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SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

GEOCyL

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GEOCyL
About Company
  • Company Type: Environmental Services
  • Founded in 2011
  • Located at Spain
  • Employees: 2 – 10

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Economies
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Geospatial Urban Planning: Providing geospatial solutions that assist in urban planning and development, contributing to the creation of sustainable, resilient, and well-planned cities.

➜ Geospatial Urban Planning: Providing geospatial solutions that assist in urban planning and development, contributing to the creation of sustainable, resilient, and well-planned cities.
➜ Infrastructure Development: Offers services in infrastructure management & environmental monitoring, helps cities develop sustainable infrastructures.
➜ Risk Management: Helps in ensuring that cities can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
SDG_Icon 11

1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

To address SDG 11, GEOCyL has achieved several impactful outcomes at the local level. GEOCyL is committed to sustainable development, integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every project. We constantly innovate in our practices, tools, and approaches to stay at the forefront of territorial planning and contribute to a more prosperous and resilient future for all. The organization has contributed to the development and implementation of territorial planning initiatives at a local level, that prioritize sustainability and resilience. GEOCyL has played an important role in shifting the management of Castilla y Léon region and various other Spanish municipalities, towards a more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable pattern. Among these projects, GEOCyL has contributed to various areas of work, among which: • Urban and Regional Planning, by designing urban master plans and regional strategies that promote coherent and orderly urban development, while respecting local and regional dynamics. This is done also while balancing densification with the preservation of open spaces and the integration of green areas. The design of Urban Agendas 2030 for various cities is an example of a project which elaboration is marked by the population consensus and participation. • Natural Resource Management, by implementing strategies for the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring their efficient use and the protection of biodiversity. • Sustainable Infrastructure Development, by assisting various stakeholders in the design and implementation of infrastructure that aligns with sustainability principles. For example, we worked in projects in the public transportation systems, in renewable energy and eco-efficient buildings. • Citizen Participation and Governance, by facilitating citizen participation processes that allow local communities to actively participate in decision-making. We additionally advise government entities on creating regulatory frameworks that foster effective and democratic territorial governance. • Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation, by integrating strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation into territorial planning, while developing resilient infrastructure projects and promoting the adaptation of human settlements to new climatic conditions. • Technological Innovation in Land Management, by implementing the latest technological innovations, such as digital mapping, geospatial analysis and 3D modeling, to provide our clients with a detail vision of the territory and its potential. Among the projects that GEOCyL has realized, we can recall some of them as an example of the local impact that the organization has on the territory: o Territorial planning: Urban Agenda 2030 (AUVA 2030) for the Municipality of Valladolid. Citizens’ Participation Phase for the Urban Agenda 2030 of Béjar for the Municipality of Béjar (Salamanca). o Sustainable tourism: Participation in the Tourism Sustainability Plan for Destinations (PSTD) for the City of Palencia. Palencia City Council. 2022 o Social studies: Study on social perception of Nature-Based Solutions in industrial areas. FPNCYL. IndNatur. 2022 o Socioeconomic studies: Study of retail trade in Medina de Rioseco. Medina de Rioseco City Council. 2023 o Cultural heritage: Sustainable rehabilitation and tourism enhancement of castles and archaeological sites in Extremadura. Magnus Nature. SGPEX. 2021 o Environment: Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the municipality of Valladolid. Valladolid City Council ; Second Climate Change Report of Castilla-La Mancha: Study on observed effects and perceptions of climate change in rural areas, with proposals for adaptation measures. Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha. o Cartography and Mapping: Specific cartography related to bicycle mobility within the city of Valladolid. Valladolid City Council. At a local level, GeoCyL has impactfully contributed in rasining awareness among Spanish municipalities on sustainability, resilient urban planning and the urgency of including the environment in executive decisions. Surely on the long term, the collaboration of GEOCyL with various municipalities and territorial entities has brought an improvement on the quality of life for prople and has contributed in creating lasting legacies for future generations.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

⁠ GEOCyL’s global impact on SDG 11, can be observed through its contributions to sustainable urban development, knowledge dissemination, and cross-border collaborations. The organization executes projects, studies, and field analyses for NGOs and local counterparts (Civil Defense, Ministries of the Environment, State Secretariats, etc.). We are part of multinational bidding teams for development projects formulated by the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and various United Nations agencies. The organization has collaborated in various project at a European and International level, that have resulted in a significant impact on the territorial development of different regions. For instance, it has cooperated with a variety of European projects, such as Interreg POCTEP, SUDOE, MAC, EUROPE, LIFE, ERASMUS+, etc. At the international level, it worked in Dominican Republic on the natural hazard mapping in for UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and on the International Plan and Habitat for Humanity for Oxfam. In Chile, it worked on Sustainable Tourism and Circular Economy, where it developed reports, organized events, presentations and working groups. Finally, it implemented a cooperation project for promoting Green Enterpreneurship in Morocco, called INNOVERT. GEOCyL’s global impact on SDG 11 is significant as it extends beyond local achievements, influencing urban sustainability practices and policies on an international scale. Through its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, GEOCyL continues to contribute to the creation of more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

At GEOCyL, the use of advanced GIS tools and spatial analysis solutions is meant to allow an easy expansion across different regions and sectors. Our vision of territorial planning combines innovation with a deep respect for the natural and cultural legacy of the spaces around us. Through a multifaceted strategy we are enabled to extend our impact to implementations at different local and national levels, in order to drive significant advancements in urban planning and environmental sustainability. Our experts in geography, urban planning, environmental science, economics, and sociology work together to decipher the complexity of territorial scenarios and propose integrated solutions that address contemporary challenges of growth, inclusion, and sustainability.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

