[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#153772″ min_height=”905.9px” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” custom_padding=”30px|||||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”85.7px” custom_margin=”|auto|-10px|auto||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
At ALMA, working with neighboring communities is a key part of our presence in Chile. Beyond science and observing the universe, there is a real and ongoing commitment to local development, particularly in the Antofagasta Region, where our closest communities \u2014 San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao \u2014 are located.<\/p>\n
For over a decade, we have been working on the ground to build trust-based relationships, recognizing that direct, respectful, and ongoing dialogue is essential to long-term, positive coexistence. As Catalina Margulis, ALMA\u2019s Corporate Secretary, explains: \u201cLocal communities are our neighbors. To build trust, direct and continuous contact with them is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||112px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/alma.loadingediciones.cl\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Comunidades-Atacamen\u0303as-27-500×325-1.jpg” title_text=”Comunidades-Atacamen\u0303as-27-500×325″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75.9%” min_height=”231px” custom_margin=”|-14px|-40px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/alma.loadingediciones.cl\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Comunidades-Atacamen\u0303as-17-500×333-1.jpg” title_text=”Comunidades-Atacamen\u0303as-17-500×333 (1)” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”87.8%” min_height=”215px” custom_padding=”|50px|1px|0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In this photo, students from the Toconao E-21 Public School during a science fair organized by ALMA. Credit:<\/strong> R. Bennett \u2013 ALMA (ESO \/ NAOJ \/ NRAO)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]In this photo, a group of children from Toconao prepare for a traditional presentation\/ceremony. Credit:<\/strong> R. Bennett \u2013 ALMA (ESO \/ NAOJ \/ NRAO) Cultural heritage is also supported through initiatives like \u201cThe Universe of Our Ancestors\u201d, an ethnoastronomy book that shares the Atacame\u00f1o worldview, as well as efforts to preserve historic pastoral sites and ancient structures linked to astronomical observation.<\/p>\n In addition, the ALMA Antofagasta Region Fund \u2014 financed by our partners AUI, ESO, and NAOJ \u2014 offers competitive grants for projects proposed by the communities themselves. This fund has helped build local infrastructure, improve healthcare access, restore roads, install solar panels, develop community-based tourism, and more. In 2023 alone, nearly USD 390,000 was granted to local initiatives. Since its creation, the fund has invested more than USD 6.3 million in the region\u2019s development.<\/p>\n This ongoing work is further strengthened by ALMA\u2019s presence on the ground. In July, Carolina Fuentealba joined as Community Liaison, reinforcing our direct connection with the local communities. For Catalina Margulis, this is part of ALMA\u2019s long-term vision: \u201cOur role is not just to implement projects, but to build long-term relationships based on respect and active listening to what the communities need and value.\u201d<\/p>\n Understanding this work is key to appreciating how ALMA engages with its surroundings. It is a fundamental part of our operations \u2014 and a concrete example of how astronomy and local development can move forward together, honoring the history, culture, and identity of the territory we share.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n At ALMA, working with neighboring communities is a key part of our presence in Chile. Beyond science and observing the universe, there is a real and ongoing commitment to local development, particularly in the Antofagasta Region, where our closest communities \u2014 San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao \u2014 are located. For over a decade, we […]<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]The team\u2019s work is guided by three pillars: transparent dialogue, respect for the Atacame\u00f1o culture, and collaboration on projects that align with shared interests. In practice, ALMA supports initiatives mainly focused on science education and cultural preservation. Among these are the Inquiry-Based Science Education program, which provides training and tools to local teachers and school leadership, and the Atacama Makers workshop, which encourages creative thinking and the use of technology to help students solve local challenges.<\/p>\n