The SATREPS Bolivia Project, which was provisionally selected in 2019 and officially launched in June 2021, was successfully completed in June 2026 after five years of collaborative research. Looking back to the preliminary survey initiated in 2017, our partnership with colleagues in Bolivia has now spanned ten years.
On this occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have supported this project throughout its journey: our partner research institutions in Bolivia and Japan, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the governments and embassies of both countries, all collaborating organizations, and everyone who encouraged and supported our activities.
During the project, we faced numerous unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid depreciation of the Japanese yen, political instability, and global disruptions in the procurement of research materials and equipment. Nevertheless, thanks to the generous support, cooperation, and dedication of so many people, we were able to overcome each of these difficulties together.
As a result, we established a strong international research platform encompassing quinoa genetic resources, genomic breeding, molecular analysis, cultivation technologies—including the utilization of beneficial microorganisms and integrated quinoa–llama production systems—and technology dissemination for climate-resilient agriculture. Together, we also generated significant scientific achievements, contributed to the development of young researchers, and built a solid foundation for future collaborative research. We believe that these accomplishments do not mark the end of our partnership, but rather the beginning of a new stage toward further scientific collaboration and the social implementation of research outcomes.
Building upon the trust, friendships, and research foundation established through this project, we will continue working together with our colleagues in Bolivia to advance quinoa research and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation once again to everyone who contributed to the success of this project. We look forward to your continued support and collaboration in the years ahead.