## 5 Discussion
### Outcome Variations from Bolivia Panel Discussions and Ecuador Training Workshops
Interestingly, exercises related to C3S that aligned best with participants' interests, as well as those related to CEMS that combined software tools rather than focusing solely on programming, were better received, achieving over 90% overall satisfaction compared with others. Criticism was noted regarding the time allocated for exercises, which was unfortunately not well balanced with the rest of the CS exercises. Participants faced challenges during training, such as varying technical expertise, which affected their engagement with certain exercises. This was due to the combination of multiple programming environments and the diverse experience and career backgrounds of participants, particularly those with Geography and Agriculture profiles, who preferred software tools over programming. Furthermore, after the training, limited resources and workplace role changes also negatively impacted their ability to apply the knowledge gained. As mentioned earlier, varying levels of stakeholder experience must be managed carefully, as well as monitoring the long-term effects of the training, which, in our case, was overlooked. Additional recommendations, beyond those mentioned for time allocation, include using well-formatted computation notebooks to facilitate programming exercises [74], implementing training success and impact metrics [75], motivating the replication of training experiences at local levels [76], and experimenting with innovative approaches based on problem-based learning environments [77]. Regarding the Bolivian panel discussions, its relatively short duration and discussion-focused approach, aimed at evaluating the need for advanced Copernicus training, underscore its unique strategy. Here, stakeholders were eager to see the improvements possible through integrating CS, especially for addressing recent emergencies in Bolivia (e.g., forest fires, illegal mining in protected areas, and monitoring of illegal crops) and obtain actionable information for improved decision-making. Synthesizing fit-for-purpose CS products that could meet these needs present a challenge [78], and organizers should be aware to integrate locally relevant content [69] in these types of event formats. However, the limited use of Copernicus, largely due to a lack of specialized personnel and staff turnover, remains a key barrier, reinforcing the need for sustainable capacity-building efforts. To address them given the limited time, it is recommended that stakeholder coordinators identify priority needs so facilitators and event assistants can prepare a list of training resources and information products beforehand. Continuous training, effective knowledge transfer mechanisms, and integration with national platforms could further support sustainabilityand ensure long-term adoption of Copernicus Services. Furthermore, attendance was particularly different in Ecuadorian and Bolivian events. While in the first case, attendance was more stable and limited to the same participants, in the second, it was more variable and reached unexpected participants due to its online broadcast. Acknowledging these differences is important as they offer insights into how various formats and accessibility options can impact participant engagement and reach. Outcomes such as the acquisition of new skills, strengthened networking, and enhanced knowledge distribution are more commonly associated with in-person workshops [79]. In contrast, virtual formats can offer increased accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity [80]. Regardless of the format, future training efforts should incorporate more practical content, provide accessible support materials such as pre-existing courses, and seek sustained participant involvement, ensuring both accessibility and deeper skill development. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for drafting expected training outcomes and guiding the planning of future events to better accommodate and target diverse audiences.