Author: SG CSUCA

GUIDED FIELD TOUR

On August 30, 2024, as a follow-up to the activities of the Trinational Meeting, organized by the project “Strengthening the risk management of agri-food systems that contributes to food and nutritional security to face climate variability in the dry corridor of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras 2024-2025”, a field visit was carried out at the Technological Center of Agriculture and Livestock of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, UES, an activity in which the group of farmers from Guatemala and the professionals of the 7-GT project consortium and the Master Sonia Olivares of the IDRC-CSUCA Executing Unit participated.

The Center Coordinator, accompanied by MSc Fidel Parada, welcomed the group, outlining the activities to be carried out within the center. During the tour, the group observed and received explanations about the rice trials being conducted; they also observed the management of the guava orchards, planted one meter apart and frequently pruned to prevent excessive growth and maximize shorter harvest times; the planting of the common bean (Cannavalia ensiformes); the displays of integrated agroforestry systems (MIAF): corn-fruit trees-sorghum-pitaya; and a plot of chufle (a type of palm) cultivated for commercial purposes due to its germination rate and rapid flower development for consumption. The group also saw the cocona shrub (Solanum sesiliflorum), used as a living fence; its fruit is in high demand in El Salvador for direct consumption and jam making.

Space in which the work carried out by women in the clonal garden of fruit trees was observed in order to obtain vegetative material that is planted in the MIAF systems.

At the end of the visit, diplomas and fertilizer bean seeds (sword bean) were given to all participants, following the closing ceremony of the Second Trinational Meeting of the 7-GT project.

TRINATIONAL MEETING PROJECT 7-GT – IDRC-CSUCA

On August 29, 2024, the second trinational meeting of the consortium of researchers from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras was held. These researchers are implementing Project 7-GT, "Strengthening the risk management of agri-food systems that contribute to food security and nutrition to address climate variability in the dry corridor of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras 2024-2025," funded by the regional IDRC-CSUCA project. The opening ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Center for Research and Development in Health (CENSALUD) at the University of El Salvador. It was presided over by the Rector, MSc. Juan Rosa Quintanilla; MSc. José Miguel Cermeño, Secretary of Scientific Research; MSc. Nelson Bernabé Granados, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the University of El Salvador; Dr. Alice Burgos, Director of Research at the University of San Carlos (USAC); MSc. Sonia Olivares from the IDRC-CSUCA Implementing Unit; and Dr. Milton Sandoval, Coordinator of Project 7-GT. Those who spoke welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of the project in contributing to mitigating the effects of climate change on food production agriculture.

Among the topics addressed during the meeting was "Women's Empowerment in Agricultural Practices," presented by Nora Letona, who offered a historical analysis of the evolution of women's struggle for their rights in society. She also outlined the activities being carried out within the project to encourage women's participation in communities. Ana Mireya, for her part, discussed the activities implemented in Honduras to promote women's participation in the project.

Regarding Dr. Milton Sandoval, the project coordinator, I presented the experience of the “Agri-food risk assessment in the communities where the Guatemalan group works. Case study: USAC-CUNSARO subproject.”.

Another topic addressed was the “Importance of Early Warning Systems (EWS) to determine agri-food risk” by Eng. Rodrigo Vásquez, UES, and “Agroecological strategies and practices in the diagnostic phase applied in agricultural systems” by MSc. Jorge Luis Escobar, UNAG, mentioning droughts, heat, lack of water, and crop losses that are addressed in the IDRC-CSUCA project in Honduras.

While MSc. Oscar Ferreira, UNAG, mentioned the experiences they carry out with children in promoting agri-food practices in Honduras, MSc. Fidel Parada Berrios, UES spoke about the expected impact on the communities benefiting from the MIAF technological showcases, and the SAF agroforestry systems, and Dr. Héctor Alonso Gómez Gómez from UNAG pointed out the progress of the project in Honduras in the town of El Triunfo, with the focus on sustainable agri-food systems.

The day ended with the reading of agreements regarding the actions to be developed in the project, by Teacher Sonia Olivares.

Exchange of good practices and experiences in sustainable water resource management with a gender focus in the city of Monterrey, NL Mexico

Within the framework of the activities of the Project “Towards SMART and Sustainable Water Management in Central American Communities Through Innovative and Inclusive Water Research and Education” (SMART-S Water Management), The team, made up of researchers from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras, visited the city of Monterrey, NL, Mexico, from July 29 to August 2, to learn about good practices and experiences in sustainable water resource management with a gender focus.

The host institution for the visit was the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), a member of the research consortium with extensive experience in promoting innovative technologies to solve problems related to access to water and sanitation. The researchers toured some of the projects led by this institution, including: Strategic Decision Core (SDC), space designed to present local, national and international authorities with information and data relevant to decision-making; E2 Off Grid Parking, pilot self-sustainability system, which includes rainwater harvesting systems, water harvesting from humidity and wastewater reuse for its operation; project Blue Route in Residences XV, which incorporates a rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment system with a soil system to supply water to the aforementioned university residence.

