RÍOS
River Restoration for Climate Change Adaptation
The Project
River Restoration for Climate Change Adaptation (RÍOS) seeks to increase the adaptive capacity of people and ecosystems in watersheds vulnerable to climate change through river restoration.
Context
- Increase forest and water connectivity with a vision of adaptation to climate change through restoration, conservation, and better productive practices. This component strengthens the capacities of local communities along the Ameca-Mascota watersheds in Jalisco and Jamapa in Veracruz to carry out activities that promote ecosystem-based adaptation through functional river connectivity. To this end, during the calls, areas vulnerable to climate change were prioritized for support. Currently, this component is implemented through 13 subprojects financed with GCF resources and executed by selected local organizations. These organizations work with producers to increase capacities in rehabilitating and restoring forests along rivers, protecting and conserving forests, and adapting productive activities that promote connectivity for restoration (agroforestry and sustainable livestock management). These subprojects comprise a portfolio of four types of schemes, depending on the nature and objective of the activity: grants through requests for proposals, payment for performance (PPD), public-private payment for environmental services (PSA), and enterprise development and access to credits. RÍOS-funded subprojects monitor the impacts associated with their activities through community monitoring of biodiversity, soils, and/or water. In addition to the above, the subprojects have also been trained to use community methodologies and evaluate climate vulnerability at the local level with the aim that the information will be used for their territory planning. The project contemplates a “learning community” to exchange local experiences among beneficiaries and collaborate with national and regional actors to coordinate activities and achieve connectivity in the watersheds. In this component, planning instruments are also being designed, the Integrated Watershed Action Plans (IWAP) for Jamapa and Ameca-Mascota, and a Participatory Local Ecological Planning Program (POELP) for the municipality of Puerto Vallarta.
- Aligning public and private investments through natural capital valuation to scale river restoration for climate change adaptation. The project implements coordination activities to align public and private contributions to scale up best practices. This is achieved through the alignment of local and national public programs related to restoration and adaptation, linking national opportunities with local needs. The project also contributes to an environment that enables access to dedicated lines of credit for sustainable and climate-resilient productive practices in livestock and agroforestry systems through enhancement and development.
- Design the guidelines of the National River Restoration Strategy (ENRR, acronym in Spanish) for climate change adaptation. Under the leadership of INECC and in collaboration with the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRICULTURA), the Ministry of Welfare, the National Commission of Water (CONAGUA), the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA), National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), the National Commission for Protected Areas (CONANP), this component promotes the design of the bases to create an ENRR that strengthens adaptation to climate change. To this end, a Design Committee has been formed, which has guided a proposal that includes: 1) definition of objectives, scope, and guidelines; 2) lessons learned from other similar initiatives; 3) interviews and identification of key actors. In addition to the above, training has begun for public officials on the importance of river restoration and management. In the following months, the ENRR will be generated and promoted with legislators and public officials.
RÍOS is the first project submitted by Mexico to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Learn more about the Operating Manual
Achievements
In the second half of 2023, 13 subprojects worked to improve the connectivity of their landscapes through sustainable, productive activities, restoration, and conservation. They received community water monitoring training and obtained data on rainfall, biodiversity, soils, livestock pastures, and water. In this period, the subprojects were also trained in community techniques to assess the vulnerability of local populations to climate change. Through interviews, they began this evaluation in the homes benefited by RÍOS. On the other hand, the guide document was created to build the ENRR, and public officials were raised to be aware of rivers' importance and restoration. Currently, a consultancy is identifying financing opportunities to ensure that the subprojects can continue operating in the long term, and two IWAPs and a POELP are being developed.
Learn more about the project in the Operating Manual.
Allies:
Donors:
- Green Climate Fund
- Global Environment Facility
Partners:
- Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático
- Fondo Golfo de México
- FONNOR
Environmental and Social Assessment
The RÍOS project has an Environmental and Social Management System (SGAS) that guides all intervention actions in the territory and monitors the Environmental and Social Safeguards (SAS) to ensure its proper functioning. In addition, it has a Gender Plan that monitors the mainstreaming of this approach and promotes the participation of the vulnerable population in all activities.
RÍOS is considered by the GCF as a Category C project, or minimal to no risk, so it positively impacts ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
Click on the following button to learn about the Environmental and Social Safeguards and the Gender Action Plan (PAG) used in the RÍOS project:
Contact
To address any questions, clarifications, suggestions, complaints, or comments related to RÍOS, we provide you with the following means of contact corresponding to the project's Complaints and Inquiries Mechanism. Your request will be treated with confidentiality, responsibility, and interest by the representatives of the project.
E-mail: denuncia@fmcn.org
Postal address: Francisco Sosa 102. Santa Catarina. Delegación Coyoacan. CDMX. C.P. 04010.
Telephone: 55 5611 9779
FAQ
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1. Where is the project implemented, and when did it begin?
RÍOS is implemented in the Ameca-Mascota watersheds in Jalisco and Jamapa in Veracruz. It began in August 2021.
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2. How can I access the resource or register for the project?
The calls for RÍOS subprojects were published in January 2022 and are now closed, so no new calls associated with subprojects will be opened. To learn about the project’s progress and results, we invite you to stay tuned to our website and social networks.
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3. Can the project be implemented in other regions?
Eligible watersheds were determined in the project design. RÍOS is implemented in the Ameca-Mascota watersheds in Jalisco and Jamapa in Veracruz and is not expected to be extended to other regions.
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4. How are vulnerable populations and the gender approach integrated?
The project's environmental and social safeguards and standards are key pillars. From its design, the project has been consulted with the watershed communities, and we have ensured to maximize the environmental and social benefits of the intervention regions. View the Environmental and Social Standards here.RÍOS integrates the gender approach in a cross-cutting manner. We have a gender assessment and a Gender Action Plan for the project, with specific activities, indicators, and a budget. View them here. -
5. How can I learn more or support the project?
To learn more about RÍOS, click here. You can write to info@fmcn.org to find out how your organization can contribute to this project.