a las comunidades las herramientas, los conocimientos y las alianzas necesarios para forjar su propio futuro禄.

Equilibrio entre tradici贸n e innovaci贸n en Argentina

En Campo La Cruz, una comunidad mapuche de Jun铆n, la fabricaci贸n de ladrillos de adobe ha sido fundamental tanto para los medios de vida como para la identidad cultural. Sin embargo, esta pr谩ctica contribuye a la deforestaci贸n y la degradaci贸n de la tierra. A trav茅s del proyecto CheCiencia, los miembros de la comunidad est谩n trabajando con investigadores de la Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires para dise帽ar conjuntamente soluciones: ladrillos ecol贸gicos fabricados con pl谩sticos reciclados, remediaci贸n de 谩reas degradadas y evaluaciones de los riesgos clim谩ticos urbanos.

芦Queremos mantener vivas nuestras tradiciones, pero tambi茅n proteger la tierra que nos sustenta禄, afirm贸 un l铆der comunitario.

Seguridad alimentaria y educaci贸n en Colombia

En las colinas de las afueras de Medell铆n, el proyecto SERES est谩 transformando las escuelas en centros clim谩ticos. Los ni帽os cuidan huertos urbanos mientras las familias restauran los bosques cercanos, aprendiendo sobre la recolecci贸n de agua de lluvia, el compostaje y la conservaci贸n del agua. El objetivo no es solo la recuperaci贸n medioambiental, sino tambi茅n fomentar la resiliencia en la vida cotidiana.

Desaf铆os transfronterizos en 惭茅虫颈肠辞

En el ca帽贸n Los Laureles de Tijuana, donde las aguas residuales sin tratar y la basura llegan a los estuarios protegidos de 惭茅虫颈肠辞, los residentes se enfrentan a crisis tanto locales como binacionales. Una nueva iniciativa liderada por la Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana y Costa Salvaje A.C. combina la fitorremediaci贸n, la limpieza y la educaci贸n ambiental y de salud p煤blica con la defensa legal del derecho constitucional a un medio ambiente saludable.

Mientras tanto, m谩s hacia el interior, un segundo proyecto mexicano se centra en una de las industrias m谩s contaminantes del mundo: la construcci贸n. Mediante el reciclaje de residuos de demolici贸n y vidrio, investigadores y constructores de Baja California est谩n probando materiales m谩s ecol贸gicos para reducir las emisiones, proteger los acu铆feros y restaurar los ecosistemas da帽ados.

Humedales bajo presi贸n en 笔补苍补尘谩

La bah铆a de Parita, en 笔补苍补尘谩, es uno de los sitios m谩s importantes del pa铆s para las aves migratorias, pero se enfrenta a una intensa presi贸n debido al r谩pido crecimiento urbano de Chitr茅. Aqu铆, las comunidades est谩n documentando las pr谩cticas tradicionales de pesca y turismo, al tiempo que exigen tener voz en la planificaci贸n del uso del suelo. La coalici贸n espera salvaguardar los manglares y las marismas salinas que proporcionan alimento, protecci贸n contra las inundaciones y almacenamiento de 芦carbono azul禄.

Un modelo para el Sur Global

En conjunto, los cinco proyectos representan un cambio en la forma de abordar la adaptaci贸n al clima en Am茅rica Latina: no como soluciones importadas, sino como experimentos colaborativos que entrelazan la ense帽anza acad茅mica con el conocimiento local.

Los expertos en clima afirman que este enfoque cobra cada vez m谩s urgencia, ya que las ciudades del Sur Global crecen m谩s r谩pido que en cualquier otro lugar. El Fondo Global EbA se帽al贸 que, si estas colaboraciones poco convencionales tienen 茅xito, podr铆an servir de modelo para otras zonas urbanas que se enfrentan a la doble presi贸n del cambio clim谩tico y la desigualdad.

M谩s detalles y fotos del proyecto est谩n disponibles 补辩耻铆

The IAI Transdisciplinary Academy, in collaboration with the 大象传媒 Network, is pleased to announce the funding of five projects under the program 鈥淐atalyzing Unconventional Collaborations in the Global South for Urban Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA).鈥�

The initiative applies a transdisciplinary approach and the 大象传媒 Model (University鈥揅ommunity Partnerships) to address key barriers to implementing EbA in the region, including gaps in financing, governance, and knowledge. By fostering co-creation between communities and universities, the program supports more inclusive urban planning and strengthens sustainable financing mechanisms for climate adaptation.

This program is funded by the Global EbA Fund, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) of Germany, and co-managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its partners.

