Work

Participatory Geographic Information Systems and the CFS-RAI: Experience from the FBC-UPM-FESBAL

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper analyzes the implementation of the Geoportal SIG FESBAL–UPM, a Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) developed within the Master’s and Doctorate programs in Rural Development Project Planning and Sustainable Management at UPM. The study introduces a model integrated with Project-Based Learning (PBL), the Working With People (WWP) framework, and the CFS-RAI principles to address challenges in responsible food systems. The geoportal designed to be applied at the Food Bank–UPM Chair–FESBAL, acts as an innovative instrument for participation among the different stakeholders enabling the spatialization and analysis of data across social, environmental, and governance dimensions. Functionally, it offers a robust foundation for evidence-based decision-making, systematizes geographic information, and visualizes data via the web, supporting research, training, and community engagement actions. Furthermore, this study details the specific projects and activities developed under the three involved action lines: research, training, and community engagement, identifying strengths and weaknesses in each. The findings affirm that this participatory approach ensures that the proposed solutions are aligned with local needs and priorities, increasing the sustainability and long-term success of the projects implemented through the geoportal.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18031232

Authors: Mayerly Roncancio-Burgos, Irely Joelia Farías Estrada, Cristina Velilla-Lucini, Carmen Marín-Ferrer

Institutions: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra

Language: English

Topic: Geographic Information Systems Studies

Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896