Nuria Castañeda, Author at Hounia

Mexico: CSR cases supporting local suppliers and reducing urban waste

12

Jul

Social Responsibility

CSR strategies in Mexico combining local supplier support with urban waste management

Mexico faces two intersecting sustainability challenges: a high volume of urban waste and a need to strengthen the competitiveness of local suppliers. Major urban centers generate millions of tons of municipal solid waste each year; recycling rates for household and commercial waste remain under 10% in many regions, and informal waste-picking plays a substantial role in material recovery. At the same time, small and medium suppliers—farmers, processors, workshops, and logistics providers—often lack access to formal procurement channels, financing, or quality-assurance support required to enter large corporate supply chains.Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in Mexico are increasingly addressing both problems together:…

¿Por qué las baterías de sodio-ion atraen interés para almacenamiento en red?

06

Jul

By Nuria Castañeda

Investments and Business

how lithium-ion batteries dominate stationary storage and impact investor decisions

Investors navigating the energy transition encounter a complex capital allocation challenge: hydrogen, batteries, and grid infrastructure all offer potential for expansion, durability, and climate benefits, yet each carries distinct levels of risk, development horizons, and revenue predictability. The goal is not to identify a lone champion, but to align different capital strategies with technologies positioned at varying stages of maturity and fulfilling unique functions within a decarbonized energy landscape.Technological Preparedness and Market EvolutionBatteries are the most mature of the three. Lithium-ion dominates stationary storage and electric vehicles, with well-established supply chains and declining costs. Utility-scale battery projects are bankable, supported…

26

Jun

By Nuria Castañeda

Investments and Business

Cap Cana properties for sale appeal to those seeking permanent residences

The real estate landscape in Cap Cana continues to be advantageous for anyone looking to acquire property in the Dominican Republic. Ongoing residential expansion, the introduction of new amenities, and consistent interest from both local and international purchasers have turned this area into an appealing choice for investment, vacation retreats, or long-term living. Within this context, properties for sale in Cap Cana emerge as offerings linked to enhanced quality of life, solid appreciation prospects, and strong tourism appeal.Inversiones AIDES notes that interest in this area arises from several factors tied to the region’s ongoing development, strong international demand, and the…

26

Jun

By Nuria Castañeda

Investments and Business

Vacation rental apartments in Cap Cana: emerging investment trend for 2024

Tourism-focused real estate continues to attract individuals interested in assets that preserve value while offering steady income streams. In the Dominican Republic, apartments for sale in Cap Cana have become increasingly notable thanks to their alignment with the lodging needs of tourists, business travelers, and temporary residents who select this area for short- or medium-term stays.Inversiones AIDES recognizes this trend as part of a wider shift toward acquiring properties that promise capital growth and solid returns through rental income. Cap Cana’s development as a master-planned destination has prompted buyers and investors to analyze market dynamics more thoroughly before committing to…

How are zero-knowledge proofs expanding beyond crypto into enterprise uses?

07

Jun

By Nuria Castañeda

Science and Technology

Beyond blockchain: ZKPs in enterprise applications

Zero-knowledge proofs, or ZKPs, first emerged within academic cryptography and later entered the public spotlight through blockchain technology and privacy-driven cryptocurrencies. Their fundamental appeal lies in a remarkable idea: a party can verify the truth of a claim without disclosing the data that substantiates it. As organizations confront increasing demands to safeguard confidential information, meet rigorous regulatory requirements, and still operate collaboratively across different entities, this approach is becoming valuable well beyond digital asset ecosystems.A hands-on perspective on zero-knowledge proofsAt an enterprise level, ZKPs enable verifiable trust with minimal disclosure. Instead of sharing raw data, organizations can share proofs that…

Burundi: food-sector CSR cases improving nutrition and climate resilience

02

Jun

By Nuria Castañeda

Social Responsibility

Mejorando la nutrición y la resiliencia climática a través de la RSE en Burundi

Burundi’s food sector: context for CSR action on nutrition and climate resilienceSocioeconomic and nutritional landscape — Burundi is among the world’s poorest countries. Most households depend on smallholder farming for food and income. Child malnutrition is a persistent challenge: historically, widely cited surveys have shown stunting rates among children under five that place Burundi among the countries with the highest burdens of chronic malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, seasonal food gaps and limited dietary diversity are common in rural and urban poor areas alike.Climate vulnerability — Burundi’s agriculture is highly exposed to climate variability. Smallholder systems are sensitive to erratic rains, localized…