San Salvador – "Contributions of Italian Cooperation in Earth Sciences Applied Research" was the theme of a workshop held on March 25–26 at the University of El Salvador, gathering Italian and Central American authorities and academics. The event highlighted Italy’s commitment to promoting high-quality and innovative scientific initiatives in partner countries such as El Salvador.

During the two-day workshop, participants explored the collaboration between Italian and Salvadoran institutions in geological research, developed under the CASTES project. Funded by the Italian government and implemented by the University of Palermo in collaboration with the University of Chieti-Pescara “Gabriele d’Annunzio,” the project led to the establishment of a degree program in Earth Sciences with a specialization in geology at the University of El Salvador.

CASTES has significantly strengthened geological sciences education—both theoretical and applied—by enhancing risk management and disaster mitigation skills, as well as improving national capacities for sustainable resource management and environmental hazard assessment.

Key outcomes include training and mobility opportunities for UES faculty and the setup of a cutting-edge laboratory to support education and research. During the workshop, the academic and scientific community, including professors, technicians, researchers, and students, was introduced to the significant progress and achievements of the Italy-El Salvador cooperation fostered by CASTES.

Experts and scholars from both countries presented innovative studies in volcanology, seismology, geomorphology, and geological engineering. These research efforts contribute to developing strategies and tools for mitigating natural disaster risks in El Salvador and Central America, a region particularly vulnerable to such phenomena.