Outside of Jun铆n, Argentina, the Mapuche community of Campo La Cruz faces growing challenges from climate change, flooding, and environmental degradation. Limited infrastructure and increasing climate risks have made the community more vulnerable to threats to surrounding ecosystems.

The Opportunity

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA), together with the Mapuche community of Campo La Cruz and the Jun铆n Institute of Higher Education Training, launched the CheCiencia project to help the community adapt to climate change through ecosystem-based solutions that strengthen environmental resilience and community well-being. The Mapuche community of Campo La Cruz includes 42 households and approximately 130 identified residents with strong territorial roots and traditional productive activities.  

Through a transdisciplinary approach, the project has worked with the Mapuche community to co-design ecosystem-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, including remediating degraded areas, transitioning to more sustainable materials for traditional adobe brickmaking, and assessing environmental risks in nearby ecosystems. Brickmaking is central to the Mapuche community’s cultural identity; however, it contributes to deforestation and land degradation. Brick manufacturing involves removing topsoil, leaving extensive scars on the landscape that collect water and waste where fertile grasslands once existed. Furthermore, these degraded areas face increasing weather fluctuations and flooding risks, which put community mobility and key aspects of local livelihoods at risk. 

Approximately 50 students and six professors from the Department of Geography at the Universidad de Buenos Aires linked the courses of 鈥淐limatology鈥�, 鈥淐limate Change鈥�, and 鈥淭ransdisciplinarity and EbA鈥� to direct project outcomes such as: climate variability analysis in the city of Junin, urban and peri-urban territorial mapping identifying areas exposed to hydro-climatic hazards, and a socio- environmental impact assessment of artisanal brick production. Students gained hands-on experience working alongside researchers and participating in community workshops to explore Campo La Cruz鈥檚 revaluation of its community’s natural and cultural heritage. For example, students created a community social perception survey to better understand the community’s brickmaking practices, living conditions, and needs.  Collaboration among students, local residents, and academic experts revealed a decline in artisanal brickmaking activity. The project also included the Jun铆n Institute of Higher Education Training, which developed a proposal for a tourism-linked local development project as a medium- to long-term goal. International collaborations through 大象传媒-N and other organizations helped bring together researchers and community members and strengthen relationships with the City of Jun铆n and other municipal officials.

Our Partnership

Project leaders began collaborating with 大象传媒-N in 2025. Researchers from Argentina and 大象传媒-N collaborated through a series of three-day workshops in Buenos Aires and Jun铆n at the end of May 2026, where they visited Campo La Cruz and discussed how to influence territorial planning of peri-urban areas, integrating criteria for adaptation to climate change, conservation of Pampas ecosystems, and the rights of vulnerable communities. 

The Universidad de Buenos Aires and other collaborators worked to maintain Jun铆n’s cultural identity while advancing environmental safety and resilience. 

Lucia Salamone, a Jun铆n-based geographer and CheCiencia collaborator, uses cartography and satellite imagery to better understand the territory and its location. A highlight for Salamone was implementing a photogrammetric survey with a high-definition drone to identify local micro-watersheds. Salamone said that through the project鈥檚 partnerships and workshops, she realized how international collaboration can connect researchers, community members, and elected officials to build climate resilience for local communities.

鈥淵ou realize you鈥檙e not working alone,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are many people who genuinely want to get involved and contribute.鈥�

The Result

Through ongoing efforts and collaboration, the University of Buenos Aires is working alongside the Municipal Ordinance for the Sustainable Management of Peri-urban Areas and Environmental Remediation in Campo La Cruz, Jun铆n, to modify prior legislation restricting soil extraction by integrating sustainable production alternatives.

The project also developed a comprehensive climate risk assessment, including data on floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss. The project has shifted its goals towards two fronts: controlling the black acacia鈥攁n invasive species threatening the recovery of the Pampas grasslands鈥攁nd developing a community-based tourism project that revitalizes the natural and cultural heritage of the Mapuche community. First and foremost, the project continues to work with the community to co-design safe ecosystem-based adaptation solutions while preserving the Mapuche community鈥檚 unique cultural heritage and identity.

The Global EbA Fund funds this project, 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.

The project is part of five projects under the program 鈥淐atalyzing Unconventional Collaborations in the Global South for Urban Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA).鈥�

Socios locales ayudan a construir resiliencia clim谩tica en Campo La Cruz, Argentina

El problema

En las cercan铆as de Jun铆n, Argentina, la comunidad mapuche de Campo La Cruz enfrenta desaf铆os crecientes derivados del cambio clim谩tico, las inundaciones y la degradaci贸n ambiental. La infraestructura limitada y los riesgos clim谩ticos crecientes han vuelto a la comunidad m谩s vulnerable a las amenazas que afectan a los ecosistemas circundantes.

La oportunidad

La Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), junto con la comunidad mapuche de Campo La Cruz y el Instituto de Formaci贸n Docente de Jun铆n, lanz贸 el proyecto CheCiencia para ayudar a la comunidad a adaptarse al cambio clim谩tico mediante soluciones basadas en ecosistemas que fortalecen la resiliencia ambiental y el bienestar comunitario. La comunidad mapuche de Campo La Cruz est谩 integrada por 42 hogares y aproximadamente 130 residentes identificados, con s贸lidas ra铆ces territoriales y actividades productivas tradicionales. 

Mediante un enfoque transdisciplinario, el proyecto ha trabajado con la comunidad mapuche para codise帽ar soluciones basadas en ecosistemas que refuercen la resiliencia clim谩tica; entre ellas, la recuperaci贸n de 谩reas degradadas, la transici贸n a materiales m谩s sostenibles para la fabricaci贸n tradicional de ladrillos de adobe y la evaluaci贸n de riesgos ambientales en los ecosistemas cercanos. La fabricaci贸n de ladrillos es fundamental para la identidad cultural de la comunidad mapuche; sin embargo, tambi茅n contribuye a la deforestaci贸n y a la degradaci贸n del suelo. La manufactura de ladrillos implica la remoci贸n de la capa superficial del suelo, dejando extensas cicatrices en el paisaje que acumulan agua y residuos en lugares donde antes exist铆an pastizales f茅rtiles. Adem谩s, estas 谩reas degradadas enfrentan fluctuaciones clim谩ticas cada vez mayores y riesgos de inundaci贸n, lo que pone en riesgo la movilidad de la comunidad y los medios de vida locales.

