This follow‑up visit by Prof. Oliveira reflects the deepening relationship between UDESC and ITC. What began with exploratory meetings in Florianopolis (link to https://www.itc.nl/about-itc/scientific-departments/urban-regional-planning-geo-information-management/plus-hubs/plus-hub-brazil/story-folder/) and Enschede (link to: https://www.itc.nl/about-itc/scientific-departments/urban-regional-planning-geo-information-management/plus-hubs/plus-hub-brazil/story-folder/udesc-visits-itc/) in early 2024 has evolved into a dynamic, multi‑thematic collaboration spanning climate resilience, land governance, digital innovation, and circular economy. The MoU signed in April 2024 (link to article https://www.itc.nl/about-itc/scientific-departments/urban-regional-planning-geo-information-management/plus-hubs/plus-hub-brazil/story-folder/mou-signing-udesc-itc/) formalized this commitment, and the latest visit demonstrates how both institutions are actively transforming shared interests into concrete research pathways, capacity‑building opportunities, and long‑term partnerships. This follow‑up visit builds directly on that momentum, expanding the thematic scope and engaging a broader group of ITC researchers.
The discussions covered a wide range of interconnected topics, from the impacts of climate change on environmental licensing and traditional communities to the development of marine land cadaster systems and their legal foundations. Ethical considerations emerged as a cross‑cutting theme, complementing technical conversations on integrating cadaster data, master planning, and risk mapping to support climate‑resilient cities. The use of virtual reality for urban risk visualization highlighted new possibilities for civil defense preparedness. Digital governance, zero‑waste strategies, and govtech solutions further broadened the collaboration into the realm of circular economy and public policy innovation.
The visit also contributed to the design of a new collaborative research proposal aimed at formalizing UT’s participation in GeoLab activities, with a particular emphasis on student mobility at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Academic mobility has been another key element in strengthening ties between GeoLab and ITC. A recent example is doctoral candidate Guilherme Braghirolli (PPGPLAN/UDESC), who completed a six‑month research stay at ITC supported by FAPESC (Call No. 07/2024 – Mobility Support for Researchers from Santa Catarina) (link to article: https://www.itc.nl/about-itc/scientific-departments/urban-regional-planning-geo-information-management/plus-hubs/plus-hub-brazil/story-folder/itc-hosts-udesc-visiting-scientists/). During his exchange, Braghirolli advanced his doctoral research under the co‑supervision of Prof. Dr. Mila Koeva, an expert in technologies applied to land management.
As the collaboration continues to grow, both UDESC and ITC look forward to expanding joint projects, facilitating staff and student exchanges, and co‑developing solutions to pressing environmental and societal challenges.