Following a competitive selection process, the following projects have been funded:

Argentina

Project Title: 鈥淐heCiencia鈥�: Sustainable management of natural environments by a Mapuche community in the city of Jun铆n, Buenos Aires: environmental impacts and risks posed by climate change

Description: The Mapuche community of Campo La Cruz, on the outskirts of Jun铆n, Argentina, has long sustained itself through traditional adobe brickmaking鈥攁 practice central to its cultural identity but also one with significant environmental impacts.

Through a transdisciplinary approach, this project seeks to co-design ecosystem-based adaptation strategies that respect community traditions while building resilience to climate change. Key actions include:

• Assessing climate-related environmental risks in Jun铆n鈥檚 urban and peri-urban ecosystems.
  
• Remediating degraded areas.
  
• Supporting a transition from adobe bricks toward ecological alternatives, such as bricks made from recycled plastics.
  

These initiatives aim to reduce social and environmental vulnerability, strengthen flood protection and food security, and foster sustainable livelihoods, while revaluing the community鈥檚 cultural heritage and enhancing biodiversity.

Program Partners: Mapuche Community Campo La Cruz, Jun铆n, Buenos Aires, Argentina, National University of the Northwest of the Province of Buenos Aires (UNNOBA), UBATEC, Higher Institute of Teacher Training N掳129

Colombia

Project Title: SERES Project: Sustainability and Ecology for the Restoration of Social Ecosystems

Description:The SERES Project works to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ecological restoration, while raising awareness of climate change in Pueblo Viejo and surrounding communities. By engaging schools and local residents, the initiative empowers communities to adopt cleaner, more resilient ways of living.  Key goals include:

• Strengthen food security through small-scale urban gardens and inclusive practices.
  
• Advance ecological restoration of nearby forests.
  
• Promote environmental education on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, composting, and sustainable urban gardening.

 Program Partners: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Secretar铆a de Medio Ambiente, Alcald铆a de La Estrella, ICLEI 鈥� Gobiernos Locales por la Sostenibilidad (Colombia)

惭茅虫颈肠辞

Project Title: Los Laureles Canyon: Building Community Resilience and Restoring Biodiversity

Description: Los Laureles Canyon, part of the Tijuana River watershed, flows from Mexico into the Tijuana River estuary, a protected wetland in California. This unique ecosystem supports rich biodiversity but faces threats from vegetation loss, pollution, sedimentation, and high bacterial contamination.

The families living in the canyon are highly vulnerable to climate change. Floods, landslides, fires, and vector-borne diseases are increasing due to rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and trash accumulation. Contaminated runoff also affects cross-border waters, creating binational challenges.

This project seeks to strengthen community resilience, reduce vulnerability, and restore biodiversity through four main actions:

• Monitoring water quality and mitigating wastewater pollution using phytoremediation.
  
• Controlling soil erosion, cleaning up illegal dumps, and revegetating green areas.
  
• Promoting environmental education and community stewardship.
  
• Exploring legal pathways to secure the Right to a Healthy Environment.

Program Partners: Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, Costa Salvaje A.C., Comunidad de Rancho Las Flores

惭茅虫颈肠辞

Project Title: Ecosystem-based adaptation of the Tijuana River basin, focusing on the recycling of construction waste and glass.

Description:  The construction industry accounts for 40% of global energy use and 34% of greenhouse gas emissions. In northwestern Baja California, over 20 years of stone extraction, improper disposal of construction and demolition waste (CDW), and scrap glass have damaged soil, wildlife, and ecosystems, reducing aquifer recharge and increasing fire risk.

This project addresses these impacts by designing a collaborative model for comprehensive CDW and glass management. It includes four stages: diagnosing affected ecosystem services and identifying restoration sites along Las Palmas stream; developing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies for climate resilience; evaluating sustainable construction materials; and implementing EbA measures to conserve natural resources.

Teachers, students, civil society organizations, the local construction chamber, and a major cement producer collaborate to recycle CDW and glass as alternatives to natural aggregates. This supports biodiversity, aquifer recharge, flood risk reduction, and crop pollination, while protecting the ecosystem services of Las Palmas and surrounding areas.

Program Partners: Universidad Aut贸noma de Baja California, Proyecto Fronterizo de Educaci贸n Ambiental, C谩mara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcci贸n, Empresa de Cemento CEMEX

笔补苍补尘谩

Project Title: Land Use Planning and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation of Wetlands in the City of Chitr茅, Parita Bay, Panama.

Description: For the past five years, a coalition of individuals and institutions has advanced collaborative research on biodiversity and wetland conservation in Parita Bay, Panama, using a transdisciplinary approach to urban planning and ecosystem-based adaptation. These wetlands are the country鈥檚 second most important site for migratory shorebirds and provide essential ecosystem services for Chitr茅, the region鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing city.