Aproximadamente 50 estudiantes y seis docentes del Departamento de Geograf铆a de la Universidad de Buenos Aires vincularon las asignaturas de “Climatolog铆a”, “Cambio Clim谩tico” y “Transdisciplinariedad y EbA” (Adaptaci贸n basada en Ecosistemas) con resultados directos del proyecto, tales como: el an谩lisis de la variabilidad clim谩tica en la ciudad de Jun铆n, el mapeo territorial urbano y periurbano para identificar 谩reas expuestas a amenazas hidroclim谩ticas, y una evaluaci贸n del impacto socioambiental de la producci贸n artesanal de ladrillos. Los estudiantes adquirieron experiencia pr谩ctica trabajando junto a investigadores y participando en talleres comunitarios para explorar la revalorizaci贸n del patrimonio natural y cultural de Campo La Cruz. Por ejemplo, dise帽aron una encuesta de percepci贸n social para comprender mejor la pr谩ctica cultural de la fabricaci贸n de ladrillos, as铆 como las condiciones de vida y las necesidades de la comunidad. La colaboraci贸n entre estudiantes, residentes locales y expertos acad茅micos revel贸 una disminuci贸n de la actividad de fabricaci贸n artesanal de ladrillos. El proyecto tambi茅n incluy贸 al Instituto de Educaci贸n Superior de Jun铆n, que desarroll贸 una propuesta de desarrollo local vinculada al turismo, con miras al mediano y al largo plazo. Las colaboraciones internacionales a trav茅s de 大象传媒-N y otras organizaciones ayudaron a reunir a investigadores y a miembros de la comunidad, as铆 como a fortalecer los v铆nculos con la ciudad de Jun铆n y con otros funcionarios municipales.

Nuestra colaboraci贸n

Los l铆deres del proyecto comenzaron a colaborar con 大象传媒-N en 2025. Investigadores de Argentina y de 大象传媒-N coimplementaron una serie de talleres de tres d铆as en Buenos Aires y Jun铆n a finales de mayo de 2026; all铆 visitaron el Campo La Cruz y debatieron sobre c贸mo influir en la planificaci贸n territorial de las zonas periurbanas, integrando criterios de adaptaci贸n al cambio clim谩tico, de conservaci贸n de los ecosistemas pampeanos y de respeto a los derechos de las comunidades vulnerables. 

La Universidad de Buenos Aires y otros colaboradores trabajaron para preservar la identidad cultural de Jun铆n al tiempo que promov铆an la seguridad ambiental y la resiliencia. 

Luc铆a Salamone, ge贸grafa radicada en Jun铆n y colaboradora de CheCiencia, utiliza la cartograf铆a y las im谩genes satelitales para comprender mejor el territorio y su ubicaci贸n. Un aspecto destacado para Salamone fue la realizaci贸n de un relevamiento fotogram茅trico con un dron de alta resoluci贸n para identificar las microcuencas locales. Salamone se帽al贸 que, gracias a las alianzas y talleres del proyecto, comprendi贸 c贸mo la colaboraci贸n internacional puede conectar a investigadores, miembros de la comunidad y funcionarios electos para fomentar la resiliencia clim谩tica de las comunidades locales. 

芦Te das cuenta de que no est谩s trabajando sola禄, afirm贸. 芦Hay muchas personas que realmente quieren involucrarse y contribuir禄.

El resultado

Mediante esfuerzos continuos y la colaboraci贸n, la Universidad de Buenos Aires trabaja en el marco de la Ordenanza Municipal para la Gesti贸n Sostenible de 脕reas Periurbanas y la Remediaci贸n Ambiental en Campo La Cruz (Jun铆n), con el fin de modificar la legislaci贸n anterior que restring铆a la extracci贸n de suelo e integrar alternativas de producci贸n sostenible. 

El proyecto tambi茅n desarroll贸 una evaluaci贸n integral de riesgos clim谩ticos, que incluye datos sobre inundaciones, sequ铆as y p茅rdida de biodiversidad. La iniciativa ha orientado sus objetivos hacia dos frentes: el control de la acacia negra 鈥攗na especie invasora que amenaza la recuperaci贸n de los pastizales pampeanos鈥� y el desarrollo de un proyecto de turismo comunitario que revitalice el patrimonio natural y cultural de la comunidad mapuche. Ante todo, el proyecto sigue trabajando con la comunidad para codise帽ar soluciones seguras de adaptaci贸n basada en ecosistemas, preservando al mismo tiempo la identidad y el patrimonio cultural 煤nico de la comunidad mapuche.

Este proyecto cuenta con el financiamiento del Global EbA Fund, el apoyo de la Iniciativa Clim谩tica Internacional (IKI) del Ministerio Federal de Medio Ambiente, Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza, Seguridad Nuclear y Protecci贸n al Consumidor (BMUV) de Alemania, y la cogesti贸n de la Uni贸n Internacional para la Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza (UICN) y sus socios.

La iniciativa forma parte de un conjunto de cinco proyectos en el marco del programa 芦Catalizar colaboraciones no convencionales en el Sur Global para la adaptaci贸n basada en ecosistemas (AbE) urbana禄.

Stretching across the U.S.-Mexico border, Los Laureles Canyon, part of the Tijuana River watershed, is a rich ecosystem that supports biodiversity. But increasing pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss have created binational challenges for the watershed.

The Opportunity

In August 2025, the Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana project launched through a collaboration among Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, Costa Salvaje A.C and the Rancho Las Flores community. The project aimed to strengthen local resilience, reduce environmental vulnerability, and restore lost biodiversity in Los Laureles Canyon.

Since Fall 2025, seven academic programs at the university, including Architecture, Mechatronics Engineering, Psychology, Nursing, Law, Communication, and Bionanotechnology Engineering, have joined the effort as part of an interdisciplinary approach to environmental restoration and the implementation of the 大象传媒-Model.

Together, the seven departments focused on five primary goals: monitoring water quality and mitigating wastewater pollution through phytoremediation; controlling soil erosion; revegetating green spaces; promoting environmental education and community stewardship; and exploring legal pathways to secure the Right to a Healthy Environment. For the past two semesters, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, 127 students were involved in 15 courses supervised by 15 professors.

Through continued collaboration, the project incorporated key initiatives such as urban and risk mapping led by the psychology department, as well as environmental monitoring efforts.

Our Partnership

In April 2025, leaders within the Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana project began collaborating with 大象传媒-N to assist with project funding and the implementation of the 大象传媒 Model, combining university- and community-led initiatives with municipal collaboration.

