Istanbul, April 9, 2025 –UNDP ICPSD SDG AI Lab in collaboration UNDP Guatemala, has launched a new Technical Paper on Monitoring Environmental Policies on Solid Waste Management. The event brought together environmental professionals, policymakers, GIS experts, UN teams, and members of the broader development community.

The paper summarizes results of the joined project on identifying illegal dumpsites in Guatemala. The project leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the monitoring of solid waste management in Guatemala. The model, adapted by the SDG AI Lab, builds on the work of Politecnico di Milano in Italy. It was further refined using satellite imagery and local data from Guatemala, ensuring relevance to national conditions.

The project targets areas of interest severely impacted by inadequate waste disposal. Through machine learning and computer vision, the model analyzes high-resolution aerial imagery to detect sites requiring attention from environmental authorities. Early results are promising: the AI system has already flagged over 1,200 potential sites, including areas near Lake Atitlán, known for its ecological significance.

“This initiative demonstrates the power of technology for environmental protection,” said Gokhan Dikmener, UNDP ICPSD Technical Specialist, “AI can be a powerful ally in tackling complex challenges like solid waste pollution.”

“Digital innovations are key to empowering local authorities and communities,” added Rose
Diegues, UNDP Guatemala Deputy Resident Representative: “This project supports our efforts to address solid waste issues while promoting sustainable development.”

During the launch event, participants delved into methodology, model performance, and field applications. Key discussions focused on data quality, satellite resolution, and the potential to scale the solution to other regions and environmental sectors.

Beyond identifying waste sites, the AI model offers deeper insights by revealing spatial patterns that can inform predictive analysis and targeted interventions. These findings have the potential to shape national waste strategies and reduce long-term environmental impact.

This initiative underscores the importance of adapting open-source AI solutions to local contexts and demonstrates how collaboration and capacity building can drive innovation. It is also aligned with UNDP’s digital transformation agenda and the broader push to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The paper can be accessed here - https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/istanbul/publications/illegal-dumpsite-detection-guatemala-findings-report