Field work of researchers from LNS node.
Source: COM Communications Management Institute.
Natural laboratories are understood as geographically separated places with unique characteristics of the planet, in which natural processes can be studied from several scientific disciplines, geological and biological. Due to the diversity and homogeneity of the ecosystems in Chile, different natural laboratories can be found in the territory.
project Subantarctic Natural Laboratory node (LNS Node) lasted for 16 months, in which the main objective was to enhance the scientific activity for the development of subarctic natural laboratories through a collaborative network of actors from Science, Technology, Knowledge Ecosystem and Innovation (CTCi).
This initiative is strongly linked to the work carried out by the Ciencia Austral Node, which, from its work as a macrozonal node, seeks to identify and verify gaps in the proper scientific-technological development of each macrozone of the country. The Ministry of Science, since its creation, has established priorities around specific needs or areas, developed and proposed a roadmap to address them.
LNS node, It covers the southernmost part of the planet, administratively, it includes the territories of the Aisen and Magellan regions. Among the main objectives of the initiative, a product road map, Through a participatory process with various local actors, it was possible to establish scientific initiatives for short, medium and long-term development. Another relevant decision is design and construction A technical support prototype, called Geoportaltrue It allows the public with direct access to view and edit data and scientific information and strategic products of the project.
The development of this initiative has a participatory nature and has allowed the creation of a network of researchers and actors in regions (local communities), involving the majority of society in the development of knowledge and planning tools for global impact science. .
Workshop in Punta Arenas, Magallanes and the Chilean Antarctic Region.
LNS noted 4 pilot sites: Isla Madre de Dios and Cabo de Hornos include the Pitipalena-Añihué and Laguna San Rafael sites in the Magallanes region and the Aysen region.
The task force is made up of researchers and experts from different institutions and disciplines who develop the work with different skills, abilities and experiences.
Laura Sánchez Jardon, Ecologist at Magellan University and LNS Node Director The program has enabled us to bring together a large number of researchers working at Eisen and Magellan through workshops, dialogues, seminars and collaboration, face-to-face and virtual work. Territories.
“Working on this front has allowed us to build trust and collaboration among the large number of researchers currently working in science and technology to connect, get to know each other, and work together toward common goals.”
Roadmap and Geoportal
Laura Sanchez Jordan emphasized that these two products are important to continue working in the regions. “Our roadmap has a shared vision of the future, as it has initiatives and plans to continue in the collaborative field. Second, a computer platform called GeoPortal was created, a virtual space for sharing data and information among scientists, and between scientists and local communities, including academics and educators, community groups. , there are municipalities and other actors. and private productive sectors”.
Dr. Laura Sanchez, UMAG researcher and director of the LNS Note.
He Sociologist and coordinator of the roadmap, Patricio Padilla, An expert from the Local and Regional Development Institute of the Universidad de la Frontera, he pointed out that the roadmap is a cross-cutting and common product for all the projects of natural laboratories in Chile. “What you’re trying to do is manage your desires, expectations, and goals in a rational and strategic way. My role is systematic integration.”
On the other hand, Andrés Adiego, Researcher at the Patagonia Environmental Research Center (CIEP) and Head of Technical Aspects of the Observing Systems Commission He informed that the road map is a basic tool for the implementation of all the initiatives emerging in the framework of the project. “This roadmap has taken into consideration the participation of local governments and citizens during its development, design of action plans and related research,” Adeyeko said.
Trace Grace is a CIEP researcher and coordinator of work associated with the Monitoring Systems Group, pointed out that the natural laboratory node project is more suitable in general and especially in the southern macrozone. According to the scientist, these developments have provided an opportunity to bring science closer to communities and foster dialogue on how to express them, coordinate actions and develop projects.
In addition, the project results in a place where everyone can access the territory, share and access existing information. “For example, scientists can share data from their research and transfer it to the use of public services. So, conceptually, the geoportal can solve and provide a very important space for scientific communication and collaboration,” Gale highlighted.
Ronald Cancino, anthropologist, PhD in Social Sciences from the Universidad Frontera and head of the work carried out by the Diagnostic Commission He pointed out that the first thing is to create a network of researchers and actors from the institutional actors and environment, which is very valuable.
For the Geoportal, the anthropologist this regionalized information management tool is a unique, very powerful tool that allows to systematize data and share information for diverse actors, and opens up a participatory space for the characterization of the region. contexts.
One of the most striking points is the articulation between the analysis of scientific abilities. “Since this articulation and geoportal tool will be important in the future for various actors, it seems to me that a germination work is very powerful to publicize, not only scientists, but also actors who have to look at the public to monitor the state of development in terms of policies and various things,” says Cancino.
Hand in hand with the community
For Laura Sánchez Jordan, director of NOTE, the project made it possible to create a space of trust and collaboration among the large number of researchers currently working in science and technology in the Aisen or Magellan regions. “It is an experience and an opportunity to exchange ideas and prepare proposals to create a science with a greater regional connection, that is, a greater impact on the development of territories.”
Additionally, Dr. Cansino saw the project as an opportunity arising from a conceptual and methodological proposal from CTCI to develop regional agendas. “The proposal is basically to do systematic or empirical work to identify needs, demands, gaps in local communities, and to reveal what scientific capabilities can respond to those needs.”
Lorna Moldenhauer, coordinator of the initiative at Aysen, He highlighted that the work undertaken was particularly relevant as it made it possible to connect groups of key actors other than academics. “The focus of the project’s development is on regional communication and the ability to accurately connect civil society actors who live in the most isolated areas and can participate in online and face-to-face activities. In the months of the execution”.
Carla Henriquez, initiative coordinator at Magellan’s, He emphasized that this made it possible to identify the main challenges and opportunities presented by these southern territories in terms of scientific research, technology or knowledge in general. “This is a project that, from the beginning, has sought the collaborative and integrated work of the various actors involved in CTCi.” In addition, it tried to strengthen the participation of various actors in the planning processes of scientific activities.
“Collaborative network for the development of subantarctic natural laboratories, focusing on the strengthening of scientific research and its socio-ecological and economic impacts in the southern macrozone”, presented in “Nodes for the research development of natural laboratories in Chile”. Call 2021 of National Institute of Research and Development (ANID) Deputy Directorate of Networks, Strategy and Knowledge.
The implementing institutions are the University of Magellan, the Research Center for Ecosystems of Patagonia (CIEP), the University of Eisen, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Universidad de la Frontera.
