CAF deploys its strategic ecosystems at COP30

The páramos, Patagonia, the forests of Tumbes in the Chocó and Magdalena, the Atlantic Forest, the Mesoamerican biological corridor, mangroves, the Amazon, the Humboldt Current and the Gran Chaco and Pantanal, are some of the 15 strategic ecosystems in the region identified by CAF, which are also key to the sustainability of the planet.

This is the vision that CAF disseminated at a COP30 event, where it also presented its portfolio of projects for strategic ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean, which provides financing alternatives to countries to manage biodiversity loss.

"With this approach, we are promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation actions, new financing mechanisms, biodiversity protection initiatives and improvements in community life, among others," said Alicia Montalvo, CAF's Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity Manager.

Montalvo also explained the criteria for selecting strategic ecosystems. "All countries are in one of these ecosystems. All of them have high biodiversity, which in English is called hotspots. All of them also have socio-cultural and economic importance, and high connectivity between countries."

To manage its project portfolio, CAF has developed a digital tool that centralizes information on each ecosystem and its projects. This platform makes it possible, for example, to consult detailed information sheets on initiatives, such as a reforestation plan in the Brazilian Amazon, facilitating access to key data and the monitoring of proposed solutions.

CAF's action in these ecosystems is materialized through a diverse portfolio of projects since 2018, including own operations, technical cooperation and projects with global funds such as the GEF (Global Environment Facility), the Adaptation Fund and the GCF (Green Climate Fund).

CAF's new ecosystem approach is comprehensive, with a long-term vision and a focus on regional integration. It also places people at the center, promoting sustainable development and including local communities, indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants in decision-making.

The adoption of the ecosystem approach and commitment to actions across ecosystems is fundamental for CAF, as it aligns with the global goals of the New Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks "zero net loss" by 2030 and "net gain" by 2050.