STORIES OF RESILIENCE IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Content catalog
Central America and the Caribbean are biodiversity hotspots in the world.
In less than 2% of the world's land area, Central America is home to 12% of the world's flora and fauna, while the Caribbean islands are important sanctuaries for unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
This diversity of flora and fauna not only sustains ecosystems but also supports local economies and cultural traditions that depend on it.
Each plant, every animal, and each ecosystem tell a story of survival and adaptation that is intertwined with the lives of its inhabitants.
Although the region generates less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers devastating and disproportionate repercussions:
Increasingly prolonged and intense droughts, hurricanes of unprecedented magnitude, and profound ecosystem disruptions that threaten their delicate balance.
Beyond its environmental effects, climate change exacerbates preexisting inequalities, with a particular impact on the most vulnerable populations.
Its consequences threaten food security, access to water, public health, and the livelihoods of millions of people throughout the region. Among those most affected by this crisis are women, youth, indigenous peoples, and communities at risk of natural disasters.
Women are key to resource management and food security.
Youth will face the most severe impacts of climate change.
Climate change most intensely affects those who depend on nature for their livelihoods.
Coastal and rural communities are most vulnerable to extreme events, such as hurricanes and droughts.
Throughout their history, Central America and the Caribbean have been shaped by social and economic inequalities, as well as by political and environmental crises.
However, the region also possesses an invaluable resource: it’s people. Across the region, stories of hope, innovation, and resilience continue to emerge.
"Under the Sun and In the Rain" brings together these stories of struggle and community.
Join our protagonists and discover how they have forged new paths toward a sustainable and resilient future.
Taking the Bull by the Horns
Women Ranchers Carving Their Own Path
COSTA RICA
In a sector that significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, women ranchers are demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Their efforts to integrate sustainable practices into livestock farming make them key agents in tackling climate challenges.
Women ranchers demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, which represents an opportunity to integrate and ensure their participation in climate change mitigation initiatives.
Jessenia and Carla are women ranchers whose passion for livestock farming drives them to break stereotypes and learn new skills every day.
Their dedication is a testament to unstoppable strength. However, like many women in this sector, they face challenges that make it difficult to adopt the sustainable practices that could transform their communities and environment. Despite these barriers, their commitment remains steadfast, guided by the hope of a fairer, greener future.
"My father used to value our work at half that of a man’s, and that made me uncomfortable."
Jessenia Castillo
Woman Rancher from San Vito, Costa Rica
Only 42% of women ranchers own the land they use for their agricultural activities.
Limited access to land and financing restricts their ability to make decisions and access financial opportunities.
33% of women report having limited ability to make decisions in their livestock activities.
They are often perceived as less physically capable of handling demanding tasks in the field – a view that hinders their full participation and reduces opportunities for their valuable contributions to be recognized.
85% do not receive financial compensation for the farm work they perform.
Many of them also take on domestic chores at home, further complicating their development in the livestock sector.
35% are not affiliated with a livestock organization.
60% of those affiliated are not members of the boards.
Women’s limited presence in decision-making spaces restricts their power to influence policies and programs that directly impact their work, which excludes them from processes that could transform their reality.
For this reason, one of the objectives of the SCALA program is to analyze and understand the challenges women face in livestock farming.
To achieve this, a diagnostic was conducted, and a three-year action plan was designed to promote meaningful change toward gender equality and foster sustainable development in the livestock sector.
123 women ranchers like Jessenia and Carla shared their experiences, challenges, and perspectives.
Their voices and participation were key in building a deep and authentic understanding of their reality, highlighting their role as agents of change in the livestock sector, as well as their contributions to sustainable development.
It is necessary to ensure better conditions for women ranchers to access land, credit, resources, and training, allowing them to fully exercise their rights. The information generated by the analysis feeds into dialogue spaces with the government, aiming to jointly build inclusive, comprehensive, and egalitarian development for both men and women in the agricultural and rural sector.
Andrea Padilla
Assistant Representative of Programs at FAO in Costa Rica
As a woman, I have no obstacles. None. Only limitations in the economic sense.
Carla González Moreno
Woman Rancher, Nandayure, Northern Region
Their story, along with that of many other women,
demonstrates that empowerment and
gender equality are essential to
building a fairer and more prosperous
future for Costa Rica's livestock sector.
The SCALA program seeks to promote gender equality and sustainability in livestock farming through various strategies:
Implementing awareness programs on gender equality to train public officials, institutional staff, producers in the livestock sector and their families.
Developing specialized courses to strengthen women rancher's technical and business capacities
Facilitating access to credit and financing for women ranchers
Encouraging the creation of women’s ranching groups and promoting female leadership on the boards of livestock organizations
Increasing the participation of women’s farms in the NAMA Livestock Program.
