Latin America Boosts Agricultural Climate Action Ahead of COP30

Representatives from 15 Latin American and Caribbean countries gathered on April 28-30 for the Regional Workshop on Agriculture and Climate Change, organized by FAO, the Climate Action Platform for Agriculture (PLACA), and the Biodiversity & CIAT Alliance.

The event aimed at strengthening the preparedness of agriculture ministry delegates for upcoming climate negotiations. With a focus on COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and the SB 62 climate meetings in Bonn, the workshop underlined the importance of regional cooperation to accelerate climate action in Latin America's agri-food systems.

The workshop also focused on enhancing technical, political, and institutional preparedness for the new cycle of updating the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0). Topics discussed included the Enhanced Transparency Framework, Loss and Damage, the Global Adaptation Goal, and Joint Work from Sharm el-Sheikh.

María Mercedes Proaño, Climate Finance Officer and Coordinator for a Better Environment, FAO, highlighted the growing importance of agri-food systems in addressing climate change. "The systems have gained prominence in the fight against climate change. The UAE Declaration, supported by 160 world leaders, marked a milestone in recognizing their role in food security and climate resilience. Latin America is set to play a key role in this transition," she said.

With COP30 taking place in Brazil, Proaño emphasized the region’s unique opportunity to position sustainable agri-food solutions that contribute to the Paris Agreement and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.