The COMUNIDAD project, a transformative EU-funded initiative, is at the forefront of leveraging European satellite and data technologies to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture and forestry. This ambitious project integrates Copernicus satellite data, the European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data technologies to create innovative solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability in land management. With its focus on international collaboration, COMUNIDAD bridges European expertise with the needs of Latin American stakeholders to foster socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This November, the project will host a series of workshops in Chile and Colombia. These events aim to not only introduce the project’s innovative approach but also actively engage with local communities to co-create solutions that address their specific needs. By combining cutting-edge technology with local knowledge, COMUNIDAD seeks to tackle critical challenges such as climate change adaptation, resource optimization, and sustainable practices. The workshops underscore the project’s commitment to developing tools and strategies that are practical, relevant, and easy to implement for diverse stakeholders.

THE POWER OF CO-CREATION

At the heart of the COMUNIDAD project lies the principle of co-creation. Recognizing that impactful solutions must resonate with those who use them, the project team is working closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, foresters, policymakers, researchers, and public organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions developed are not only technologically advanced but also tailored to real-world needs.

Through the workshops, the project team will collect critical insights into the challenges faced by local communities, including barriers to adopting precision farming and forestry technologies. These insights will help refine the pilots, addressing unmet needs and removing obstacles such as high costs, technical complexity, or limited accessibility. The ultimate goal is to boost both profitability and sustainability in Latin America’s agriculture and forestry sectors.

WORKSHOPS IN COLOMBIA AND CHILE: LOCATIONS OF OPPORTUNITY

In Colombia, the workshops will take place in the Zona Cafetera, a globally renowned coffee-growing region where agriculture is both an economic driver and a cultural hallmark. The pilot in Colombia focuses on using precision mapping and real-time data tools to optimize coffee production, mitigate environmental risks such as landslides, and build resilience against climate variability.

In Chile, the workshops will be held in the Aysén region, a territory celebrated for its rich forestry resources and environmental diversity. The Chilean pilot will address issues such as forest fire prevention, land use planning, and sustainable forestry management by integrating remote sensing technologies and local environmental data.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES: SHAPING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER

The workshops are designed with two complementary objectives. The first is to introduce the COMUNIDAD project to a wide audience of stakeholders, including public authorities at all levels, organizations promoting innovation and sustainability, precision farming researchers, and local farmers and foresters. By showcasing the transformative potential of the project’s technologies, the team aims to inspire enthusiasm and foster partnerships.

Equally important, the workshops will serve as a platform for listening and learning. Through interactive discussions and collaborative sessions, participants will share their experiences, highlight critical challenges, and identify unmet needs. This feedback is essential for tailoring the project’s pilots to ensure they are relevant, impactful, and practical for the communities they aim to serve.

ANTICIPATING THE NEXT STEP: CO-CREATION IN ACTION

Building on the momentum of these workshops, the COMUNIDAD project will continue its commitment to co-creation by organizing a series of hackathons in February 2025 and 2026 in both Chile and Colombia. These hackathons will focus on empowering experienced users and developers to create localized applications and extend the capabilities of the COMUNIDAD platform.

Participants will have the chance to:

  • Explore the Copernicus programme and its applications.
  • Develop localized tools using COMUNIDAD platform services.
  • Contribute new data sources, functions, and services to the platform.

These events will deepen collaboration with local innovators, further tailoring the platform to meet the unique needs of the regions and solidifying its role as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and forestry in Latin America.

A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The COMUNIDAD project is about more than implementing new technologies—it’s about creating solutions that align with the realities and aspirations of those who rely on agriculture and forestry for their livelihoods. By embracing a co-creative approach, the project is working to empower stakeholders, strengthen resilience, and drive sustainable development across Latin America.

These workshops represent a pivotal moment in the project’s journey, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of these events and the next steps in this inspiring initiative.

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