Coastal communities鈥攁mong the most vulnerable鈥攄epend on mangroves, sloughs, and salt marshes for fishing, mollusk harvesting, and tourism, but recognize that rapid urban growth threatens both ecosystems and cultural traditions. Grassroots leaders have joined the Parita Bay Conservation Program to preserve knowledge, create new opportunities for youth and women, and safeguard wetlands that provide fisheries, storm protection, and blue carbon. The main activities of this project include:

• Document traditional practices in coastal and marine use.
  
• Strengthen responsible fishing and tourism with universities and civil society.
  
• Empower communities to participate in Chitr茅鈥檚 land use planning.

Program Partners: CATHALAC, CREHO, ACD, Summa Architects, USMA-McGill Urban Forum and Observatory, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Coastal Solutions Program, Municipality of Chitr茅, ANUMA

Catalizando colaboraciones no convencionales en el Sur Global para la adaptaci贸n basada en ecosistemas urbanos (EbA)

La Academia Transdisciplinaria del IAI, en colaboraci贸n con la Red 大象传媒, se complace en anunciar la financiaci贸n de cinco proyectos en el marco del programa 芦Catalizar colaboraciones no convencionales en el Sur Global para la adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas urbanos (EbA)禄.

La iniciativa aplica un enfoque transdisciplinario y el modelo 大象传媒 (asociaciones entre universidades y comunidades) para abordar los principales obst谩culos que dificultan la implementaci贸n de la EbA en la regi贸n, entre ellos las deficiencias en materia de financiaci贸n, gobernanza y conocimientos. Al fomentar la cocreaci贸n entre las comunidades y las universidades, el programa apoya una planificaci贸n urbana m谩s inclusiva y refuerza los mecanismos de financiaci贸n sostenible para la adaptaci贸n al clima.

Este programa est谩 financiado por el Fondo Global EbA, con el apoyo de la Iniciativa Internacional sobre el Clima (IKI) del Ministerio Federal de Medio Ambiente, Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza, Seguridad Nuclear y Protecci贸n del Consumidor (BMUV) de Alemania, y coadministrado por la Uni贸n Internacional para la Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza (UICN) y sus socios.

Tras un proceso de selecci贸n competitivo, se han financiado los siguientes proyectos:

Argentina

T铆tulo del proyecto: 鈥淐heCiencia鈥�: Gesti贸n sostenible de los entornos naturales por parte de una comunidad mapuche en la ciudad de Jun铆n, Buenos Aires: impactos ambientales y riesgos que plantea el cambio clim谩tico.

顿别蝉肠谤颈辫肠颈贸苍: La comunidad mapuche de Campo La Cruz, en las afueras de Jun铆n (Argentina), se ha sustentado durante mucho tiempo gracias a la fabricaci贸n tradicional de ladrillos de adobe, una pr谩ctica fundamental para su identidad cultural, pero que tambi茅n tiene importantes repercusiones ambientales.

Mediante un enfoque transdisciplinario, este proyecto busca dise帽ar conjuntamente estrategias de adaptaci贸n basadas en los ecosistemas que respeten las tradiciones de la comunidad y, al mismo tiempo, fomenten la resiliencia al cambio clim谩tico. Las acciones clave incluyen:

• Evaluar los riesgos medioambientales relacionados con el clima en los ecosistemas urbanos y periurbanos de Jun铆n.
• Remediar las zonas degradadas.
• Apoyar la transici贸n de los ladrillos de adobe a alternativas ecol贸gicas, como los ladrillos fabricados con pl谩sticos reciclados.

Estas iniciativas tienen como objetivo reducir la vulnerabilidad social y ambiental, fortalecer la protecci贸n contra las inundaciones y la seguridad alimentaria, y fomentar medios de vida sostenibles, al tiempo que se revaloriza el patrimonio cultural de la comunidad y se mejora la biodiversidad.

Socios del programa: Comunidad Mapuche Campo La Cruz, Jun铆n, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA), UBATEC, Instituto Superior de Formaci贸n Docente N.潞 129

– – – – – 

Colombia

T铆tulo del proyecto: Proyecto SERES: Sostenibilidad y ecolog铆a para la restauraci贸n de los ecosistemas sociales

顿别蝉肠谤颈辫肠颈贸苍: El proyecto SERES trabaja para promover pr谩cticas agr铆colas sostenibles y la restauraci贸n ecol贸gica, al tiempo que sensibiliza sobre el cambio clim谩tico en Pueblo Viejo y las comunidades circundantes. Al involucrar a las escuelas y a los residentes locales, la iniciativa empodera a las comunidades para que adopten formas de vida m谩s limpias y resilientes. Los objetivos clave incluyen:

• Fortalecer la seguridad alimentaria mediante huertas urbanas a peque帽a escala y pr谩cticas inclusivas.
• Avanzar en la restauraci贸n ecol贸gica de los bosques cercanos.
• Promover la educaci贸n ambiental sobre la conservaci贸n del agua, la recolecci贸n de agua de lluvia, el compostaje y la jardiner铆a urbana sostenible.

