The Faculty of Earth Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) participated in the regular meeting of the Ecuadorian Geoparks Commission, held at UNESCO headquarters in Quito. This forum serves as a key meeting point for coordinating stakeholders involved in the conservation, management, and promotion of Ecuador’s geological heritage.
The event brought together delegates from UNESCO Global Geoparks in the country, as well as representatives from national projects and public institutions, including the Institute of Geological and Energy Research (IIGE), the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Vice Ministry of Tourism. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen the geoparks network in Ecuador and promote joint strategies for their sustainable development.
Academic Contribution from FICT
During the session, faculty members and researchers from FICT and the CIPAT presented updates on strategic projects aimed at identifying and developing geoparks in the country:
- Josué Briones, Ph.D. (c), a FICT-CIPAT researcher and Coordinator of the Earth Sciences Master’s Program, presented the activity report for the Ruta del Oro Geopark project, highlighting actions related to the geological characterization of the territory and its potential for geotourism development.
- Emily Sánchez, Ph.D. (c), a CIPAT researcher, presented the progress of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark project, focused on the enhancement of geological heritage and its integration with territorial development processes.
Both presentations highlighted the role of academia in generating applied scientific knowledge, as well as in providing technical support to initiatives seeking recognition of geoparks under international standards.
Partnership for Sustainable Development
The meeting served to strengthen cooperation among academia, the public sector, and international organizations, promoting the exchange of experiences and the development of strategies aimed at advancing geotourism, environmental education, and sustainable land management.
The participation of FICT and CIPAT reaffirms ESPOL’s commitment to research, engagement with society, and technical contributions to the country’s sustainable development, helping to position Ecuador as a leader in the conservation and responsible use of its geological heritage.
Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This initiative contributes to the achievement of the following SDGs:
