In the heart of South America lies the Atacama Desert, a region known for its breathtaking arid landscapes and extreme conditions. Spanning over 105,000 square kilometers, this area is officially one of the driest places on Earth. Although its unique beauty captivates visitors, the harsh reality of water scarcity and desertification poses significant challenges for the communities in northern Argentina, northern Chile, southern Peru, and southwest Bolivia.
To address the unique challenges of the Atacama Desert, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), DeserTech, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are embarking on a groundbreaking initiative. This effort builds on the success of the DeserTech Innovation Leaders program for Africa’s Great Green Wall, which brought together innovators to address desertification through cutting-edge technologies.
A Marketplace of Solutions
The DeserTech Marketplace – a platform connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors with solutions designed for deserts – is a key part of this initiative. Previously, this marketplace facilitated the co-development of 16 impactful projects for Africa’s Great Green Wall. Now, it will act as a bridge for the Atacama region, enabling local stakeholders to identify challenges and access tailored technological solutions.
Building Resilience through Collaboration
The program aims to unite 15–20 participants from the Atacama region on a journey of discovery and innovation. Through online and on-site seminars in Chile, these leaders will systematically map drought-related challenges, explore innovative solutions, and design actionable projects. The focus will be on resilience; leveraging technology to mitigate the impacts of desertification while creating sustainable water security systems.
From Vision to Implementation
The journey doesn’t end with ideation. Participants will receive ongoing support to transform their ideas into well-structured project proposals. Up to 15 of these proposals will be published in a virtual booklet to showcase the region’s potential for innovation. The most promising projects will be selected for funding by the IDB, turning visions into tangible impacts.
A Blueprint for the Future
This collaborative initiative is not just about addressing the Atacama Desert’s immediate challenges. It’s about creating a replicable model for other arid regions around the globe, fostering a culture of innovation that thrives even in the harshest conditions. By combining local insights with global expertise, the program exemplifies how partnerships can drive sustainable development.
Join the Movement: Applications are open now!
Applications are now open for this exciting five-month initiative bringing together changemakers from Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The program offers support for pilot project implementation and funding opportunities. Ideal candidates include representatives working in water management, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, or infrastructure who are committed to driving innovative solutions for drought-related challenges.
Key Details:
- Program duration: March to July 2025
- Application deadline: February 10, 2025
Learn more or apply at: https://www.planetech.org/innovationleaders
About Source of Innovation
Source of Innovation is an alliance of the IDB Group with external partners to promote the development and adoption of innovative solutions in the water, sanitation, and solid waste sector to achieve intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable services, focusing on service providers in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Source of Innovation is funded by the FEMSA Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Government of Switzerland through its State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Government of Israel through its Ministry of Finance, the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Environment, and the Government of Spain through the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (MINECO). The alliance is also complemented by direct contributions from IDB Lab, IDB Invest and the Water and Sanitation Division, and it coordinates directly with Aquafund, a fund created with IDB capital and to which a wide range of public and private sector partners contribute.
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