Teachers and students of the Bionanotechnology Engineering undergrad program collected samples of dirt and water along the Los Laureles Canyon for testing. Students, along with local laboratories, proposed a type of bioremediation, an environmental process that uses living organisms to remove hazardous pollutants from water. Other undergraduate students in Tadeo Franco鈥檚 architecture class, a professor at Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, and the 大象传媒-N/EbA project lead designed a community board to facilitate communication between project leaders and the local community. The innovative communication tool included feedback from neighbors in its final design.

Tadeo Franco said community members are heavily involved within the project, and continued collaboration has led to new innovations as the project progresses.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e very much involved in deciding which design they like the most,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tudents with professors had to change the objective of the design because of the petitions with the neighbors.鈥� 

Other project partners and collaborators include Costa Salvaje Conservation, a nonprofit that helped build infrastructure near the community board for collecting and processing trash.

Looking forward, project leaders say they hope members of the Rancho Las Flores community can continue to maintain community interventions created through the Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana project. In the architecture program at the Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, project leaders hope to officially integrate transdisciplinary courses within the department and across the university. 

The Result

Through the Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana project and its ongoing work, organizers and collaborators have strengthened relationships among university departments, community members, and partners working in Los Laureles Canyon. The project has also strengthened socio-environmental resilience through several key interventions. By August 2026, organizers hope to secure acknowledgment from local authorities of the problems caused by biodiversity destruction and the vulnerability it generates in the community.

Georgina Mu帽oz Reyes, architecture professor at Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana and 大象传媒-N/EbA project organizer, said that although the project has overcome some challenges, it has achieved its goal of showcasing the possibilities of transdisciplinary approaches and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA).

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a learning process,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut overall, the goals of introducing this transdisciplinary approach of learning about nature-based solutions and how to implement them have been really wonderful, seeing how everything has been developing and growing.鈥�

Juan Pablo Ram铆rez Flores, a student from Universidad Iberoamericana, campus Le贸n (central Mexico), as part of the collaboration within the network of Jesuit universities,聽recently earned 2nd place in the Scientific Poster Design Competition at the 3rd Engineering Congress of the Jesuit University System for his work on this project. This recognition reflects the impact of applied research and science-driven solutions for sustainable development.聽

This project 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.

The project is also part of five projects under the program 鈥淐atalyzing Unconventional Collaborations in the Global South for Urban Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA).鈥�

La Universidad Iberoamericana de Tijuana se asocia con la comunidad para restaurar el Ca帽贸n de Los Laureles

El problema

El Ca帽贸n de Los Laureles, que se extiende a ambos lados de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y M茅xico y forma parte de la cuenca del r铆o Tijuana, es un ecosistema rico en biodiversidad. Sin embargo, la creciente contaminaci贸n, el cambio clim谩tico y la p茅rdida de biodiversidad han generado desaf铆os binacionales para la cuenca.

La oportunidad

En agosto de 2025, se puso en marcha el proyecto de la Universidad Iberoamericana de Tijuana mediante una colaboraci贸n entre la Universidad Iberoamericana de Tijuana, Costa Salvaje A.C. y la comunidad de Rancho Las Flores. El proyecto busca fortalecer la resiliencia local, reducir la vulnerabilidad ambiental y restaurar la biodiversidad perdida en el Ca帽贸n de Los Laureles.

Desde el oto帽o de 2025, siete programas acad茅micos de la universidad, entre ellos Arquitectura, Ingenier铆a Mecatr贸nica, Psicolog铆a, Enfermer铆a, Derecho, Comunicaci贸n e Ingenier铆a en Bionanotecnolog铆a, se han sumado al esfuerzo como parte de un enfoque interdisciplinario para la restauraci贸n ambiental y la implementaci贸n del Modelo 大象传媒.

En conjunto, los siete departamentos se centraron en cinco objetivos principales: monitorear la calidad del agua y mitigar la contaminaci贸n por aguas residuales mediante fitorremediaci贸n; controlar la erosi贸n del suelo; revegetar espacios verdes; promover la educaci贸n ambiental y la participaci贸n comunitaria; y explorar v铆as legales para garantizar el derecho a un medio ambiente saludable. Durante los dos 煤ltimos semestres, oto帽o de 2025 y primavera de 2026, 127 estudiantes participaron en 15 cursos supervisados por 15 profesores.

Mediante la colaboraci贸n continua, el proyecto incorpor贸 iniciativas clave como el mapeo urbano y de riesgos, liderado por el departamento de psicolog铆a, as铆 como esfuerzos de monitoreo ambiental.

Nuestra Alianza

En abril de 2025, los l铆deres del proyecto de la Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana comenzaron a colaborar con 大象传媒-N para apoyar la financiaci贸n del proyecto y la implementaci贸n del Modelo 大象传媒, combinando iniciativas universitarias y comunitarias con la colaboraci贸n municipal.

Docentes y estudiantes del programa de pregrado de Ingenier铆a en Bionanotecnolog铆a recolectaron muestras de tierra y agua a lo largo del Ca帽贸n de Los Laureles para su an谩lisis. Estudiantes, junto con laboratorios locales, propusieron un tipo de biorremediaci贸n, un proceso ambiental que utiliza organismos vivos para eliminar contaminantes peligrosos del agua. Otros estudiantes de la clase de arquitectura de Tadeo Franco, un profesor de la Universidad Iberoamericana de Tijuana y el l铆der del proyecto 大象传媒-N/AbE dise帽aron una pizarra comunitaria para facilitar la comunicaci贸n entre los l铆deres del proyecto y la comunidad local. Esta innovadora herramienta de comunicaci贸n incluy贸 la retroalimentaci贸n de los vecinos en su dise帽o final.

Tadeo Franco afirm贸 que los miembros de la comunidad participan activamente en el proyecto, y la colaboraci贸n continua ha dado lugar a nuevas innovaciones a medida que avanza el proyecto.

“Participan mucho en la decisi贸n sobre qu茅 dise帽o les gusta m谩s”, dijo. “Los estudiantes, junto con los profesores, tuvieron que modificar el objetivo del dise帽o debido a las peticiones de los vecinos.”

Otros socios y colaboradores del proyecto incluyen a Costa Salvaje Conservation, una organizaci贸n sin fines de lucro que ayud贸 a construir infraestructura cerca de la pizarra comunitaria para la recolecci贸n y el procesamiento de basura.

De cara al futuro, los l铆deres del proyecto esperan que los miembros de la comunidad de Rancho Las Flores puedan seguir manteniendo las intervenciones comunitarias creadas a trav茅s del proyecto de la Universidad Iberoamericana de Tijuana. En el programa de arquitectura de la Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, los l铆deres del proyecto esperan integrar oficialmente cursos transdisciplinarios tanto dentro del departamento como en toda la universidad.