Socios del programa: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Secretar铆a de Medio Ambiente, Alcald铆a de La Estrella, ICLEI 鈥� Gobiernos Locales por la Sostenibilidad (Colombia)

– – – – – 

惭茅虫颈肠辞

T铆tulo del proyecto: Ca帽贸n Los Laureles: Fomento de la resiliencia comunitaria y restauraci贸n de la biodiversidad

顿别蝉肠谤颈辫肠颈贸苍: El ca帽贸n Los Laureles, que forma parte de la cuenca del r铆o Tijuana, fluye desde 惭茅虫颈肠辞 hasta el estuario del r铆o Tijuana, un humedal protegido en California. Este ecosistema 煤nico alberga una rica biodiversidad, pero se enfrenta a amenazas como la p茅rdida de vegetaci贸n, la contaminaci贸n, la sedimentaci贸n y la alta contaminaci贸n bacteriana.

Las familias que viven en el ca帽贸n son muy vulnerables al cambio clim谩tico. Las inundaciones, los deslizamientos de tierra, los incendios y las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores est谩n aumentando debido al aumento de las temperaturas, la p茅rdida de biodiversidad, la contaminaci贸n del agua y la acumulaci贸n de basura. La escorrent铆a contaminada tambi茅n afecta a las aguas transfronterizas, lo que plantea retos binacionales.

Este proyecto busca fortalecer la resiliencia de la comunidad, reducir la vulnerabilidad y restaurar la biodiversidad a trav茅s de cuatro acciones principales:

• Monitorear la calidad del agua y mitigar la contaminaci贸n de las aguas residuales mediante la fitorremediaci贸n.
• Controlar la erosi贸n del suelo, limpiar los vertederos ilegales y revegetar las 谩reas verdes.
• Promover la educaci贸n ambiental y la gesti贸n comunitaria.
• Explorar v铆as legales para garantizar el derecho a un medio ambiente saludable.

Socios del programa: Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, Costa Salvaje A.C., Comunidad de Rancho Las Flores

– – – – – 

惭茅虫颈肠辞

T铆tulo del proyecto: Adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas de la cuenca del r铆o Tijuana, centrada en el reciclaje de residuos de construcci贸n y vidrio.

顿别蝉肠谤颈辫肠颈贸苍:  La industria de la construcci贸n representa el 40 % del consumo mundial de energ铆a y el 34 % de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. En el noroeste de Baja California, m谩s de 20 a帽os de extracci贸n de piedra, eliminaci贸n inadecuada de residuos de construcci贸n y demolici贸n (RCD) y vidrio de desecho han da帽ado el suelo, la vida silvestre y los ecosistemas, reduciendo la recarga de los acu铆feros y aumentando el riesgo de incendios.

Este proyecto aborda estos impactos mediante el dise帽o de un modelo colaborativo para la gesti贸n integral de los RCD y el vidrio. Incluye cuatro etapas: diagnosticar los servicios ecosist茅micos afectados e identificar los sitios de restauraci贸n a lo largo del arroyo Las Palmas; desarrollar estrategias de adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas (EbA) para la resiliencia clim谩tica; evaluar materiales de construcci贸n sostenibles; e implementar medidas de EbA para conservar los recursos naturales.

Profesores, estudiantes, organizaciones de la sociedad civil, la c谩mara local de la construcci贸n y un importante productor de cemento colaboran para reciclar los RCD y el vidrio como alternativas a los 谩ridos naturales. Esto favorece la biodiversidad, la recarga de los acu铆feros, la reducci贸n del riesgo de inundaciones y la polinizaci贸n de los cultivos, al tiempo que protege los servicios ecosist茅micos de Las Palmas y sus alrededores.

Socios del programa: Universidad Aut贸noma de Baja California, Proyecto Fronterizo de Educaci贸n Ambiental, C谩mara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcci贸n, Empresa de Cemento CEMEX

– – – – – 

笔补苍补尘谩

T铆tulo del proyecto: Planificaci贸n del uso del suelo y adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas de los humedales de la ciudad de Chitr茅, bah铆a de Parita, 笔补苍补尘谩.

