Vida de Ecosistemas Terrestres

An international study involving ESPOL assessed the environmental condition of the soil at the Petaquilla mine in Panama more than a decade after its closure. The study identified areas contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbons, determined priority areas for restoration, and analyzed the risks to human health, providing key information for the sustainable recovery of areas affected by mining activity.

ESPOL's FICT participated in a study published in a Q1 journal that uses InSAR technology and Sentinel-1 data to analyze the deformation of volcanoes in northern Ecuador. The results demonstrate the potential of these techniques to strengthen volcanic monitoring and risk management through non-invasive tools.

“Chongón-Colonche Mágico” is an interdisciplinary publishing initiative that brings together science, culture, and the local landscape through narrative and audiovisual content, promoting science communication and the preservation of geocultural heritage.

The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral hosted a training session on the 5th Call for Entries for the Ecuador Habitat 2026 Award, organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation, aimed at strengthening the development of sustainable and resilient urban projects.

ESPOL participated in a study published in Sustainability that proposes a sustainable waste management model for the community of Sahuangal. The research outlines a technically and economically viable composting and recycling system aimed at reducing the environmental impact in rural areas.

ESPOL is conducting a research project on the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary in the La Prosperina Protected Forest, focusing on its geopatrimonial assessment and the development of strategies for geotourism, geoconservation, and geoeducation. The initiative aims to strengthen scientific knowledge and promote awareness of geological heritage.

The Agua ESPOL project transforms the Gustavo Galindo campus into a living laboratory for the study of groundwater resources. Using engineering, geophysical, and hydrogeological tools, the team conducts non-invasive research to identify water potential, generate technical data, and strengthen the sustainable management of this resource. The initiative also integrates Water Harvesting and Storage (SyCA) techniques, consolidating a vision that connects science, the local environment, and evidence-based decision-making.

The Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) is advancing its commitment to sustainability and integrated water resource management through the project “ESPOL Ecohydrology Demonstration Site: Lakes and Albarradas,” an initiative aimed at obtaining official recognition as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Site from UNESCO.

The 34th edition of ESPOL Divulga’s “Chela Científica” focused on the theme “The Hidden Power of the Tropical Dry Forest” and featured Maribel Aguilar, a professor and researcher at FICT and CIPAT.