News
The first semester of the Sustainable Maria Elena Program (MES in Spanish) concluded with 17 projects focused on citizen participation, sustainability and pampa identity. This social innovation initiative is promoted by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and carried out by Fundación Factor de Cambio, together with the community, the municipality and several other local companies.
The projects it develops include: solar-powered lighting of the entrance to the city from Highway 5; workshops on drawing comics, barbering skills, sports and inclusive tourism; implementation of the Maule triangle (a solar-powered urban space); a prototype for reusing domestic gray water installed in the district, among others.
Viviana Cuello, Mayor of María Elena, remarked, “For us it is very important to collaborate and partner with the organizations and with MES. This initiative started with a group of leaders from social organizations, the municipality and private enterprise and then they really made it happen.”
Leonor González, Head of Pampa Community Affairs at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, commented on the importance of the program, which is aligned with the company’s shared social value: “It builds strategic alliances and MES committees create projects that are interrelated to each other and that undoubtedly strengthen the history of the pampas. We are very proud of this program carried out in part by people from María Elena, which is a very important place because it is the birthplace of our history and one of the last living saltpeter offices.”
Commissions
The projects carried out with the four MES commissions— Children and Youth; Tourism and Cuisine; Culture; and Sustainability—concluded with recreational activities, an open-air fair and awards for various participants.
MES representative Mario González remarked, “We are very happy about the large number of children, youth, seniors and families our projects have attracted over the past few months. They have played a leading role in a process marked by a sense of identity, a desire to make María Elena a place with more opportunities and collaboration between different pampa stakeholders and neighbors.”
According to Matías Martínez, engagement manager for Fundación Factor de Cambio, “We emphasized the importance of co-constructing activities with the different local social organizations, and we also respected the expectations of María Elena’s residents and authorities. A huge positive impact has been made and we have also touched hearts. So the truth is, we are very happy.
The activities and workshops were led by local professionals and guides, consolidating MES’s model of community and sustainable development.
