Cenicaña’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of the country through innovation in the sugarcane agroindustry. It investigates, develops, and promotes sustainable practices, centering its values on innovation, sustainability, and cooperation with producers. In the past five years, Cenicaña (Centro de Investigación de la Caña de Azúcar de Colombia) has achieved significant advances in biotechnology, improved more resilient and productive sugarcane varieties, and developed environmental management techniques that enhance the sector’s productivity and sustainability. Cenicaña continues to lead efforts to strengthen the sugarcane agroindustry in Colombia.
Agro-landscape Experiences that Strengthen Biodiversity, Connectivity, and Ecological Integrity Services in the Cauca River Valley
* This topic is related to COP16 goal 2.
The agro-landscape of the Cauca River valley is a mixed matrix where sugarcane crops and tropical dry forest vegetation habitats converge. In this environment, biological corridors facilitate species connectivity and mobility. Through the Caña Biodiversa initiative, restoration processes are implemented to recover and form these corridors. As an adaptation measure to climate variability, conservation and environmental restoration programs are carried out in watersheds. Cenicaña actively participates in these initiatives, monitoring variables such as water quality, sedimentation, and precipitation. Additionally, through the Site-Specific Agriculture (AEPS) approach, Cenicaña deepens soil knowledge by identifying taxonomic groups that can serve as bioindicators for sustainable soil management.
Decarbonization and Sustainable Management of the Sugarcane Agroecosystem
* This topic is related to COP16 goal 10.
Since 2012, the Colombian sugar cane agroindustry has developed a specific methodology to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and calculate the carbon footprint of its products. This comprehensive approach encompasses all production processes, from field cultivation to sugar manufacturing, energy cogeneration, ethanol production, and effluent treatment. Additionally, programs like Integra support sugarcane growers in adopting sustainable practices. By 2023, the program included 279 growers and covered 49,488 hectares. Key actions implemented include carbon footprint calculation, GHG emission identification, and installation of rain gauges, among other initiatives.
Success story
Impact Project
Cenicaña has advanced in hydrological monitoring for sustainable water management in the sugarcane agroindustry. It has implemented advanced systems to evaluate water availability and quality, including automatic weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and remote sensing technology. These efforts have optimized irrigation, improved water efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, benefiting sugarcane producers and contributing to the region’s sustainability.
Strategic Partnership
Ministry of Agriculture, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
Climate-smart initiatives for climate change adaptation and sustainability in prioritized agricultural production systems in Colombia.
Sistema General de Regalías
Strengthening the Adoption of Sustainable Technologies and Practices in Sugarcane Cultivation in the Valle del Cauca.
2022
In the first year of the project’s implementation, 151 growers were involved. The project is based on the Sustainable Cane Guide, a sustainability assessment tool aligned with national regulations and international sustainability standards, to help producers identify improvement actions and establish adoption projections.
Awards and Recognitions
Organization of the Year
Awarded at the Master Cana 2023 by JornalCana magazine and the Brazilian Sugar and Alcohol Producers Association.
Recognition to the Integra Program
One of the six best practices for agricultural innovation in Latin America in 2023 by the Latin American Network for Rural Extension Services (RELASER).
‘Valle Intelligent and Innovative Territory’
In the category of sustainable rural Valley, for the GNSS RTK Network project, 2018.
Collaboration Opportunities
By submitting this form, you express your interest in establishing a bilateral collaboration with our institution or contributing to one of our projects.
Events
September 19
Agenda C: web seminars
Location: Online
City: Florida, Valle
Time of event: 2:00 p. m.
Link of the event: https://www.cenicana.org/eventos/cop16-los-sonidos-herramienta-para-monitorear-la-biodiversidad-en-el-agropaisaje-del-valle-del-rio-cauca/
Sounds, a tool for monitoring biodiversity in the agro-landscape of the Cauca river valley
October 1
III International Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation – Congress on Biotechnology, bioeconomy and the environment
Location: Cenicaña
City: San Antonio de los Caballeros, Florida, Valle
Time of event: 8:00 a.m.