International Training School 2026
Addressing Land Use and Climate Change in Andean River Systems
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Land-use change, climate variability, and increasing pressure on natural resources are transforming tropical Andean ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. Addressing these complex challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches that connect environmental sciences, engineering, economics, governance, and society. The SDGnexus Network International Training School 2026 offers an intensive interdisciplinary learning experience exploring the water–land–climate nexus in the Tropical Andes. Through lectures, hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and field activities, participants will bridge physical and social sciences—from hydrological monitoring, modelling, and remote sensing to economic policy, governance, and socio-environmental conflicts—to develop evidence-based solutions for sustainable water and land management under climate uncertainty. Organized by the SDGnexus Network in collaboration with Justus Liebig University Giessen, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de Cuenca, and CAPAZ, the programme brings together Master's students, PhD candidates, and professionals from across Latin America to learn from leading experts while building an international network committed to the sustainable future of tropical mountain regions. |
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Location
Bogotá, Colombia
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Dates
28 Nov – 05 Dec 2026
+ Virtual preface with five online lectures
20.08.2026 - 03.09.2026 |
Language
Spanish & English
English B2 level required
to understand reading materials provided |
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Target Group
Master's/PhD Students, NGOs, and Public Sector Professionals.
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Background
Env. Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Law, and Social Sciences.
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Cost
FREE OF CHARGE
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Download brochure with all information
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1. From Monitoring to Hydrological Modelling of Tropical Andean Catchments
Introduces the hydrological and ecohydrological processes that govern tropical Andean watersheds. Participants will learn about field monitoring techniques, environmental data collection, and hydrological modeling approaches used to understand water quantity, quality, and ecosystem dynamics. Through lectures and practical examples, the module highlights the integration of monitoring data and modeling tools for sustainable water resource management. |
2. Effects of Climate Variability and Climate Change on Sustainable Water Resources Management
Explores how climate variability and climate change affect water availability and sustainable water resource management in Andean river basins. The topic considers major climate drivers, hydrometeorological data, climate scenarios, and modern analytical tools—including remote sensing, machine learning, and spatial analysis—to assess climate impacts and support adaptive water management strategies. |
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3. Remote Sensing of Urban Land-Use Change and Wetland Dynamics
Introduces participants to the use of remote sensing and geospatial analysis for monitoring urban land-use change and wetland dynamics. Through lectures and hands-on exercises, participants will analyze historical spatial data to assess urban expansion, wetland transformation, and ecosystem change, highlighting the role of geospatial technologies in supporting sustainable water management and evidence-based urban planning. |
4. Economic Policy Instruments for Water Resources Management
Explores economic policy instruments for the sustainable management of water resources in tropical Andean river basins. The topic also covers regulatory, market-based, and governance approaches, including payment for ecosystem services (PES). The participants will learn how to evaluate and design policy instruments that promote efficient, equitable, and resilient water resource management under conditions of environmental and climate uncertainty. |
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5. Extractivism, Socio-Environmental Conflicts, and Environmental Peace: Theoretical-Conceptual Reflections
Introduces key concepts from environmental issues and their relationships with economic, political, and social dynamics to an interdisciplinary audience. It discusses various proposed definitions and their connections to broader theoretical debates within the social sciences—such as political economy, peace and conflict studies, social inequalities, and the role of the state. |
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| Date | Time (COT) | Module |
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| 20.08.2026 | 06:30 - 08:00 | Effects of Climate Variability and Climate Change on Sustainable Water Resources Management |
| 25.08.2026 | 06:30 - 08:00 | Remote Sensing of Urban Land-Use Change and Wetland Dynamics |
| 27.08.2026 | 17:00 - 18:30 | Market failures and the viability of markets for managing natural resources |
| 01.09.2026 | 18:30 – 20:00 | Extractivism, Socio-Environmental Conflicts, and Environmental Peace: Theoretical-Conceptual Reflections |
| 03.09.2026 | 17:00 - 18:30 | From Monitoring to Hydrological Modelling of Tropical Andean Catchments |
| Period | Activity Description |
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| 27 - 28 Nov | Arrival, Opening Session & Group Presentations |
| 29 Nov | Field Excursion: Upper Bogotá River Basin |
| 30 Nov - 04 Dec | Thematic Modules, Practical Sessions & Workshops |
| 05 Dec | Final Group Project Presentations & Conclusion |
Submit your application including your professional and academic background, motivation, professional goals, and your chosen topic of expertise. You will need a short (max. 2 pages) CV and a letter from your institution approving your participation and confirming your availability for all scheduled dates of both the online and in-person phases. Around 50 candidates will be shortlisted and will participate in the first phase of the school (online). Afterwards, only 30 participants will be selected based on active participation and evaluation of a small assignment. Those will be invited to attend in person to the second phase of the School in Bogotá.
Apply Now
Participation is free of charge. No application fees. Funding is available for those
selected for the in-person phase.
The International Training School 2026 is supported by