顿别蝉肠谤颈辫肠颈贸苍: Durante los 煤ltimos cinco a帽os, una coalici贸n de personas e instituciones ha impulsado la investigaci贸n colaborativa sobre la biodiversidad y la conservaci贸n de los humedales en la bah铆a de Parita, 笔补苍补尘谩, utilizando un enfoque transdisciplinario de la planificaci贸n urbana y la adaptaci贸n basada en los ecosistemas. Estos humedales son el segundo sitio m谩s importante del pa铆s para las aves migratorias costeras y proporcionan servicios ecosist茅micos esenciales para Chitr茅, la ciudad m谩s grande y de m谩s r谩pido crecimiento de la regi贸n.

Las comunidades costeras, que se encuentran entre las m谩s vulnerables, dependen de los manglares, los pantanos y las marismas salinas para la pesca, la recolecci贸n de moluscos y el turismo, pero reconocen que el r谩pido crecimiento urbano amenaza tanto los ecosistemas como las tradiciones culturales. Los l铆deres de base se han unido al Programa de Conservaci贸n de la Bah铆a de Parita para preservar los conocimientos, crear nuevas oportunidades para los j贸venes y las mujeres y salvaguardar los humedales que proporcionan pesca, protecci贸n contra las tormentas y carbono azul. Las principales actividades de este proyecto incluyen:

• Documentar las pr谩cticas tradicionales en el uso costero y marino.
• Fortalecer la pesca y el turismo responsables con las universidades y la sociedad civil.
• Empoderar a las comunidades para que participen en la planificaci贸n del uso del suelo de Chitr茅.

Socios del programa: CATHALAC, CREHO, ACD, Summa Architects, USMA-McGill Urban Forum and Observatory, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Coastal Solutions Program, Municipio de Chitr茅, ANUMA

 We鈥檙e excited to announce the release of a new compendium by the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities-Network (大象传媒-N), in collaboration with LatinoAmerica 21, titled: From Need to Opportunities: Fostering Connections and Knowledge Between Academia and Communities.

This publication highlights how the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities-Network (大象传媒-N) is building transformative connections between academia and communities across Latin America and the Caribbean. The compendium includes compelling case studies from programs around Latin America, including:

• Pontificia Universidad Cat贸lica del Per煤
• Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico
• Universidad Aut贸noma Metropolitana, Mexico
• Universidad de Colima, Mexico
• Pontificia Universidade Cat贸lica do Paran谩, Brazil
• University of Guadalajara, Mexico
• Escuela Superior Polit茅cnica del Litoral, Ecuador
• Universidad Aut贸noma de Bucaramanga, Colombia
• University of Chile
• Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexico

The publication is now available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Explore the publications today and get inspired by real-world examples of academic-community partnerships driving transformational change.

View the E-Book print version below:

The 2025 大象传媒 Conference, held in partnership with the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, took place in Chicago, Illinois from June 16th to the 19th. 聽We’re thrilled to share that the event was a tremendous success- filled with energy, insight, and momentum for the future of sustainability and community engagement.

Over four days, attendees from across the globe came together for thought-provoking conversations, inspiring presentations, and meaningful connections that are already sparking new collaborations across the 大象传媒.

Conference highlights included:
– Thought-provoking 大象传媒-N discussions shaping the future of our network
– Powerful sustainability conversations driving change in the community engagement space
– Meaningful networking opportunities fostering collaboration and innovation
– Engaging member presentations showcasing groundbreaking work

大象传媒 staff and member programs presented upwards of 20 sessions throughout the entire conference. Topics ranged from communicating stories of impact, to rural transportation equity, to transdisciplinary frameworks for community alliances. We were delighted to have 大象传媒 members from around the world join us in-person for this conference, including a strong contingent from Latin America whose presence brought global perspective and valuable insights to the event.

大象传媒-N staff, members, partners, and friends took this opportunity to connect, share resources, stories, and best practices. We look forward to continuing the conversations started at the conference, and will be following up with the 25+ new contacts interested in joining the network.

A huge thank you to all speakers, participants, and partners who made this event possible. Together, we鈥檙e building a more sustainable and connected future!

Please see the award winners below:

Partnership of the Year

University of the Philippines Los Ba帽os and the City of Calamba

The University of the Philippines Los Ba帽os partnered with the City of Calamba to address the urgent and interrelated challenges faced by the ten lakeshore barangays of Calamba City, Laguna, brought about by its high vulnerability to prolonged and frequent flooding due to their proximity to Laguna Lake.

The students not only identified key areas for improvement but also facilitated the creation of a unified disaster risk reduction and management framework that incorporated various sectors, such as agriculture and environmental protection.