E2 Off Grid Parking

They also visited the “TEC District” Y “Campana-Altamira District”, Urban planning and connections with the university campus were discussed, highlighting how Tecnológico de Monterrey acts as a neighbor of the city and supports the development of plans and programs that benefit the community. During this tour, the city's contextual complexities were observed, which impact access to and sustainable management of water resources.

For its part, a space was also created for the exchange of experiences on water governance with staff from Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey, a decentralized public institution that is responsible for supplying water to the city.

The presentation by Architect Juan Ignacio Barragán Villagrán, Director General of the institution, was particularly noteworthy. He provided a timeline of the challenges posed by the 2021 and 2022 droughts and the measures taken to address them. These measures included the declaration of a drought, which expedited the contracting and construction of emergency infrastructure projects, such as the Cuchillo II aqueduct and the Libertad Dam. Both projects were accompanied by leak repairs, maintenance of existing wells and pumping stations, and other measures. The research team also visited these engineering works.

During the visit to TEC de Monterrey, significant progress was made in consolidating key SMART-S project initiatives for water management in Central America. Essential input was obtained for defining innovative technologies, models, and measures that could be promoted in the Central American region, as well as for designing training programs through co-creation workshops in each country. The discussions also allowed for exploring the replicability of innovative projects from Tecnológico de Monterrey in areas such as campus management, laboratory technical resources, industry collaboration, and community integration. Furthermore, the philosophy of water management in climate-challenged areas was recognized, and the participation of women at various levels of the water management system was highlighted. These interactions strengthened inter-institutional relationships, establishing potential pathways for future partnerships in research, education, and student and faculty exchange.

The project SMART-S Water Management It is executed by the research consortium made up of the Western University Center of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (CUNOC), the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Francisco Morazán Pedagogical University (UPNFM) and the Monterrey Institute of Technology (TEC), within the framework of the regional project “Strengthening inclusive science and innovation systems in Latin America through a collaborative research network” implemented by the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of Central America and Panama (CTCAP) and the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SG-SICA), financed by the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC).

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE WORKSHOP: “Inclusion and equity in innovation processes in Central America”

Central America, August 14, 2024

As part of the implementation of the regional project “Strengthening Inclusive Science and Innovation Systems in Latin America through a Collaborative Network”, coordinated by the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA) and funded by the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC), the knowledge exchange workshop “Inclusion and equity in innovation processes in Central America” was held with representatives of the 16 research consortia that are currently being implemented within the framework of the first public call for collaborative research project proposals.

One of the main areas of focus is the approach to and implementation of “Inclusive Innovation with a Gender Equity Focus.” In this regard, the CSUCA-IDRC regional project has undertaken actions to encourage, remind, promote, and generate resources so that collaborative research projects incorporate these elements of innovation as a key factor in the design and implementation of each consortium.

The Workshop highlighted the efforts of the projects' research teams to promote actions that combine a diversity of aspects such as convictions, epistemological perspectives, methodological challenges, among other elements developed with the different social actors and people who participate in the innovation process, recognizing the importance of working on inclusive innovation and inclusive innovation with a focus on gender equity.

The focus and depth of the work on both topics varies considerably among the 16 projects. It is within this context that the CSUCA-IDRC Project considers the current progress made, creating a favorable environment for the exchange and collective development of knowledge among the research teams.

The exchange carried out during the Workshop has allowed the sharing of methods, practices used, as well as the strengthening of teams through the exchange of experiences, and at the same time, documenting and systematizing the learnings in inclusive innovation and inclusive innovation with a focus on gender equity of the CSUCA-IDRC Project, achieved up to this point.

Both the results of the Workshop and the expected results of the projects will contribute to the construction of conceptual and methodological frameworks to address inclusive innovation with a focus on gender equity from practice in the Central American region.

 

TRANSFER OF THE SIRCIP PRESIDENCY

Central America and the Caribbean, August 9, 2024

Today, in a virtual format, the transfer of the presidency of the Central American and Caribbean Regional System of Research and Postgraduate Studies -SIRCIP- took place, with Arturo Rivera of the Specialized University of the Americas -UDELAS- handing over the position to Radhames Silverio of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo -UASD-.

SIRCIP is an organ of the Central American Confederation that strengthens, guides, supports, coordinates, harmonizes, and integrates research and postgraduate studies, with a regional focus, in the member universities of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA). According to the system's operating regulations, the presidency rotates annually to the country holding the presidency of the Central American Higher University Council; in this case, it is the Dominican Republic, which holds the presidency of the Central American Higher University Council.

To welcome everyone to the meeting, Carlos Alvarado, Secretary General of CSUCA, stated, “The promotion of research, science, technology, and postgraduate studies is fundamental for our region and our societies. As university authorities of this confederation, we must assume this commitment and, in this case, motivate researchers to set themselves new challenges that will lead to major transformations and renewals.”.

