Land Matrix Present at the Workshop on Responsible Lithium Supply

On March 11, 2024, a workshop was held in Buenos Aires between researchers from the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina (CONICET) and the British Geological Survey (BGS). The workshop, titled «A Research Roadmap for the Responsible Supply of Lithium Production and Supply,» aimed to discuss greater collaboration between the two institutions to promote responsible mining.

We were invited to participate and present the results of our research projects: case #8776 (Fénix Project) and case #3184 (Olaroz Project). Based on the approaches of political ecology and energy justice, our presentation («Lithium Mining in Indigenous and Pastoral Territories») focused on the social and environmental impacts of lithium mining on affected communities in Argentina.

The importance of participating in such events is highlighted to raise awareness of the results of our research related to the impacts that these large land acquisitions can have on local communities, especially in the current context of the energy transition.

Achievement and Significant Engagement at the National University of Salta

On April 18, members of the Regional Focal Point conducted a class on the Land Matrix initiative as part of the Environmental Sociology course in the Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering program at the National University of Salta.

During this session, which combined theory and practice, Cristian Venencia and Lucía Cuellar provided a detailed explanation of the Land Matrix database and its usefulness for conducting analyses on large land transactions. The students had the opportunity to explore the platform and learn how to access and use the available information for their own research projects.

Participation in this class proved to be very enriching, as the students showed great interest in the initiative. Many expressed their desire to become more involved in the topic and collaborate on future projects related to land management and sustainability. This type of engagement in universities not only fosters practical learning but also raises awareness among new actors about the importance of large land transactions and their impact on local communities and the environment.

Furthermore, interaction with experts in the field allows students to better understand the challenges and opportunities presented by sustainable natural resource management. The class was a significant step towards integrating academic research and community action, preparing future professionals to address critical issues in the field of environmental sociology and justice in land use.

Strengthening Collaboration in Latin America and the Caribbean

On April 29, 2024, collaborators from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered to participate in an enriching training session on case uploading. During this session, the procedures and best practices for entering information accurately and systematically were reviewed in detail, with the aim of ensuring the quality and reliability of the data we publish.

Attendees had the opportunity to clarify doubts, exchange experiences, and acquire new skills that will strengthen their contributions to this vital platform for monitoring large-scale land acquisitions.

The network of collaborators, composed of universities and organizations from various countries, allows us to access firsthand information about large land transactions. By unifying our loading processes, we are building an increasingly robust and reliable database.

Commitment of the Land Matrix LAC Focal Point to research and decision-making

This Focal Point is committed to transferring research results to decision-makers, ensuring that scientific information is translated into concrete actions.
As part of the research conducted on deals #4130 and #1060, a process is underway to regularize land tenure for smallholder farmers of Salta Forestal S.A.
During this period, a series of meetings have been held with key stakeholders linked to land governance in the province of Salta, such as the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the provincial state company Salta Forestal S.A., with the aim of advancing a technical proposal for the restoration of these territories.

The meetings, held in May and July, have resulted in a collective effort to develop the most appropriate proposal from both a technical and social perspective, reflecting the commitment of all involved to find effective solutions and contribute to sustainable rural development.

Land Matrix: Key Source in Water Footprint Research

On June 26, Dr. Griselda Salas Barboza, a member of the Focal Point for Latin America and the Caribbean, participated as a speaker at the NOA Research Strengthening Days «Science Coming from This Land,» held at the National University of Salta.

The main objective of these days is to strengthen and encourage scientific research within the national universities of the region, promoting the dissemination of research activities as well as the training and exchange of knowledge among different research groups. On this occasion, the work titled «Water Footprint and Virtual Water Flows of Agricultural Production in the Chaco Region» was presented.

This study is based on data from the Land Matrix database, which was used to survey large land transactions related to agricultural activities in the region, thus allowing an analysis of the relationship between land acquisition and water appropriation in agricultural production in the Chaco region.