Durban 大象传媒 Program and the City of Durban, South Africa

The partnership between the Durban 大象传媒 Program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the city of Durban sought to address a significant lack of trust in the city government on the part of local communities in need of assistance. 大象传媒 program leads within the city and within the university found that over time, students were able to relieve tensions within the communities and help build trust. They also opened up lines of communication between the city, the university and the affected communities. This greatly facilitated the ultimate success of the on-going work addressing the core challenges faced by the communities. These challenges included frequent devastating flood events that resulted in loss of lives, loss of services, loss of land and critical habitat, and destruction of dwellings.

Livable City Year and the Pacific County Economic Development Council

The University of Washington鈥檚 Livable City Year program is completing its third year in a successful partnership with the Pacific County Economic Development Council. During the past three academic years, LCY has completed 16 projects in partnership with PCEDC, roughly half of the projects related to housing and half related to economic development. Cumulatively, the partnership has given the county data and qualitative measures; case studies of comparable communities; financial analyses, reports and infographics to communicate with community stakeholders; and recommendations for next steps.

Faculty of the Year

Dr. Andrea Hicks, Professor & Director of Sustainability Education and Research

Since 2017, Andrea has collaborated with seven Wisconsin communities through UniverCity Alliance. Andrea understands that sustainability is interdisciplinary and grounded in real-world challenges. Because of this, she chooses to teach her courses by embedding community-based projects because it provides the best learning experience for students. Incorporating her expertise in areas of life cycle analysis and industrial ecology into a community-based learning model allows students to reflect on the social justice aspects of sustainability. All of these scholarly pursuits were included in her tenure portfolio. She was successfully tenured by her department, which makes her one of the first faculty members in the College of Engineering to use community engagement in her tenure case. Andrea also received the UW鈥揗adison Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Community-Based Learning Teaching in 2020.

Dr.  Fabiola S. Sosa Rodriguez, Professor

The UAM-大象传媒 La Piedad Lagoon Rescue project, spearheaded by Dr. Fabiola Sosa Rodr铆guez, has been making significant strides at the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM-大象传媒) since its launch in January 2023. Dr. Sosa鈥檚 exceptional work on the UAM-大象传媒 project, aimed at rescuing La Piedad Lagoon, is notable for her innovative approach. She transcended traditional teaching and research frameworks by actively involving the community in tangible and measurable socio-environmental transformation processes. In just two years, Dr. Sosa has mobilized over 700 students trained in water restoration topics from 15 courses across nine undergraduate and three graduate programs. Additionally, 15 professors from three different campuses and disciplines, alongside more than 15 research assistants and community service students, have participated in the project.

Student of the Year

Sudarat Jutimusik, Thammasat University

Sudarat has consistently gone beyond expectations in her involvement with the 大象传媒 program. In addition to her coursework, she has supported the lecturer, the 大象传媒 Asia Coordinator, and other faculty members in reaching out to partner programs and expanding engagement with the network. She has represented the program in two 大象传媒-N conferences and also participated in the Gobeshona Global Conference in 2024, where she contributed to international discussions on climate change and community engagement. She is often the first to volunteer for School events, highlighting the work of courses adopting the 大象传媒 model and  helping raise visibility and understanding of community-engaged learning. In January 2025, Sudarat contributed to the 大象传媒 workshop held in Bangkok, where she represented the voice of students during discussions with lecturers, local officials, and international participants.

Addison Cipowski, Indiana University Bloomington

Addison consistently went above and beyond by balancing a full academic course load while dedicating significant time and effort to the Sustaining Hoosier Communities project. Despite the demands of her coursework, she proactively schedule and conducted interviews, organized community visits, and meticulously developed both the practice brief and community presentation demonstrating exceptional time management and commitment to the project鈥檚 success. What truly set her apart was her ability to connect her academic and career goals with meaningful community impact. Recognizing broader systemic challenges during her work such as the role of broadband access in telehealth delivery she independently initiated and led a new project with KSB Impact students to conduct a broadband and technology assessment in another rural community.

During the 大象传媒-Africa Learning Event at the University of Pretoria in February 2025, 大象传媒-N facilitated a number of interviews with our members to highlight their experience implementing the 大象传媒 Model, along with their successes, challenges, and lessons learned. You can read the the previous interviews . Our fifth interview is with Xolani Dhlamini, Masters Student at UKZN. Read Xolani’s interview below:

Xolani Dhlamini, Masters Student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

Intro: My name is Xolani Dhlamini. I鈥檓 from Newcastle, and I鈥檓 doing my master鈥檚 in Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), which is located in Durban.

