Social innovation in Nariño (Colombia)

We are working on several projects with the Departmental Government of Nariño (a department located in southwestern Colombia) and with CISNA (the Center for Social Innovation of Nariño). We have already carried out various initiatives to support collective citizen projects backed by the ecologist governor Camilo Romero.

We first conducted partnership research and provided support for the activities of CISNA, particularly the LABICxLaPaz, an international social innovation initiative focused on developing concrete projects such as technologies for harvesting water from fog, the creation of watering cans made from recyclable materials, and projects related to composting and the circular economy. Our role included connecting the initiative with key partners, notably the Fabrique des Territoires Innovants (a cooperative organization dedicated to training and capacity building) and the international cooperation network United Cities France.

We also facilitated and supported the development of a partnership between the Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, and the Departmental Government of Nariño, aimed at training forest rangers as part of Colombia’s peace-building process.

In addition, we conducted a study to help define the department’s public policy on the collaborative economy, one of the three main priorities of the regional government. The study was carried out through a participatory methodology in collaboration with CISNA (Center for Social Innovation of Nariño) and the local network ColaborarIS.

We also coordinated a project, carried out by an intern, focused on developing collaborative networks across the territory in partnership with Mariana University of Nariño.

Finally, inspired by a dynamic and committed team working on social innovation, anti-corruption efforts, and a structural ecological approach, we are currently developing a cross-cutting project aimed at the sustainable development of a region emerging from civil war.