Arturo Rivera, the outgoing president, stated in his report, “I must acknowledge each of the coordinators of the four objectives of Program 2 of PIRESC V, as they have always supported us, not only by providing information, but also by inviting us to numerous program meetings and events within the framework of the Regional Postgraduate Research System. The participation of the presidency is important, not only for gaining a holistic understanding of what each team is doing, but also to directly support and benefit the functions of teaching and research, by sharing these advances with the teaching and administrative staff of the various universities that make up the Central American University Confederation.”.

For his part, Radhames Silverio, the incoming president, stated, “On behalf of the Dominican Republic Commission, to all member countries, ladies and gentlemen, this is a special day for the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and for the State, as I assume the commitment to preside over SIRCIP. The work of this system is only possible when higher education institutions prioritize the interests of their people over the commercial interests of knowledge. And this is how we can truly achieve the development of our nations and ensure that the research and programs developed are genuinely directed toward the problems that directly affect men and women in society.”.

As part of this meeting, a brief review of the activities planned for the second half of 2024 was carried out by each of the SIRCIP working teams: interventions by the coordinators of the Technical Commission, the committees for promoting and monitoring the strategic objectives of program 2 of PIRESC “Research, science, technology and innovation for integration and regional development”.

Thus establishing that the sixty-second SIRCIP general assembly will be held at the National Autonomous University of Honduras on November 7 and 8.

CSUCA and IDRC implement 16 collaborative research networks

Scientific research and technological development, reliable information and timely scientific knowledge are necessary and crucial elements to successfully address and overcome the main environmental, economic, social and political problems of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), in its last two strategic plans (PIRESC IV and PIRESC V), has included the Research, Science, Technology and Innovation program, whose objective is to develop regional research capacities and contribute to the joint study of the main problems of the region, with territoriality, risk, local development; economic growth, productivity, competitiveness and sustainable development; digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence and data science; climate change and environmental management being some of the priorities. .

The project “Strengthening inclusive science and innovation systems in Latin America through a collaborative research network”; funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada and coordinated by CSUCA, aims to promote regional scientific exchange and collaboration, and invites the development, in its first phase, of 16 projects aimed at generating new knowledge that contributes to strengthening the research-innovation-inclusion nexus.

Currently, the first call for proposals of the regional project is underway, strengthening the development of 16 collaborative research networks, which are in their second and third quarters of implementation. The objectives of these projects are geared towards promoting joint work between universities, governments, multilateral bodies, companies, entrepreneurs, community groups, as well as adding value to scientific collaboration within the Central American region, allowing its results to be translated into processes of economic, social and environmental development. 


The 16 projects underway in this first phase are:


  1.  Utilizing carao, teosinte and mangosteen for the development of functional foods as a food and nutritional security strategy for Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.
  2.  Local territorial development for equitable and sustainable economic growth in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama.
  3.  Towards SMART and Sustainable Water Management in Central American Communities, through Innovative and Inclusive Research and Education (SMART-S Water Management) (Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico).
  4.  Strengthening environmental skills in communities through technological and methodological innovation to promote resilience in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change in the canton of Heredia, Costa Rica, the district of Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Panama and the indigenous Achí community of Rabinal in the department of Baja Verapaz, Guatemala (COPAGUAR).
  5.  Multicenter validation of an Artificial Intelligence application, developed by Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, for the identification of intestinal parasites.
  6.  Central American Consortium for High-Performance Computing for Socio-environmental Applications: towards the inclusion of women and indigenous groups in science in the region (Cocecar). (Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama).
  7.  Consortium for the development of innovative and inclusive research on problems related to climate change and renewable energies in Central America and the Dominican Republic. (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Colombia and Spain).
  8.  Strengthening risk management in agri-food systems that contributes to food and nutritional security to address climate variability in the dry corridor of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras 2023-2024.
    9. Equity in a just transition. Promoting the participation of the Central American region in the IPCC reports “Central American Network on Climate Change (RC4)”. (Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama)
  9.  Implementation of a data science-supported research network that empowers and inspires women to develop capacities to contribute to biodiversity conservation (Redbioma). (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico).
  10.  Consolidation of the Central American Network of Innovation and Research for Fair Access to Housing and the Understanding of Metropolitan Architectures. Horizontal, inclusive and collaborative dialogues between Metropolitan Areas of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico (RCAII –AJH -AM).
  11.  Tools for the defense of the territory of indigenous communities in Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala.
  12.  Technological Innovation, Social Inclusion and Environmental Management for the identification of variables of sustainable community development in Central America. (Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama).
  13.  Consolidation of the Central American Network for Critical Extension Research (RECIEC), Stage II. (Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama).
  14.  Strengthening the economic conditions of indigenous women in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador within the framework of the second Sustainable Development Goal: Zero Hunger.
  15.  Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Food and Nutritional Security: Innovation and Conservation. (Panama, Guatemala and Nicaragua).

The projects are expected to identify challenges or needs of the various vulnerable groups or sectors in the Central American region over the course of 22 months and provide responses that will improve inclusive innovation and gender equality, while also supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional policies.