This is my first involvement with 大象传媒-N. I haven鈥檛 even been with them for a month. Personally, I love collaborating with 大象传媒-N because of their values. They love to collaborate with others, respect the values of other entities, and don鈥檛 force their own values on others. Instead, they try to find common ground. That鈥檚 why I want to be involved with 大象传媒-N.

Q: So, the first thing I鈥檒l ask is if you want to expand on your presentation or your current project. (Xolani, as the only student representative at the event, presented his work, but had limited time to explain everything, so I wanted to give him a chance to dive a bit deeper.)

A: Okay, to expand on my project: Initially, my topic focused on Quarry Road, which is quite a specific area. However, my supervisor and I decided to change the topic to cover all the settlements in the area because we realized we couldn鈥檛 just focus on Quarry Road. There are other settlements that don鈥檛 get a chance to voice their concerns, and they also produce valuable information when you engage with them.

So now my project looks at informal settlements in the eThekwini Municipality to quantify the flood risks they are exposed to. We are also incorporating indigenous knowledge from the communities because being overly technical doesn鈥檛 always give you the edge.

When you introduce them to the project, you allow them to create their own knowledge and maps, in addition to using tools like ArcGIS and QGIS. This way, you can compare their maps with the technical ones.

Our goal is to identify risks and develop new communication strategies for the municipality. For example, during floods, not only are informal structures affected, but even formal ones. With constrained resources, the municipality can鈥檛 attend to everyone during floods.

So, we鈥檙e creating community-based strategies so that if a flood happens, they can take care of themselves. For instance, we鈥檝e started training them on creating emergency evacuation routes.

Additionally, there鈥檚 a plan鈥攏ot from me, but from an honors student鈥攖o create shelters for use during flood aftermaths. We鈥檙e trying to develop something community-based so that the municipality doesn鈥檛 have to waste resources.

In Quarry Road, we鈥檝e seen improvements with training in first aid and fire safety. Now, we鈥檙e expanding to other settlements. The second informal settlement we鈥檝e adopted is Poland Informal Settlement. Residents from Quarry Road are now teaching Poland residents, creating an interconnection.

Q: And then, just comparing to other coursework you鈥檝e had鈥攏ot only in your master鈥檚 but also in your undergrad鈥攈ow has your work using the 大象传媒 model in this course compared to just your regular average courses?

A: I believe it鈥檚 quite different because it鈥檚 more collaborative. In my honors research, I assessed the impacts of informal trade on women informal traders from Msunduzi. There were many of them, but I don鈥檛 feel they were given much of a voice to share their knowledge or experiences.

There was a disconnect because when I interviewed them, they felt I was from the authorities and became scared. As a result, I ended up using secondary data, which wasn鈥檛 as beneficial to the informal traders or the municipality.

But now, using the 大象传媒 model, I鈥檓 funded under the project and able to work with the municipality, communities, and different entities like disaster management services and even the private sector.

For example, on Sunday morning, we presented something to residents in Quarry Road and another informal settlement. Now, it鈥檚 not just about floods; we鈥檙e including sanitation and other issues.

The 大象传媒 model feels more fitting to my current research because more entities are willing to collaborate. It鈥檚 not just about submitting a good paper for marks but producing something that has real benefits for the future.

Personally, I don鈥檛 care about recognition or money. As long as I can see a slight difference in people鈥檚 lives and they can spread that positivity to other communities; that鈥檚 what matters.
The municipality has also opened doors to us. Over the past years, my supervisor has been a bridge between the municipality and community members. There was a gap, but now, for Quarry Road, we鈥檝e developed an early warning system using a WhatsApp group.

The weather services inform the professor, who verifies the information and sends it to residents. This has lessened the number of casualties during floods because there鈥檚 now a connection. If the information came directly from the South African Weather Service, the community might not trust it, but because it comes from the professor, they respect it.

Q: I know you鈥檙e new to using the 大象传媒 Model, but what鈥檚 a piece of advice you would give to a new student who鈥檚 maybe thinking about doing a course with this work or will be doing it for sure in the future?

A: My first advice is to have passion for what they do. Passion drives everything. They must be willing to listen to others. For example, you may have contradicting opinions, but you must respect others鈥� opinions and argue respectfully. Since yesterday, I haven鈥檛 had any clashes. It鈥檚 always about finding a solution. So, for me, it鈥檚 about having passion, creating a respectful environment, carrying yourself well, and being serious and eager to learn.