Resultados

A trav茅s del proyecto de la Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana y de su trabajo continuo, los organizadores y colaboradores han fortalecido las relaciones entre los departamentos universitarios, los miembros de la comunidad y los socios que trabajan en el Ca帽贸n de Los Laureles. El proyecto tambi茅n ha fortalecido la resiliencia socioambiental mediante diversas intervenciones clave. Para agosto de 2026, los organizadores esperan obtener el reconocimiento de las autoridades locales respecto de los problemas causados por la destrucci贸n de la biodiversidad y la vulnerabilidad que esta genera en la comunidad.

Georgina Mu帽oz Reyes, profesora de arquitectura en la Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana y organizadora del proyecto 大象传媒-N/AbE, afirm贸 que, si bien el proyecto ha superado algunos desaf铆os, ha logrado su objetivo de mostrar las posibilidades de los enfoques transdisciplinarios y de la adaptaci贸n basada en ecosistemas (AbE).

鈥淗a sido un proceso de aprendizaje鈥�, concluy贸. 鈥淓n general, los objetivos de introducir este enfoque transdisciplinario para aprender sobre soluciones basadas en la naturaleza y c贸mo implementarlas han sido realmente maravillosos, al ver c贸mo todo se ha ido desarrollando y creciendo鈥�.

Juan Pablo Ram铆rez Flores, estudiante de la Universidad Iberoamericana, campus Le贸n (centro de M茅xico), obtuvo recientemente, como parte de la colaboraci贸n dentro de la red de universidades jesuitas, el segundo lugar en el Concurso de Dise帽o de P贸steres Cient铆ficos del III Congreso de Ingenier铆a del Sistema Universitario Jesuita por su trabajo.

Este proyecto est谩 financiado por el Global EbA Fund, cuenta con el apoyo de la Iniciativa Clim谩tica Internacional (IKI) del Ministerio Federal de Medio Ambiente, Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza, Seguridad Nuclear y Protecci贸n al Consumidor (BMUV) de Alemania, y es cogestionado por la Uni贸n Internacional para la Conservaci贸n de la Naturaleza (UICN) y sus socios.

Asimismo, el proyecto forma parte de un conjunto de cinco iniciativas en el marco del programa 芦Catalizar colaboraciones no convencionales en el Sur Global para la adaptaci贸n basada en ecosistemas (AbE) urbana禄.

At the heart of 大象传媒 Africa Durban is a commitment to building meaningful partnerships between universities and communities to co-produce knowledge, drive local action, and respond to pressing urban challenges. The Greening Initiative in Quarry Road and Pholani is a powerful example of this approach in practice鈥攚here community leadership, academic support, and municipal collaboration come together to create sustainable change.

Co-Producing Solutions: Composting for Healthier Communities

Working in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Zero Waste, and the eThekwini Municipality Agroecology Unit, 大象传媒 students and community members co-designed and implemented a composting initiative that responds directly to local waste management challenges.

Following training sessions and hands-on implementation, community members began transforming organic waste鈥攕uch as old vegetables and household wet waste鈥攊nto compost. This not only reduces the volume of waste in the settlement but also addresses critical public health concerns. With inconsistent waste collection, uncollected refuse often becomes a breeding ground for pests, particularly rats. Composting offers a practical, locally driven solution to this issue.

The initiative also reflects the importance of building local partnerships. A nearby supermarket, which previously disposed of its waste into the river, is now contributing wet waste to the composting system鈥攔educing environmental pollution and strengthening community-led environmental stewardship.

Through 大象传媒, this work goes beyond training鈥攊t is about building long-term capacity. The community has taken ownership of the process, ensuring that composting continues as a sustainable, embedded practice. 

Figure.1&2– Quarry Road residents and 大象传媒 students at a community composting site. 

Innovation in Context: Vertical Gardening

In response to the spatial constraints of informal settlements, the initiative introduced vertical gardening鈥攁 low-cost, adaptable solution for urban food production.

Using recycled materials such as wooden pallets and old sacks, community members in Quarry Road developed vertical gardens that maximise limited space while reinforcing principles of reuse and sustainability. A demonstration site was established at one household, creating a living learning space where knowledge can be shared and adapted across the community.

This reflects a core 大象传媒 principle: solutions must be locally appropriate, resource-conscious, and driven by the realities of the communities they serve.

Figure. 3- Vertical Gardening Initiative at Quarry Road informal settlement 

Peer-to-Peer Learning: Extending Impact to Pholani

A defining feature of 大象传媒 Africa is the emphasis on knowledge exchange. The success in Quarry Road created an opportunity to extend the initiative to Pholani through a 鈥渢raining the trainers鈥� model.

Community members from Quarry Road, supported by Zero Waste and 大象传媒 students, facilitated composting training for the Pholani community. This peer-led approach strengthens local ownership and ensures that knowledge is transferred in ways that are accessible and contextually relevant.

In Pholani, where land is available adjacent to the settlement, community members cleared and prepared the area for planting. With support from the UKZN team, seedlings were provided and a variety of crops were planted, including spinach, potatoes, onions, mealies, and green peppers鈥攃ontributing to improved food security and livelihoods.

Figure. 3: Food Gardening at Pholani Informal Settlement- Figure.4: Making of Swales at Pholani Informal Settlement. 

Responding to Challenges Together

As with many community-led initiatives, challenges remain. Limited access to water, a lack of gardening tools, and the need for secure fencing have been identified as ongoing barriers. Additionally, environmental pressures such as flooding and wildlife鈥攑articularly monkeys鈥攑ose risks to crop sustainability.

True to the 大象传媒 model, these challenges are not addressed in isolation. Through continued collaboration, adaptive solutions are being explored. For example, Zero Waste facilitated training on swales鈥攁 technique that helps manage water flow and prevent crops from being washed away in flood-prone areas.

Building Resilient, Connected Communities

The greening of Quarry Road and Pholani demonstrates what is possible when communities, universities, and local partners work together through the 大象传媒 framework. This is not just about environmental improvement鈥攊t is about strengthening relationships, building local capacity, and supporting communities to lead change in their own contexts.

Through initiatives like these, 大象传媒 Africa Durban continues to foster inclusive, community-driven innovation鈥攕howing that sustainable urban futures are built through collaboration, trust, and shared knowledge.

