The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) held an inter-institutional working meeting with representatives from the Municipality of Ayangue, the Drinking Water Administrative Board, ESPOL’s Office of Community Engagement, the ESPOL Faculty Association (APESPOL), faculty members, and researchers, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between academia and the community. The meeting took place on July 9, 2026, at the FICT Dean’s Office and helped establish an agenda focused on the sustainable development of the region.
The initiative seeks to promote interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and community service projects that address Ayangue’s priority needs. Among the main issues identified are drinking water supply, sanitation and drainage, infrastructure, and the strengthening of community capacities, through a participatory approach that integrates technical knowledge with local experience and traditional knowledge.
During the meeting, representatives from the Ayangue Municipality and the Drinking Water Management Board presented the main challenges facing the community and expressed their willingness to actively collaborate in all stages of the project. This participation will enable the development of a comprehensive assessment of the area and the design of sustainable solutions that will help improve the quality of life for its residents. In addition, participants reviewed the area designated for data collection using drones and agreed to conduct test flights to calibrate the equipment before fieldwork begins.
For its part, ESPOL’s Office of Community Engagement presented guidelines for incorporating the initiative into the Community Service program, which will enable students and faculty to participate in activities that have a direct impact on the community. This experience will strengthen academic training through on-site learning processes and promote interdisciplinary work for the benefit of society.
This meeting provided an opportunity to renew and strengthen the relationship that ESPOL has maintained with the community in recent years, establishing a roadmap for future joint initiatives. The participation of faculty, students, and local stakeholders will help generate sustainable solutions with both academic and social impact, strengthening the university’s ties to the community and its institutional commitment to the development of communities across the country.
Delegations participating in the meeting
Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT)
Eng. Paulina Vilela, Ph.D. –Civil Engineering Coordinator and Principal Project Leader
Eng. Josué Briones, Ph.D.(c) – Project Co-Leader.
Eng. Bethy Merchán, M.Sc. – Proffesor
Eng. Lenin Dender, M.Sc. – Professor
Eng. Rafael Cabrera, M.Sc. – Professor
Eng. Kevin Loor – Laboratory Technician
Eng. Erick Veas – Research Technician
Ángel Baque - ESPOL Dean's Office Representative for Community Engagement.
Ruth Matovelle - President of APESPOL
Eng. Klever Morán -ESPOL Association of Retired Faculty
Pepe Salinas – President of the Ayangue Municipality
Sena Suárez – Commune Representative
Eduardo Santos – Treasurer of the Ayangue Drinking Water Administrative Board.
Wilmer Sánchez – Ayangue Drinking Water Management Board.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The initiative promotes sustainable solutions for drinking water supply, sanitation, and integrated water resource management.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. It contributes to strengthening community resilience and sustainable land-use planning in coastal areas.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. It strengthens cooperation among universities, communities, and local organizations to generate solutions with social and scientific impact.
