The BELLA Programme, implemented by RedCLARA and co-funded by the European Union, is positioned as one of the main enablers of open science and scientific collaboration in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the book Open Science in Latin America, published by the University of Costa Rica, the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and Simon Fraser University (Canada).

The publication analyzes the progress of open science in the region and dedicates a special chapter to the role of RedCLARA, as the implementer of BELLA, in articulating the regional digital ecosystem. It highlights the strategic impact of initiatives such as BELLA and BELLA II, developed in collaboration with GÉANT and with the support of the European Union.

Since its launch in 2016, BELLA has significantly transformed connectivity between Latin America and Europe through the deployment of the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable between Portugal and Brazil, along with a terrestrial network integrating Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Panama. In 2023, the launch of BELLA II expanded this reach, incorporating additional countries and strengthening opportunities for cooperation in research, innovation, and digital development.

Martha Galvis, an Information Management Analyst at RedCLARA, wrote the chapter "RedCLARA as a Facilitator of Open Science in the Digital Ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean." It talks about open science as a way for people to work together by sharing data, resources, and experiences in order to make knowledge more accessible and have a positive effect on society.

One of the key results of BELLA II is the creation of testbeds in fields like high-performance computing (HPC), bioinformatics, and blockchain, which allow researchers to investigate advanced solutions and create knowledge to tackle regional issues.

The chapter ends by saying that open science can only happen if universities, research centers, and national research networks work together. In this context, BELLA is solidified as a key pillar that allows knowledge to flow, be shared, and create real benefits for society.

The full publication, including this chapter and contributions from other regional representatives, is available for download at:
https://biblioteca-repositorio.clacso.edu.ar/bitstream/CLACSO/277344/1/Ciencia-abierta-AL.pdf