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. Currently, this component is implemented through 13 subprojects financed with resources of GCF and executed by selected local organizations. These organizations work with producers to enhance their capacities in forest protection, conservation, rehabilitation and restoration along rivers, as well as to adapt productive activities that foster connectivity for restoration (such as agroforestry and sustainable livestock management). The subprojects are structured under four types of schemes, depending on the nature and objective of the activity: grants through calls for proposals, payment for performance (PFP), public-private payment for environmental services (PES), and enterprise development and access to credit. Subprojects funded by RÍOS are monitoring the impacts of their activities through community-based biodiversity, soils, and/or water monitoring. Additionally, subprojects have been trained to use community-based methodologies and assess climate vulnerability at the local level, so this information can be used for territorial planning. The project supports a learning community where beneficiaries exchange experiences and collaborate with national and regional actors to coordinate activities and achieve connectivity in the watersheds. As part of this component, an Integrated Watershed Action Plans (PAMIC, acronym in Spanish) has being designed, the for Ameca-Mascota in Jalisco, and the plan for Jamapa in Veracruz is currently under development.
- 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 and expande the adoption of best practices. This is by aligning local and national public programs related to restoration and adaptation, connecting and enabling environment to access credit lines dedicated to sustainable and climate-resilient productive practices in livestock and agroforestry systems through improvement and development actions.
- 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 nine government institutions forming a Design Committee, this component promotes the creation of a framework to establish an ENRR that strengthens climate change adaptation efforts. The Design Committee has guided the development of a proposal that includes: (1) the definition of objectives, scope, and guidelines; (2) lessons learned from similar initiatives; and (3) interviews and identification of key stakeholders.
RÍOS is the first project submitted by Mexico to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Learn more about the Operating Manual
Achievements
RÍOS advanced the implementation of 12 subprojects focused on the restoration and conservation of riverbanks, as well as on productive reconversion. These actions were carried out in the Ameca-Mascota (Jalisco) and Jamapa (Veracruz) watersheds, promoting practices such as agroforestry and sustainable livestock management. In total, these initiatives have directly impacted 1,900 hectares, with a focus on climate change adaptation.
As part of the capacity-building efforts, more than 2,600 producers received training in best management practices, contributing to enhanced socio-environmental resilience within the participating communities.
Additionally, four financial intermediaries with the potential to develop or adapt specific products aimed at sustainable practices were identified. At the same time, the technical, administrative, and financial capacities of 48 agribusinesses working under sustainable production schemes were strengthened, facilitating their access to climate financing sources.
During the second half of 2024, FMCN, INECC, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat, acronym in Spanish) began exploring synergies between the National River Restoration Strategy (ENRR, acronym in Spanish) and the National Restoration Program, with the goal of integrating efforts and expanding the reach of river restoration actions as a measure for climate change adaptation.
Results of the Independent Midterm Evaluation
- Relevance
The RÍOS project has been a pioneer in channeling climate finance from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support ecosystem-based adaptation in Mexico. Its focus on restoring priority watersheds through sustainable practices demonstrates strong relevance in the context of climate change. The project also shows potential to influence national public policy, including the National River Restoration Strategy (ENRR), which it helped to promote.
- Achievements
Midway through implementation, 76.92% of the project’s indicators show satisfactory or above-satisfactory progress. Local capacities have been strengthened, and effective on-the-ground and interinstitutional collaboration models have been established, laying a solid foundation for long-term sustainability.
- Lessons Learned
The experience shows that combining ongoing technical assistance, best practices, and institutional coordination can accelerate results. It also highlights the importance of maintaining agile and flexible implementation mechanisms, especially within complex institutional and administrative frameworks. Complementarity with projects such as Linking Watershed Health with Sustainable Livestock and Agroforestry Production (CONECTA in Spanish) has facilitated knowledge-sharing, capacity building in the field, and progress toward a more integrated approach to watershed and productive landscape management..
- Impact on the Territory and Local Communities
A shift toward more sustainable practices is underway in participating communities, along with early signs of tangible ecological benefits, such as producers reporting that their plots are in better condition than neighboring ones. The active participation of women and Indigenous peoples from the subproject design phase has strengthened both local ownership and equity in the distribution of benefits.
- Recommendations
Consolidate the lessons learned to influence public policy, continue technical support in the field, promote scaling through private-sector financing, and strengthen the long-term financial and political sustainability of the project to ensure lasting benefits.
Allies
Donors:
- Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Partners:
- National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC, acronym in Spanish)
- Fondo Golfo de México, A. C. (FGM, acronym in Spanish)
- FONNOR, A. C. (Northwestern and Western Fund)
Be part of the CONECTA and RÍOS Learning Community
A space for exchange and collaboration among project participants and people interested in conservation and sustainable production.
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:
FAQ
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
6. Can I participate in the RÍOS Learning Community activities?
Yes! We invite you to join the CONECTA and RÍOS Learning Community. This self-managed space is designed for exchange, cooperation, and collective learning among people involved in the RÍOS and CONECTA projects, as well as the general public interested in conservation and sustainable production.Its purpose is to strengthen initiatives, amplify impact, and connect people dedicated to agroforestry, regenerative ranching, and integrated landscape management. This space fosters knowledge sharing, the resolution of common challenges, and the identification of new opportunities for collaboration—celebrating the diversity of experiences and knowledge that help us grow as a network of organizations and individuals working toward a shared goal.If you’re interested in being part of this community, you can register through this form and let us know how you’d like to participate.
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