By: Nkosinathi Mncwabe

大象传媒 Africa Durban Coordinator

Building on a well-established history of effective partnership and collaboration for transformative urban change, the University of Zambia (UNZA) partnered with the Lusaka City Council (LCC) and local community institutions under the 大象传媒-N framework. The initiative aimed to address urban problems by intervening with research conducted by students, engagement with the communities, and the development of holistic but strategic and implementable spatial plans. Guided by the application of academic potential and local knowledge and lived experience, the project sought to plan a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable city for Lusaka. The collaboration was the perfect ground to close the gap between university, local authorities, and civil society, fostering a participatory urban planning with vulnerable urban groups in mind. This project offered an opportunity for building tripartite partnership for sustainable urban development in an African context. The partnership involves universities, local government and society. This form of collaboration lacks in many African cities, and 大象传媒 Model offers real possibilities for scaling up partnership-based action for sustainable interventions that address issues affecting the most vulnerable.  

The 大象传媒 Lusaka project also aimed to integrate innovative solutions such as urban re-naturing, green infrastructure, and smart technologies into the city鈥檚 development plans. By focusing on sustainability and resilience, the initiative aimed to transform Lusaka into a model city for climate-smart urban planning. This initiative not only addressed immediate urban challenges but also laid the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

To help solve this issue, over 38 master鈥檚 students and 10 academics from UNZA鈥檚 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies were brought together to analyze urban development challenges and propose solutions. This was part of the MSc in Spatial Planning Degree teaching programme, MSc in geography and MSc in Environment and Natural Resources. Other courses are Regional Planning and Development, Urban Geography and Planning from the undergraduate classes. The project focused on key issues such as waste management, transportation inefficiencies, role of special economic zones for creating jobs within a sprawling and fast-paced urban sector in Lusaka, role of environmental management frameworks, land use practices, and climate change vulnerability. Students produced three spatial development frameworks for Lusaka, which were shared with the Lusaka City Council and other stakeholders, in order to improve the ongoing formulation of the Lusaka Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Regional Development Plan. 

The 大象传媒 Lusaka project successfully developed actionable plans and information to support Lusaka’s urban development. The plans made by students provided new concepts and information to complement city plans, focusing on climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusion. The plans emphasized green infrastructure, compact urban form, and community participation in addressing urban issues. The project also raised awareness of flood risks and waste management issues among vulnerable communities, encouraging greater community participation in urban development.

One of the key achievements of the project was the creation of detailed maps and spatial frameworks that highlighted critical issues such as waste disposal sites, flood-prone areas, and transport inefficiencies and role of special economic zones in driving job creation. These outputs provided the Lusaka City Council with valuable insights for improving urban planning and resource allocation. The reports and slide decks by students provided an innovative 鈥榩rimer鈥� for integrated development plans at city and regional scales in Lusaka. Additionally, the project-built capacity among city officials and community leaders, strengthening their ability to address urban challenges through training and collaborative workshops.

The project also encouraged enhanced collaboration between local government, the university, and communities, offering an avenue for open discussion and exchange of ideas. The collaboration not only enhanced the quality of urban planning but also ensured that marginalized groups were heard and integrated into the process of development. The 大象传媒 Lusaka project was a demonstration of how academic-community collaborations could lead to concrete enhancement of urban development.

Building on the success of the 大象传媒 Lusaka project, future efforts will focus on disseminating the student-produced development plans with the Lusaka City Council and other stakeholders in the future. The project will also support government-led slum upgrading interventions, particularly in informal settlements like Kanyama and Kalikiliki. Strengthening collaboration among different actors, including government agencies, private entities, and local communities, will be a key priority for the future of urban development strategies in and around Lusaka.

By leveraging visual arts and technology, community engagement, and academic research, the 大象传媒 Lusaka project has laid the groundwork for transforming Lusaka into a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient city. The approach can serve as a model for other cities facing similar urban challenges.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Ada Inman

Building on the groundbreaking success of Phase 1 of this work, which established a community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) in the Quarry Road West community that saved hundreds of lives during the April 2022 floods which caused unprecedented damage in eThekwini Municipality, Phase 2 of this long-term initiative represents a significant expansion of this work into other informal communities.

At the core of this initiative is the 大象传媒 approach, with the 大象传媒 Durban program serving as a central platform through which students and faculty at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, contribute directly to flood adaptation strategies. A key component of the 大象传媒 Durban program has been the involvement of 52 postgraduate students from UKZN’s School of Built Environment and Development Studies. Through courses like Special Studies B and Environment and Development, these students have contributed vital work, including flood risk mapping and settlement profiling, design of climate communication tools in isiZulu and English, development of practical solutions like flood-resilient bridges, community workshops on disaster preparedness, food gardening with composting and evaluation of innovative sanitation systems.

In parallel, the INACCT (Designing Inclusive African Coastal City Resilience) Resilience project, led by ICLEI Africa in partnership with UKZN, eThekwini Municipality, Eduardo Mondlane University, in Mozambique and the Beira Mozambique local government, builds on this model by emphasizing collaborative urban resilience planning across coastal African cities. More information about the INACCT Resilience project can be found .

Together, these collaborative streams are being integrated through the CBFEWS, with the intention to replicate this approach throughout the city, and potentially in many other African cities too.

This initiative also includes:

1. Expanding the life-saving early warning system to additional vulnerable communities, incorporating new technologies and community training programs to ensure wider participation and shared learning across settlements.

2. Restoring and rehabilitating damaged ecosystems to strengthen food sovereignty.
This includes community food gardens and composting initiatives designed to improve local food security and community well-being.

3. Strengthening ecosystem resilience through Community-Ecosystem-based Adaptation (CEBA). This involves riverbank stabilization efforts using indigenous plant species to prevent land erosion during floods, alongside community-led indigenous tree planting initiatives aimed at reducing urban heat during summer months.

4. Developing a risk profile of vulnerably located settlements in these two cities. In Durban, this will align with and support the City鈥檚 existing informal settlement categorization process, where low risk settlements can be upgraded with the provision of services, and high risk settlements can be prioritised for re-settlement.

5. Evaluating and upgrading waste management programs in informal communities, addressing a critical factor that exacerbates flooding when debris clogs natural drainage systems. This includes innovative partnerships with NPOs like Green Corridors and alignment with the national government鈥檚 Presidential Employment Programme (PEP) funding that supports Durban’s Incremental Upgrading Strategy.

6. Waste management efforts have also substantially reduced the amount of waste lying around the settlement, which in the past attracted vermin like rats, which in turn attracted highly venomous snake species, like the black mamba, presenting a risk to the community (albeit that these snakes were also providing a service). To respond to that threat, ten community members were trained as snake monitors to identify venomous species which were rescued by a local snake expert. With the removal of solid waste, snakes have become much less of an issue.

Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (USA), START International, the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) project, the INACCT Resilience project, and the Wellcome Trust, this multi-phase initiative represents Durban’s long-term commitment to building resilience in its informal settlements.

By addressing early warning systems, ecosystem rehabilitation, waste management, and policy integration, the success in Durban provides a replicable model for cities facing similar climate challenges.

The project’s legacy directs several primary areas for building upon its successes. Upscaling the community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) for floods to Durban’s entire high-risk area is a short-term priority capable of saving many lives from future violent weather and climate events.

The emphasis on integrating scientific research with local knowledge has opened new paths for urban resilience planning. With Durban continuing to grapple with the intersection of urbanization, inequality, climate change, and informality, this initiative is a great example of how universities can act as bridges between communities and policymakers. True resilience is rarely ever a product of top-down solutions but more often comes about from coalitions like this one that respects and embraces cross-cultural  experiences and knowledge in the face of shared threats.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze

Bandung City, Indonesia, faces severe challenges related to climate change, urban flooding, air pollution, and rising temperatures, all threatening infrastructure, public health, and economic stability. Frequent and severe flooding has displaced residents and damaged roads and drainage systems, with recent water levels reaching as high as 170 centimeters. The rise in private vehicle ownership and outdated public transport infrastructure have led to persistent air pollution, worsening respiratory diseases and increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, the loss of green spaces has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, making parts of the city significantly hotter and less resilient to extreme weather events. Without effective interventions, Bandung risks continued environmental degradation, economic losses from congestion, and long-term climate vulnerabilities.

The Opportunity

Recognizing the escalating risks posed by climate change, local authorities in Bandung saw an opportunity to leverage academic expertise and community participation to create sustainable solutions. The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Local Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda), and the Environmental Protection Agency (BPLHD) formed a collaboration to address these challenges by mitigating urban flooding, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality through innovative urban planning and public engagement. This work aligns with Bandung鈥檚 broader vision for a climate-resilient city, integrating research and community action to create long-term environmental solutions.

This consultancy also provided an opportunity to adopt the 大象传媒 Model and become part of the 大象传媒 (大象传媒-N), a global initiative that fosters partnerships between universities and cities to solve real-world urban challenges. By embedding the 大象传媒 Model into its curriculum and research efforts, ITB has established a framework that strengthens collaborations between students, faculty, policymakers, and local communities. This approach ensures that climate resilience efforts are scientifically informed, locally driven, and community-focused.

Collaboration with local government agencies has been crucial in supporting Bandung鈥檚 long-term climate adaptation goals. Bappeda and BPLHD have provided policy support, regulatory frameworks, and coordination mechanisms to align academic research with municipal priorities. This ongoing work has created a scalable model for sustainable urban development in Bandung by integrating community-driven urban planning with government-backed environmental strategies.

Our Partnership

Nurrohman Wijaya, Ph.D., an assistant professor of urban and regional planning at ITB, spearheaded the partnership between ITB, local government agencies, and community groups. This collaboration focused on integrating climate-resilient development strategies into community-led urban initiatives. ITB introduced new technologies and adaptive urban designs, ensuring that interventions addressed specific community needs while aligning with climate adaptation goals.

One of the most impactful programs resulting from this partnership is Buruan SAE Sabedug, an initiative designed to expand urban green spaces and promote sustainable urban agriculture. The program focused on transforming underutilized areas into community-driven green spaces, empowering residents to cultivate vegetables such as chilies, bok choy, eggplant, and shallots using hydroponics, soil-based farming, organic tower gardens (OTGs), and aquaponics. These techniques maximize urban space, improve food security, and enhance environmental resilience, particularly in flood-prone and drought-affected areas.

With support from the Bandung City Government, the program also addressed water resource management challenges. Initiatives included installing water pumps to mitigate drought impacts and planting trees to reduce flooding risks. These efforts increased local green spaces, improved community resilience, and fostered environmental stewardship among residents. Through active participation in planting and maintenance, the program strengthened community engagement in climate action, creating a self-sustaining model of urban adaptation.

Courses Involved

The consultancy was embedded into multiple courses at ITB, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world urban challenges. Students from the following courses actively contributed to this support effort:

• Planning Process Studio 鈥� Focused on community assessments, participatory planning, and designing climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Community Planning and Development Process 鈥� Addressed social, economic, and environmental factors in urban adaptation strategies.
• Sustainable Urban Development 鈥� Explored policy frameworks, land-use planning, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
• Transportation and Environmental Management 鈥� Examined urban mobility, air pollution, and traffic-related environmental concerns.

Students engaged in field research, community consultations, and urban planning exercises, working closely with local government agencies to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

The Result

Preliminary findings from this work indicate that community-led urban greening initiatives significantly enhance climate resilience. The initiative has successfully mitigated flood risks, improved air quality, and strengthened community participation in sustainability efforts by integrating urban agriculture, water management strategies, and adaptive land use planning. The Buruan SAE Sabedug program has already contributed to increasing urban green spaces, reducing heat island effects, and enhancing biodiversity in key districts of Bandung.

Students from ITB have been actively involved in documenting project outcomes, analyzing environmental impacts, and presenting their findings at national and international conferences. The consultancy has encouraged students to develop innovative solutions that align with Bandung鈥檚 climate adaptation policies, ensuring that academic research translates into practical, real-world impact.

As part of their coursework, students also interviewed community members, urban farmers, and local policymakers to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure projects. Their research findings were submitted to Bappeda and BPLHD, providing valuable insights that could inform future climate adaptation policies and urban resilience planning.

Additionally, the consultancy has influenced Bandung鈥檚 approach to integrating urban agriculture with municipal planning. By demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of localized food production, this work has paved the way for policy discussions on expanding similar programs across the city.

Faculty at ITB, particularly Assistant Professor Wijaya, are committed to sustaining and expanding these climate adaptation efforts. Plans are already in place to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, integrate new technologies, and strengthen policy engagement with government agencies.

Looking Ahead

The success of this work highlights the importance of scaling climate resilience efforts across Bandung. Moving forward, ITB aims to expand the reach of community-driven sustainability initiatives, incorporating them into additional courses such as Planning Process Studio and Community Planning and Development Process. The initiative will also be opened to students from other study programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and broader participation in urban climate action.

Strengthening partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations remains a priority, focusing on expanding the network of collaborators and securing long-term funding. The next phase of this support effort aims to develop a strategic plan or policy brief for the Bandung City Government, outlining scalable models for climate-resilient urban development.

