An educational event for schoolchildren and teachers in Quilimarí, Los Vilos (Coquimbo Region), marked the conclusion of the Fondef project, “Multifunctional biotechnological tool for adaptation to climate change.” This initiative was led by Dr. Claudia Ortiz Calderón, a researcher at the University of Santiago, Chile’s Faculty of Chemistry and Biology.
This initiative was a collaborative effort, developed with Geosim, in partnership with NGO Quilidangui, and supported by Usach’s Technology Management Directorate (DGT). Its focus was on leveraging cyanobacteria to enhance the quality of soils damaged by salinity, a problem exacerbated by climate change.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, June 11, at the Quilimarí parish gym, brought together a diverse group: students and teachers from the Teresa Cannon Barroilhet and Ercole Bencini schools, representatives from the Municipality of Los Vilos, and members of environmental organizations such as NGO Quilidangui and GEMA.
During her presentation, Dr. Claudia Ortiz detailed the project’s main findings: how cyanobacteria can improve the quality and fertility of degraded land, such as in Quilimarí. She stated, “This solution helps us address soil salinity, improving its quality and carbon dioxide capture to combat climate change.”
The product, which has already been successfully tested in both laboratories and agricultural areas in Pirque and Quilimarí, is currently in the patenting process, consolidating an important scientific and technological advance with a direct impact on communities vulnerable to climate change.
Impactful Environmental Education
After the results were presented, the agenda continued with a hands-on environmental education activity. Children had the opportunity to observe cyanobacteria under microscopes and engage directly in soil restoration fieldwork. The local community expressed great appreciation for this initiative.
Paula Tordesilla, a teacher at the Teresa Cannon School in Barroilhet, highlighted that “given our town’s challenges with water and salinity, this project presents a wonderful opportunity for our schoolchildren, who show keen interest in these subjects and technology.” She further stressed the importance of the University “considering these potentially more remote towns, as they are home to students with significant potential.”
“Our commitment as an environmental group is to bring these spaces closer to children to contribute to their personal, mental, physical, athletic development, and learning, because they are the future of our country,” said Valeria Maturana, representative of NGO Quilidangui, as she thanked Dr. Claudia Ortiz and her research team for their work.
Partnerships for Tomorrow
The closing event served as a clear demonstration of the University of Santiago’s commitment to the region and its populace. Dr. Ortiz specifically emphasized this point, noting that “in the context of environmental education, it is crucial to involve the school community, alongside educators who are motivated to deepen their understanding of science and technology.
Along the same lines, Xaviera Hernández, DGT’s technology manager, stressed the importance of bringing scientific projects closer to children. “Science, technology, and innovation are made by and for them. The new generations will accompany us when these advances are applied in the real world, improving people’s quality of life,” she concluded.