Regional Latin America Workshop in Quito, Ecuador, September 3-5, 2024: Strengthening Alliances for Environmental Action

The Regional Workshop of the GEFwas held in Quito, Ecuador, a key event to promote dialogue and collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and governments on environmental action in Latin America. This workshop brought together more than 250 representatives from various CSOs, government authorities, environmental experts, and representatives of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to discuss the opportunities and challenges the region faces in terms of sustainability and conservation.

Objectives of the Workshop

The event focused on strengthening the capacity of CSOs to influence the implementation of GEF-funded projects, as well as identifying synergies and areas of collaboration between key stakeholders. Critical topics discussed included:

• Climate Change: Innovative approaches to mitigate the effects of global warming and to adapt vulnerable communities.
• Biodiversity: Strategies for biodiversity conservation, especially in sensitive regions like the Amazon.
• Soil Degradation and Desertification: Projects to promote sustainable agricultural practices and restore degraded ecosystems.
• Ocean and Plastic Pollution: Initiatives to reduce plastic use and marine pollution.

Key Sessions The workshop included panel discussions, practical workshops, and interactive sessions where participants shared experiences and best practices. Among the highlighted topics was the importance of integrating local communities and indigenous peoples into environmental decision-making, emphasizing their role as guardians of natural resources.

Additionally, successful GEF-funded projects in Ecuador and other countries in the region were presented, underscoring the importance of multilateral collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Outcomes and Next Steps

One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was the signing of a joint declaration by the CSOs present, in which they committed to:

• Increase political advocacy in environmental policy planning and execution.
• Strengthen regional cooperation to address transnational challenges such as deforestation and water contamination.
• Develop innovative proposals to access climate and biodiversity funding through GEF mechanisms.

The workshop concluded with a commitment from all actors present to continue working together to improve the impact of GEF initiatives in the region. Follow-up meetings were planned, and the creation of a digital platform was agreed upon to facilitate collaboration between CSOs and other stakeholders.

Final Reflection

This event in Quito has been a milestone for Latin American CSOs, highlighting the importance of joint efforts between governments, international organizations, and civil society to tackle global environmental challenges. The active participation of CSOs in the implementation of GEF projects is essential to ensure that adopted solutions are inclusive.