The meeting brought together researchers from several Latin American countries to define the organizational structure and next steps of an initiative aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration on mountain ecosystems across the Andes.
On May 6, researchers who study mountain ecosystems in Latin America took part in a new working meeting of the Andes Scientific Panel (PCAndes). Led by Robert Hofstede of the University of Amsterdam and Luis Daniel Llambí of CONDESAN, the panel seeks to build a cross-border scientific synthesis on the Andes and strengthen collaboration around the region's environmental and territorial challenges.
The meeting brought together specialists from several countries and made progress in consolidating the network's organizational structure, including the creation of a Strategic Group to coordinate the development of the "Andean Synthesis", a process aimed at integrating scientific knowledge on the ecological, climate, hydrological, food and socio-economic systems of the Andes.
The meeting addressed the need for a cross-border perspective on the Andes, avoiding approaches limited to national political boundaries and prioritizing territorial and systemic connections. In this context, participants discussed the importance of analyzing the relationships between water, energy, biodiversity, food and climate change, together with their social and economic impacts in different mountain territories.
Another key agreement was to strengthen the network's communication and knowledge-sharing mechanisms, including a website, outreach materials and a strategy for engaging with regional networks specializing in Andean issues. These include InfoAndina, a long-standing mountain information platform in Latin America, now revived by CONDESAN, which will include PCAndes as a strategic partner.
The meeting also explored opportunities for influence and collaboration with international organizations working on mountains and biodiversity. Participants were informed of interest from institutions such as CAF and SDC in strengthening regional initiatives related to the Andes and their connections with other strategic ecosystems, such as the Amazon.
Representing the Southern Andes Natural Laboratory (LNADS), Director Carla Marchant is a member of the PCAndes Steering Committee, which coordinates the network's strategic and operational work. This role is linked to the Laboratory's work in bringing together interdisciplinary knowledge on mountain territories and its contribution to decision-making and territorial governance.
As next steps, the Andes Scientific Panel plans to hold virtual thematic workshops and a first in-person meeting in Colombia in the second half of 2026, aimed at advancing methods for scientific analysis and synthesis on the Andes at the regional scale.
