The legacy of the Esri User Conference 2025 in Colombia’s biodiversity.

At the latest edition of the Esri User Conference (EUC) 2025, it became clear that land management and geospatial technology are inseparable from environmental conservation. As a leader in geographic information systems, Esri Colombia has taken a firm step by integrating sustainability not just as a narrative, but as a real operational measure within its most important event—aligning with the global trend of Nature Positive events.

For Terrasos, collaborating with a partner whose work is grounded in technical precision and geography is a natural step. We share the conviction that every decision regarding land use must be supported by verifiable data and a long-term commitment to the ecosystems that sustain us.

From square meters of event space to square meters of protected ecosystems

During EUC 2025, held in October 2025 at Ágora in Bogotá, Esri Colombia chose to transform the equivalent of its conference’s physical space (100 m²) into a direct investment in nature. Through the Events for Impact model, the organization linked the event’s footprint to the protection of strategic ecosystems in Colombia by acquiring Tebu Biodiversity Units.

Esri contributed 10 Tebu Units, with each unit representing 10 m² of ecosystems managed under the highest technical standards. This action ensures the preservation and restoration of 100 m² within the El Globo Habitat Bank.

This figure is not an isolated metric; it represents a commitment to management and stewardship over a 30-year period, ensuring that the conference’s positive impact will endure for decades after its conclusion.

 

Photo: Karen Niño and Valentina Franco from the Terrasos GIS team present the certificate to Esri Colombia.

 

Why are leading companies choosing this model?

 

For decision-makers in sustainability, marketing, and public relations, “Events for Impact” addresses three critical needs:

• Evidence and Transparency: We provide verifiable data and digital certificates that support a brand’s environmental claims—essential for ESG reporting.
• Value Narrative: It allows organizers to communicate a powerful message to attendees: “This event conserves an equivalent area to the space it occupies.”
• Zero Operational Friction: The product integrates seamlessly without altering the logistics, production, or execution of the event. Clients carry out their activities as usual while we manage conservation efforts on the ground.

Toward a standard of responsibility in the industry

The delivery of the Tebu certificate to Esri Colombia symbolizes a partnership where technology and nature converge. It enables voluntary investment in conservation projects that would otherwise lack funding.

By linking an event to biodiversity protection, organizations transform a recurring activity into a strategic sustainability asset that remains active long after the event ends.

"The future of business depends on our ability to integrate nature into every operational decision. Solutions like ‘Events for Impact’ demonstrate that sustainability should not be an abstract concept or an unattainable metric, but rather a concrete, measurable, and above all transparent action. Seeing partners like Esri lead this path confirms that we are designing the right tools to protect the most threatened ecosystems in our region". - Mariana Sarmiento

Would you like your event to contribute to biodiversity as well? Contact us.