At GEOCyL, as professionals in geographic information technologies, we value their potential in project development. We apply information technologies to various fields such as environmental management, urban planning, hydrology and territorial analysis. The use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is fundamental for the analysis, management and understanding of different sectors, such as urban and territorial planning, natural space management and infrastructure management. These technologies play a very important role in informing our professionals, as they also support disaster risk management by providing hazard mapping and real-time data for emergency response, while also aiding in environmental management through monitoring pollution and planning green spaces. Additionally, GIS enhances transportation and mobility planning, optimizes public service delivery, and supports equitable housing. By integrating various types of spatial and non-spatial data, GIS helps cities make informed decisions, engage communities, and address urban challenges, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient urban development.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

At GEOCyL, as professionals in geographic information technologies, we value their potential in project development. We apply information technologies to various fields such as environmental management, urban planning, hydrology and territorial analysis. The use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is fundamental for the analysis, management and understanding of different sectors, such as urban and territorial planning, natural space management and infrastructure management. These technologies play a very important role in informing our professionals, as they also support disaster risk management by providing hazard mapping and real-time data for emergency response, while also aiding in environmental management through monitoring pollution and planning green spaces. Additionally, GIS enhances transportation and mobility planning, optimizes public service delivery, and supports equitable housing. By integrating various types of spatial and non-spatial data, GIS helps cities make informed decisions, engage communities, and address urban challenges, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient urban development.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

As previously mentioned, engaging local communities and stakeholders in our work represents a fundamental part in the process of designing urban plans, for it to be an effective and democratic process. This involves organizing community workshops, forming partnerships with local organizations, and utilizing interactive tools and educational programs to foster participation and dialogue. We actively sought input through public consultations and digital platforms, which allowed us to understand and incorporate diverse perspectives. The feedback we receives highlighted an increased awareness and appreciation among community members, who felt their voices were valued and had a tangible impact on project outcomes. While there were concerns about the practical aspects of implementation and requests for ongoing involvement, the overall response is positive, emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement and transparent communication in shaping effective and sustainable solutions.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

To deliver services effectively while minimizing harm to the environment and society, we leveraged a range of organizational skills and resources. In line with our mission, corporate sustainability creates opportunities to develop businesses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. At GEOCyL, we promote remote working and we do not have a physical office, which significantly reduces our carbon emissions. Due to telecommuting, it is important to opt for energy-efficient equipment and technologies. GEOCyL follows the recommendations of the Life Green TIC Project (http://www.lifegreentic.eu/) to promote a smarter and more responsible use of various devices, which not only reduces energy consumption but also extends their lifespan and, consequently, decreases the company's carbon footprint. By integrating these skills and resources, we successfully delivered goods and services in a way that balanced operational efficiency with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the concerted efforts of businesses, governments, and civil society. Each of them plays a crucial role in directing efforts towards the achievement of the goals. As a matter of fact, businesses should drive progress by innovating, investing, and integrating sustainability into their operations, thereby fostering a greener economic growth and job creation. Nonetheless, governments should set the stage by establishing regulatory frameworks, offering incentives, and developing infrastructure that supports sustainable practices. Last but not least, civil society plays a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for necessary changes. Through collaboration in public-private partnerships, multi-stakeholder initiatives, and shared values, these domains can together advance a more sustainable and just world.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

Turn your passion into action. Every drop is part of the ocean, and for a global change everyone should start aligning their efforts with specific goals that resonate with your mission and values. Setting measurable objectives that contribute to these goals is fundamental to achieving impact. Collaboration is key for amplifying your impact and engaging diverse stakeholders, that can provide diverse expertise, complementary and useful to achieve shared goals. Keeping yourself informed and adaptable is fundamental as the challenges related to sustainability are complex and continuously evolving. By sharing your progress, your motivation and goals, you might create a “butterfly effect”, resulting in positive change, vast impact and raised awareness. Don’t be afraid of change; instead, embrace sustainability as a valuable approach that not only enriches your way of doing things but also fosters positive societal and environmental benefits.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

Winning the SDG Award would significantly help us amplifying our impact and expand our project. Firstly, the recognition would boost our visibility, attracting more attention from potential partners, investors, and stakeholders who share our commitment to sustainability and territorial development. This would also facilitate new collaborations and resource opportunities, allowing us to scale our initiatives and reach a broader audience. Additionally, the award would validate our innovative approaches and successful outcomes, encouraging us to refine and expand our strategies while inspiring others in the field. Lastly, this recognition would strengthen our ability and motivation to promote meaningful, long-term change and advance our goals in alignment with the SDG 11 and the other SDGs.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

At GEOCyL, our future objectives for SDG 11 focus on keeping to work collaboratively with governments and society for advancing urban resilience and environmental sustainability. Aligning with our goals, we aim to foster inclusive urban environments that prioritize green spaces, reduce carbon footprints, and adapt to climate change extensively around Spain, and possibly expanding our impact internationally. By employing data-driven insights and engaging with diverse stakeholders, we aim to drive innovative solutions that improve the quality of life in urban areas, while promoting sustainable development, and creating resilient cities capable of facing future challenges. Through our efforts, we seek to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future on a global scale.

The SIERA Awards are the next evolution of the EUTECH SDG Awards — expanding with new categories, greater global reach, and deeper impact.

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