Elodie Blanchard, Research Engineer (IRD) from the MangMap team, took part in three days of events organised by the MAGELLAN Living Lab and the ILICO network from 4 to 6 November in Cayenne, dedicated to scientific innovation in mangroves and the Guiana coastline. This event was hosted by the University of Guiana (4 November) and IRD Guiana (5 and 6 November).

An active contribution 

During these days, Elodie Blanchard led a technical workshop on the theme of ‘Acquisition and analysis of very high spatial resolution satellite images to describe ecosystems’, enabling participants to deepen their skills in the use of Earth observation technologies for the study of mangroves.

An event of scientific excellence

These days were a highlight of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers, institutions, associations, managers and decision-makers around a shared vision: to jointly develop an innovative research strategy to better understand and preserve the mangroves of French Guiana.

Event highlights:

• Report on the first year of the MAGELLAN Living Lab and presentation of the major challenges facing mangroves in French Guiana
• Collaborative workshops and feedback on Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
• Training sessions on satellite observation tools and cutting-edge scientific equipment
• Methodological co-construction sessions reinforcing scientific and operational synergies
• Immersive field trips to the mangroves of French Guiana

The MangMap vision

MangMap warmly congratulates the teams at Living Lab MAGELLAN and IR ILICO for the quality of the organisation and the relevance of the discussions, as well as IRD Guyane for hosting the event over these two days. These three days provided an opportunity to forge valuable links between coastal research and conservation stakeholders, while strengthening the foundations for sustainable scientific collaboration in the service of coastal ecosystems.

This initiative marks a decisive step forward for French Guiana and opens up promising prospects for the future of mangrove research. MangMap is delighted to contribute to this collective effort and eagerly awaits the next steps that will follow these founding days.