Initiatives
The Network of Environmental Funds of Mexico Attend RedLAC Congress 2023
For four days, the XXV Congress of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC) 2023 gathered more than four hundred attendees from thirty-five countries in Cusco, Peru. This event, considered the most relevant in environmental finance in the region, convened environmental funds, including the Mexican Environmental Funds Network (RedFAM), to which FMCN belongs. The objective was to exchange knowledge on topics such as knowledge management, protected natural areas (PAs), participation of indigenous or native peoples, and solutions to future challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
©Profonanpe
During the first day, the challenge of climate change and biodiversity loss was addressed. The importance of cooperation between the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and RedLAC to finance environmental initiatives was emphasized. In addition, progress in creating the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund was reported. Intersectoral collaboration for conservation was highlighted, as well as the need to promote innovative mechanisms such as green savings accounts and blue carbon credits.
The second day focused on evaluating the impact of climate change interventions, highlighting the need to be evidence-based. Monitoring challenges were discussed, and recommendations were proposed, such as integrating these activities from the project design, strengthening governance, and incorporating environmental and social safeguards in the evaluation. In addition, the importance of collaborative platforms for knowledge exchange and the need to share experiences between countries and funders was highlighted.
Crédito: Profonanpe
The last day of the congress focused on the PAs and the participation of indigenous communities. It was highlighted that, despite the relevance of the PAs in the face of climate change, it is essential to manage them properly beyond just increasing their extension. The need for financing and participation of society, including the private sector, was emphasized, remembering that indigenous communities offer crucial knowledge for conservation based on an economy that prioritizes sustainability and on the deep connection and collective wisdom they possess about their territories.
At the congress's closing, it was announced that the XXVI RedLAC Congress will be co-organized by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, the National Conservation Fund of Saint Lucia, and RedLAC and will be held in Saint Lucia. This event is historic, as the event reaches the eastern Caribbean for the first time. Under the motto 30x30x30: The Road to 2030, the congress will occur in October 2024. For more information, visit redlac-congress2024.org.