There are organizations with different governance styles, and I鈥檝e been noting those down so I can expand my knowledge when I get home.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Ada Inman

During the 大象传媒-Africa Learning Event at the University of Pretoria in February 2025, 大象传媒-N facilitated a number of interviews with our members to highlight their experience implementing the 大象传媒 Model, along with their successes, challenges, and lessons learned. You can read the first interview  the second interview , and our third interview . Our fourth interview is with Mamma Sawaneh, Lecturer and the University of Gambia. Read Mamma’s interview below:

Mamma Sawaneh, Instructor/Lecturer at the University of Gambia

Intro: My name is Dr. Mamma. I work with the University of The Gambia as a senior lecturer. I am also the scientific coordinator for a doctoral research program on Climate Change and Education, which is part of the WASCAL (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use) program.

WASCAL is a regional program, but at my university, I coordinate the doctoral program. My background is in agricultural and climate change economics at the university.

In terms of my involvement with 大象传媒, we started communication with 大象传媒 around February 2024. They requested our involvement and wrote to my university. Later, my university identified me as the focal point for communication. We had our initial coordination meeting with 大象传媒, and they proposed a city refresher training.

We planned this training for April 2024, but it didn鈥檛 work out for Monrovia and Banjul. Later, we rescheduled the training for August 2024. The Gambia benefited from the first 大象传媒 training, the 大象传媒 Professor Training, held on the 11th and 12th of August.

In that training, I coordinated everything鈥攊nviting academia, communities, local authorities, and government institutions. On the first day of the two-day training, we had almost 20 participants from academia, local government, and the community. On the second day, we had close to 30 participants.

The training was very successful. Initially, participants thought the 大象传媒 model was some kind of computer modeling. Some even brought their laptops, thinking we would do climate or educational modeling. But it was a different experience. By the end, participants appreciated what the 大象传媒 model advocates for: respecting institutions, involving communities, and engaging faculty and students in solving societal problems through mutual respect and strong partnerships.

Q: What’s a specific challenge in your community or area that you think 大象传媒 will be able to address in the future?

A: There are quite a number of societal issues that the 大象传媒 model can address. For instance, at the university, we are currently involved in solving societal problems.

At the moment, I am a researcher in one of the projects aimed at enhancing community livelihoods. The project focuses on renewable energy, climate change, and land use management. We are targeting rural farmers involved in vegetable production.

What we are trying to do is see how they can use solar energy, specifically solar PV (photovoltaic) systems, in the context of renewable energy and a changing climate to address challenges and enhance livelihoods.

After the 大象传媒 training, we tried to use the 大象传媒 model to see how it could fit into addressing this societal problem. Traditionally, we would involve universities and communities, but the 大象传媒 training changed our way of thinking. We also involved local authorities and development partners.

For example, we involved the Department of Agriculture to conduct soil testing and the Department of Water Resources to analyze water resources in the community. We also partnered with an NGO called Future in Hands, which works directly with the community and helps with policy advocacy.

We involved our students in data collection and community interaction. This goes beyond just conducting experiments in the community; it鈥檚 about building capacity and understanding. With the 大象传媒 concept, this approach has helped us a lot.

We don鈥檛 have an 大象传媒 program or funding, but we are using the 大象传媒 model in our existing project to create an impact. It鈥檚 been very impactful for us.

Q: Based on what you鈥檝e heard mostly yesterday from the more experienced 大象传媒 members, what鈥檚 one takeaway you could use in your future projects from their success stories?

A: From the presentations, I would say a big lesson learned is from Latin America and Asia. They are doing great in terms of involving faculty, supervisors, and, most importantly, the community.

From their presentations, what we could do at our level is move this to the next level by domesticating and nationalizing the 大象传媒 model. By nationalizing, I mean engaging more with the government, presenting the model to them, and seeing how the government can work directly with universities and communities.

As I mentioned yesterday, universities are known for three functions: teaching, research, and community service. Community service is very important. Universities are established to solve societal problems, but sometimes, using conventional methods, they address problems that might not align with societal needs.

With the 大象传媒 model, you work directly with communities to ensure relevance. If we nationalize this, we can even see the national budget supporting universities and cities to help communities.

I think that鈥檚 a good takeaway, and we鈥檝e learned a lot from Asia and Latin America. This can have a multiplier effect.

Final Remarks: Okay, the other thing I would like to emphasize is that, unlike other countries, The Gambia was just introduced to the 大象传媒 model last year. We understand that this model can be implemented anywhere in the country, but we also want to be part of the 大象传媒 network.

We want to register and possibly work on a joint proposal to implement 大象传媒 models or programs in The Gambia. This will help create an evidence base because, to convince the government to nationalize it, we need an existing program.

After impact evaluation, we can showcase the results to the government, making it easier to nationalize. We are interested in writing a proposal, registering with the 大象传媒, and hopefully securing initial funding to kickstart an 大象传媒 program in The Gambia. This will serve as empirical evidence.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Ada Inman