Guaranteeing equitable access to land ownership, active participation in decision-making, fair economic compensation, and better participation conditions in the sector are key steps to promoting equal opportunity. Fostering these actions will not only empower women ranchers but will also strengthen the social and economic fabric of rural communities.
Sandra Sosa
Resident Representative of UNDP
The stories of Jessenia, Carla, and so many other women ranchers show us that gender equality and sustainability are not only possible but essential to transforming the livestock sector.
Their dedication, resilience, and commitment are an inspiration to build a fairer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible future.
Grenada has
experienced an increase
in heatwaves, with
maximum temperatures
reaching up to 34°C
(93°F) during peak
summer months.
The frequency of heatwaves has increased over the last decade,
significantly impacting the community and highlighting the urgent need for effective cooling solutions.
As temperatures rise, the demand for sustainable refrigeration and air
conditioning becomes a critical adaptation strategy against climate change.
While the demand for cooling expertise grows,
Grenada's refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector has historically been
male-dominated, with women representing only 3% of the workforce in 2018.
However, this challenge presented an
unexpected opportunity for transformation.
In Grenada, a group of women is
breaking stereotypes and driving change in the RAC industry.
Through the initiative “Women in
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Grenada”, female RAC technicians are trained in the safe and
efficient use of natural refrigerants. The program, led by the GIZ-implemented and IKI-financed project
Cool Contributions Fighting Climate Change II (C4II), advocates
for greater participation, leadership, and empowerment of women in this traditionally male-dominated
industry.
The initiative’s success is reflected in its
numbers.
By 2024, the Women in RAC network has grown to include 8 female
trainers committed to empowering more women with the skills required
for the safe use of natural refrigerants.
Globally, C4 II initiative has supported these 8 female
trainers through 10 technical Train-the-Trainer sessions
and engaged 251 women in various networking and training
events.
In 2022, Marah became the first female refrigeration and air
conditioning trainer in Grenada.
She participated in the Cool Training in Germany, where she learned
about the safe use of natural refrigerants, such as propane (R-290), which are eco-friendly and efficient
alternatives to traditional options.
This experience not only enhanced her technical skills but
also connected her with other women in the field, strengthening a supportive and collaborative
network.
It's good that younger generations
can see that females are capable of doing anything, really and truly, as long as you put your
mind to it, and as long as you have a passion for it, nothing is impossible.
Marah St. John
In 2023, Marah was part of
an all-female team in a groundbreaking project:
installing an R-290 air
conditioning unit in the office of Minister of Climate Resilience, Environment and Renewable Energy,
Hon. Minister Kerryne James. Working alongside Angela, Carlinda, and Akelsha, Marah showed how
collaboration and technical skills can achieve great results while breaking stereotypes in the
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Every installation
we make is a step toward a greener future.
We have the capacity in having much more females involved in
getting into these non-traditional roles and this career path, so we have to make sure that we lead by
example as small island.
Hon. Kerryne James
Minister of Climate Resilience, Environment and
Renewable Energy in Grenada
Through the combination of
technical innovation and female empowerment, Grenada is showing how small islands can lead big
changes in the fight against climate change.
In Costa Rica, the worldview of indigenous peoples is fundamental to biodiversity conservation.
Their territories protect sacred sites and vital resources for their culture, identity, and subsistence, reflecting their deep connection with nature.
The relationship these communities have with their environment is not only reflected in their worldview and sustainable practices but also in their role as guardians of vast areas of national territory.
Indigenous communities cover 7% of Costa Rica’s national territory, which equals more than 350,000 hectares, 70% of which are covered by forests.
Furthermore, these territories include a significant portion of the country's essential ecosystems, such as:
16% of rainforests.
15% of wetlands.
5% of mangroves.
3,2% of nesting beaches for sea turtles.
3,1% of seagrass meadows.
2,9% of páramo forests.
1% of coral reefs.
However, their territories’ abundant natural and cultural wealth does not translate into a better quality of life for indigenous peoples.
Approximately 70% of indigenous households live in vulnerable conditions, with significant deficiencies in fundamental needs, such as health, education, and housing.
For this reason, indigenous communities expressed the need to support initiatives aligned with their worldview.
This was formalized in Goal 63 of the National Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to promote the economic and productive development of indigenous territories through tourism activities linked to biodiversity.
For Doris, Paulino, Johana, and Elides, nature conservation and the strengthening of their identities are more than just a commitment – they are a daily struggle.
They are part of the first and second generations of the Raíces program and engage in ecotourism as a means of their livelihood, nature conservation, and protecting the cultural identity of indigenous territories.
Raíces is a financial mechanism that promotes sustainable tourism in indigenous territories by supporting business ideas and turning them into tourism enterprises.
The program connects indigenous entrepreneurs with resources, training, and networks
driving a tourism model that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable, and places indigenous communities at the forefront of their own development.