Partnership Contact Information

Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
Assistant Professor Dr. Nurrohman Wijaya

nurrohman.wijaya@itb.ac.id

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakde

The Problem

Permatang Pauh鈥檚 paddy farmers were facing two critical challenges: inefficient agricultural waste management and shrinking incomes. The burning of paddy husk post-harvest contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deteriorating air quality, and increasing health risks. Many farmers relied on outdated practices, with over 80% resorting to open burning. With most farmers nearing retirement age and limited exposure to modern farming methods, their ability to generate sustainable income was severely impacted. The community needed a solution to both reduce environmental harm and increase the farmers’ profitability.

The Opportunity

Recognizing that better waste management could lead to environmental and economic benefits, the 大象传媒 Model was adopted to empower farmers and youth. If local farmers could learn sustainable practices like composting and aquaponics, they could turn agricultural waste into valuable organic compost, boost crop yield, and diversify their income. The project envisioned a greener future through smart farming, where knowledge-sharing between academia, local government, and industry could spark lasting change.

The Partnership

The project was led by Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in partnership with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Urbanest Sdn Bhd. Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli from UPSI spearheaded the initiative, bringing expertise from university professors and students. 鈥淭his collaboration bridges the gap between academia and the real-world challenges farmers face,鈥� said Prof. Che Zalina. The Green Edu Centre, the first of its kind in Malaysia, provided the training ground for the 42 farmers and youth. 鈥淲e aim to localize the technology, making it accessible and affordable for the community,鈥� said a representative from Urbanest. MBSP鈥檚 involvement ensured the program aligned with local government initiatives to promote sustainability. Together, the partnership trained participants in composting, aquaponics, and fertigation techniques, all designed to reduce environmental damage while increasing income potential.

The Result

The results were immediate and promising. 鈥�97.5% of participants rated the program 4 or 5 stars,鈥� said Karthigayan Gunasegaran, a project lead from UPSI. Farmers who had never received formal training before learned how to turn agricultural waste into organic compost, drastically reducing their reliance on harmful practices like open burning. 鈥淭he training gave us the tools we needed to not only protect our land but also make more money,鈥� shared one local farmer. The Green Edu Centre is now a hub for ongoing research and community education, ensuring the knowledge continues to grow beyond the initial project.

Looking Ahead

The partnership is committed to continuing its support for farmers in Permatang Pauh. Plans are already in place for follow-up training sessions that will focus on expanding smart farming techniques to more farmers. With the right funding, the program will also incorporate an agro-business component, helping farmers access new markets and reduce their reliance on traditional wholesale channels. The journey toward sustainable, smart farming is just beginning, and the partnership aims to keep the momentum going for years to come.

Partnership Contact Information

Seberang Perai City Council Contact
Mr. Chew Eng Seng
Local Agenda 21 Officer
Seberang Perai City Council
eschew@mbsp.gov.my

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

The local community has experienced diminishing fish stocks, reduced income, and deteriorating natural resources. These challenges, coupled with the pressing issue of climate change, have exacerbated the community鈥檚 vulnerability. It is crucial to recognize the need for enhanced environmental awareness and effective sustainable resource management. As community members fight to adapt to these hardships, they must also find ways to preserve their environment, which is essential for their livelihoods and future well-being.

The opportunity arose with the partnership between the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the local government of Dumangas. Recognizing that raising awareness and equipping the community with knowledge about climate change and biodiversity conservation could turn the tide, the project sought to empower local stakeholders. By implementing an Environmental Awareness Program, the project aimed to educate residents on sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.

This initiative was also aligned with broader goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on climate action, SDG 14 on marine conservation, and SDG 15 on biodiversity conservation. By addressing the root of environmental degradation through education and community involvement, the project saw the potential for long-term sustainability and greater protection of marine resources.

The partnership between ISAT U and the Municipality of Dumangas was central to this initiative. Ms. Flosel P. Almirante, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, led the project in Dumangas, working closely with Mr. Eric D. De la Vega, the academic liaison from ISAT U. Together, they integrated practical environmental challenges into the university’s curriculum, engaging students across various disciplines such as Environmental Science, Research, IT/Multimedia Systems, and Architectural Drafting.

Collaboration extended beyond the university and local government to include national and international organizations like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines, and Deutsche Gesellschaft f眉r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These partners provided technical expertise, funding, and resources, creating a robust framework for the project鈥檚 success.

“The partnership between ISAT U and our community has been transformative,” said Ms. Almirante. “The knowledge and resources provided by the university and our international partners have not only raised awareness but also empowered the people to take ownership of their environment.”

The collaboration has led to notable successes. Through a series of community workshops, social marketing efforts, and awareness campaigns, residents became more informed about climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fishing practices. Students played a crucial role in designing digital platforms, creating communication materials, and participating in community awareness drives. This hands-on involvement enriched both the students’ education and the program’s effectiveness.

As a result, LLIMPA has seen increased community engagement, with residents becoming more involved in conservation efforts. Illegal fishing activities have decreased, and there is growing support for the rehabilitation of mangrove forests and the enforcement of sustainable practices. “This project has not only brought knowledge to our people but has fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting our marine resources,” noted Mr. De la Vega.
Looking forward, the partnership between ISAT U and Dumangas will continue to evolve. Plans are in place to expand the 大象传媒-N model to other barangays and to further integrate sustainability into the university鈥檚 academic programs. The municipality also intends to seek additional funding to maintain the momentum of the program and explore ways to scale it for neighboring communities. This collaboration is just the beginning of a larger movement toward environmental stewardship and climate resilience in the region.

Partnership Contact Information

Eric D. De la Vega
Iloilo Science and Technology University
edumilevega1970@gmail.com

Flosel P. Almirante
Municipality of Dumangas
flosel.almirante@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

The city of Manado, situated in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, is a vibrant hub for international tourism. Thousands of visitors flock to this provincial capital city with an interest in hiking the lush trails of Bunaken National Park or snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs of the Celebes Sea. However, underneath its picturesque surface, Manado is facing a consistent, colossal adversary that threatens both its tourism industry and its citizens: torrential seasonal flooding. With rapid urbanization, land reclamation in the coastal areas, and population growth, the city is experiencing increasing risks from coastal and riverine flooding. Climate change and sea-level rise have worsened the flooding situation in the city as they have altered the amount of precipitation affecting the water levels of the Tondano River (Manado River) and facilitating more high-tide floods. This looming hazard demands urgent attention and adaptation from the citizens of this coastal city.

