Context and Justification
The project aims to safeguard Ecuador's paramo wetlands and volcano glaciers via a data-driven monitoring framework. These ecosystems are crucial for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Main Research Goal
Leverage artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems to assess wetland health, water availability, and glacier dynamics, targeting sustainable water management and biodiversity conservation. This is achieved through a collaborative effort between the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN) and its Belgian partner, KU Leuven, to provide data-driven decision-making for local stakeholders, support robust policy development, and address critical water scarcity issues aligning with SDGs 6, 13, 15, and 17.