Latin America’s Climate Action Platform Holds Regional Forum

The Climate Action Platform for Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (PLACA) held its 2025 Regional Forum, bringing together more than 60 government representatives to review progress made in 2024 and refine work priorities for the coming year.

Participants highlighted achievements in sustainable agricultural practices, including the identification of over 70 low-cost livestock technologies and the publication of a technical report and policy note on monitoring indicators for water use efficiency and stress in the region.

Capacity-building efforts were also reviewed, with more than 15 regional events held in 2024 that attracted over 1,900 participants. These events, conducted in collaboration with institutions such as CGIAR, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Global Water Partnership, covered topics including soil management, agro-climatic technical tables, and water resource management.

For 2025, the forum identified key priorities, including the use of artificial intelligence in climate risk management for agriculture. This approach aims to enhance decision-making and adaptation strategies in response to changing environmental conditions. The digitalization of agriculture was also emphasized to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Other priority areas include soil degradation and drought mitigation, with a focus on strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting rural communities. The role of carbon markets in financing sustainable projects and reducing emissions was also addressed, alongside discussions on food loss and waste and the implementation of agreements from the Sharm el-Sheikh climate negotiations.

The forum’s outcomes will guide the work of PLACA’s Thematic Working Groups, which focuses on adaptation and mitigation, public policies, knowledge management, and research and innovation.

María Mercedes Proaño, Climate Finance Officer, FAO Latin America and the Caribbean, underscored the need for concrete actions to address climate change and biodiversity loss. “PLACA reaffirms its commitment to fostering regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing to tackle climate challenges in agriculture. With a clear agenda and the support of its members, the platform positions itself as a key player in promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Proaño said.