While Indonesia has always faced seasonal flooding through the rainy months of November to March, over the past few decades extreme weather events throughout the country have both intensified and occurred more frequently. Some experts believe this shift may be attributed to consistent rising temperatures in Indonesia since 1989, as warmer air allows for a higher potential of moisture and therefore a higher possibility for extreme weather events.

The city of Manado has identified flooding as the highest priority issue for their community. The flooding has proved disastrous for the city鈥檚 residents, making the need for a viable, real-time warning system more necessary than ever. With this system, communities gain more time for effective preparation and evacuation in high-risk zones.

Manado State Polytechnic Students Launch 大象传媒 Project To Devise A New Flood Early Warning System for the City of Manado, Indonesia

Local university students from Politeknik Negeri Manado (Manado State Polytechnic), in partnership with the city of Manado, embarked upon disaster mitigation efforts by turning a flood warning system into reality. These students, from diverse disciplines, were united in their mission to create a city resilient to major environmental events.

The team started their project by surveying the city and locating critical flooding areas to implement the systems in. The early warning systems utilize conductive pads to measure water conductivity and the rate at which water is rising, transmitting that information to a server in the institute’s Command Center that visualizes the data to determine whether significant flooding is imminent.

After their efforts, four systems were successfully installed across different city locations. While these efforts were both successful and impactful, much work remains to be done to mitigate flood damage to the city鈥檚 residents and economy. The city is currently holding meetings to determine the necessary steps for implementing protocols once the flood warning systems are triggered鈥攕uch as who makes decisions, when they are made, and who carries them out.

Additionally, Manado State Polytechnic is expanding its curriculum in climate adaptation by offering project-based learning classes like Sustainable Infrastructure and Mapping Potential Natural Hazards. In 2023, Electrical Engineering students from Manado State Polytechnic developed a . The system uses alerts and mobile notifications to warn of rising water levels. Inspired by flooding during their internship in Ternate Tanjung, it was handed over to the Manado City Disaster Management Agency to aid in timely evacuations. ()

This project has been completed.

Partnership Contact Information

City of Manado Contact

Mareyke Alelo
Politeknik Negeri Manado
ikealelo1964@gmail.com

Brury Bangun
Sub Department Head
Manado City Local Government
brurybanget@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Anthony Socci and Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Con la gu铆a de sus profesores, los estudiantes han tenido que superar varios desaf铆os a lo largo de este proyecto. Esto incluye la dificultad que conlleva el an谩lisis de muestras de miel, ya que las caracter铆sticas del producto suelen ser heterog茅neas. Adem谩s, los estudiantes tambi茅n han tenido que trabajar y ser emp谩ticos con apicultores que no estaban seguros de compartir las ubicaciones de los apiarios con la universidad, porque para ellos esos lugares son 煤nicos y temen ser invadidos por otros, lo que podr铆a afectar la producci贸n de sus colmenas. Afortunadamente, con el paso del tiempo los apicultores acordaron compartir datos y muestras con la Universidad de Colima con la esperanza de aprender m谩s sobre su producto. Encontraron valor en los resultados que se les han mostrado y han seguido trabajando con la Universidad de Colima y los estudiantes. La investigaci贸n empez贸 con 6 tipos de miel procedentes de apicultores de zonas de costa y monta帽a. Ahora, el proyecto ha analizado 24 tipos diferentes de miel y varias muestras de polen, ya que los apicultores quer铆an comprender mejor los recursos utilizados por sus abejas.

Los resultados de sus investigaciones m谩s recientes finalizan en el mes de junio de 2024, pero el equipo espera continuar su trabajo para ayudar a煤n m谩s a los apicultores de Colima. Al final del proyecto, el equipo espera que los apicultores tengan m谩s confianza en ellos y que se acerquen cuando tengan incertidumbres. El equipo tambi茅n est谩 trabajando en una biblioteca de muestras de polen que servir谩 como recurso para los apicultores. Por 煤ltimo, el equipo espera proporcionar a los apicultores un mapa de riesgos que contendr谩 informaci贸n sobre la floraci贸n anual, espacios seguros para las abejas y 谩reas infectadas con pesticidas en colaboraci贸n con otro grupo de investigaci贸n. La Universidad de Colima espera que este proyecto sirva de ejemplo y sea el inicio de un movimiento m谩s amplio. Con la ayuda de otras universidades, la Universidad de Colima quiere crear una organizaci贸n de productores de miel que beneficie a los apicultores de M茅xico.

Helping Colima’s Beekeepers

In the beginning of 2023, professors at the University of Colima began working on a project to categorize different types of honey in Colima. The foundations of this project were conceived in 2015 when a team at the University of Colima began looking for funding for a study on pollen and nectar-producing plants in the state of Colima. This team was created by Dr. Andr茅s Garc铆a Aguayo, Carlos Leopard铆, Christian Carolina Gallegos, Elvira Silva Jim茅nez, and two classes of 24 Biology and Geographic Information Systems students. Over the course of the project, the students learned how to measure the basic physicochemical characteristics of honey, such as its color, freshness, and sweetness. They also learned how to identify different types of plants and honey in their state. Their measurements helped farmers differentiate the botanical origin of their product from other types of honey, thereby increasing its value. Thanks to 大象传媒-N鈥檚 network, the University of Colima鈥檚 team was able to focus on the construction of a pollen library, identifying the grains of pollen in honey, and the creation of a risk map.

Over the course of the project, students encountered many challenges. Some of these challenges included difficulties in analyzing honey samples due to the variety of characteristics that honey can possess. Additionally, students needed to collaborate with local beekeepers, who had hesitations about sharing the location of their apiaries with the university. They worried that others would find out and encroach on their apiaries, affecting the productivity of their hives. Fortunately, the beekeepers agreed to share samples and data with the University of Colima, hoping to learn more about the product they were selling. They found substantial value in the results and have continued to work with students at the University of Colima. Since the beginning of the project, the team has analyzed 24 different types of honey and a variety of pollen samples, thanks to the support of beekeepers who found value in understanding the resources that their bees used.

Although the studies were finalized in June of 2024, the team hopes to continue their work with beekeepers throughout Colima. They hope that beekeepers will continue to reach out to the University of Colima with questions and concerns about their product. The team is also working on the creation of a pollen library using the pollen samples they collected, which will serve as a resource for beekeepers. Finally, the team hopes to collaborate with another team to create a risk map containing annual flowering patterns, safe spaces for bees, and areas contaminated with pesticides, as another resource for farmers. The University of Colima hopes that this project will serve as an example and initiate a larger movement within the field. With the help of other universities, the University of Colima aims to create an organization of honey producers to benefit beekeepers across Mexico.