Research workshop on SSE experiences in the Andean region and their potential for ecosocial transition

Between 1 and 9 July, a research workshop involving research staff from Andean universities and Hegoa (University of the Basque Country) was held in Bilbao as part of the ‘Strengthening capacities and alliances in local SSE ecosystems to contribute to eco-social transitions in Andean region territories’. Financed by eLankidetza, the project involved the participation of universities from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia as well as the Hegoa Institute.

The workshop addressed the current systematisation status of eco-social transition cases in various Andean territories, the progress made in drafting the dimensions of each country, as well as global conclusions and recommendations.  The case studies were the Bolivian Chaco (beekeeping), the Peruvian Selva Central (coffee cooperatives), Pichincha in Ecuador (women agro-ecological producers in Cayambe and a southern Quito consumption cooperative) and Cauca in Colombia (cooperatives of former FARC combatants and alliances with Nasa indigenous councils).

This process will result in the co-publication of a book targeted at local organisations, social movements, universities, institutions, etc. with a view to promoting eco-social transition processes in their local area.

This workshop involved the participation of research staff from the University of the Basque Country and Hegoa in addition to: Carlos Acevedo of the Institute of Intercultural Studies of the Javeriana University in Cali; Luis Montoya of the Seminar on Social, Solidarity and Popular Economy (SESSP) of the National Major University of San Marcos in Lima (UNMSM); Cesar Carranza of the Social and Solidarity Economy Research Group of the Central University of Ecuador (UCE); and Jhaquelin Dávalos de Bolivia of the  South American Rural Development Institute (IPDRS).

For more information you can consult the ‘Strengthening capacities and alliances in local SSE ecosystems to contribute to eco-social transitions in Andean region territories’ project information sheet.

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