Raíces, for me, is an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of growing as an entrepreneur, especially in tourism, but with a vision that is deeply important to me – the perspective of indigenous communities.
Doris Ríos Ríos
Indigenous woman from the Cabécar China-Kichá Territory
Built by Our Territories
Doris Ríos Ríos
Indigenous woman from the Cabécar China-Kichá Territory
Raíces’ first and second generations have mobilized $1.45 million, benefiting 1,112 people and supporting 30 enterprises as well as 114 community infrastructure projects that enable indigenous tourism.
“The program has had a positive impact on the community by creating jobs and promoting collaboration among local producers.
This not only encourages the consumption of local products but also provides opportunities for young people and women who are unemployed.”
Elides Rivera Navas
Indigenous woman from the Térraba Territory
67% of Raíces enterprises are led by women.
“The program has had a positive impact on the community by creating jobs and promoting collaboration among local producers. This not only encourages the consumption of local products but also provides opportunities for young people and women who are unemployed.”
Johanna Lázaro Morales
Cáu^shá^s Farm Boruca
Indigenous woman from the Boruca Territory
Over three generations, Raíces has impacted 2,221 hectares, promoting sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation and strengthening biodiversity.
Paulino Nájera Rivera found his motivation to become an entrepreneur after an environmental crisis in Térraba, where deforestation and chemicals used in agriculture contaminated the sole water source.
He decided to take action to restore the forest, and as it recovered, the idea of organizing hikes and creating a space for ecological and cultural tourism emerged.
Paulino Nájera Rivera
Ecological Cultural Corner of the Térraba Indigenous Territory
Raíces came to strengthen my dreams
Paulino Nájera Rivera
Ecological Cultural Corner of the
Térraba Indigenous Territory
Raíces empowers indigenous entrepreneurs with training, funding, and technical support, strengthening their projects and opening doors to ecotourism.
Raíces is a project co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Government, with support from the European Commission and the Governments of Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Flanders, Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.
Grenada is facing a growing challenge as climate change impacts its
water resources.
Reduced rainfall and rising temperatures are expected to increase the
risk of water shortages and prolonged droughts in the coming years.
Grenada relies on rainfall for 90% of its
freshwater, making it highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation patterns.
The remaining 10-15% is sourced from
groundwater, which is threatened by saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels.
As global temperatures rise,
rainfall patterns are becoming more erratic, and heavy rainfall events are occurring more
frequently.
These, combined with
saltwater intrusion, are exacerbating the water scarcity issues already intensified by climate
change.
The consequences of water scarcity are particularly severe for young
people, who will face long-term challenges in accessing clean and reliable water.
As climate change intensifies, Grenada’s youth will experience greater
disruptions in daily life, education, and health.
However, through
knowledge, innovation, and collective action, Grenada’s youth is turning the tide and transforming
these challenges into opportunities.
Important support is provided
by the IKI project Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) through its innovative
Water Ambassador program (GWAP).
Cavonna Baptiste is a passionate advocate for sustainable water
management.
As a Water Ambassador, she is dedicated to addressing the challenges
posed by climate change on her country’s water resources.
During a comprehensive training program, she gained invaluable insights into the intricate
relationship between climate change and water availability.
The program also provided
Cavonna with hands-on expertise in addressing climate-related water challenges.
She focused on practical
solutions, such as designing rainwater harvesting systems that balance demand and supply, while
considering factors like household needs and roof area.
This practical experience went beyond technical
knowledge.
Cavonna experienced significant personal growth, building
confidence and fostering a deeper connection to the real-world impact of water conservation.
Seeing how her work could change lives gave her a new sense of purpose and a stronger
commitment to sustainability.
“Initially I was kind of shy going into the field but as
I continue going out and interacting with the persons, understanding their situations, how they
deal with water. It was different from my own story. You see some persons, they don't have access
to water at all, and some depend on outdoor taps…I could have resonated with them...so I really
enjoyed going out and learning their stories and being able to help them at the end of the day.”
Cavonna Baptiste
Water Ambassador
Cavonna and and
young Grenadians like her are driving modern, digitized solutions to improve water management,
decision-making, and ensure sustainable access to clean water for all.
Through the GWAP program, the Water Ambassadors made
meaningful progress in enhancing water access and building resilience in vulnerable communities.
“We engaged directly with communities,
conducted surveys, and considered household vulnerabilities to guide our efforts.”
Cavonna Baptiste
Water Ambassador
A key achievement of the program has been building resilience among
vulnerable communities: Five households have been equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and
400-gallon tanks, ensuring 3–5 days of backup water during supply disruptions.
Among these households, three are headed by women.
Educational activities and collaboration have empowered
local communities, with 100 citizens from three communities gaining vital knowledge on sustainable water
practices, including rainwater harvesting and water-efficient techniques.
The young Water Ambassadors have used creative approaches to inspire
change:
In collaboration with the community and a local artist, they
designed and created a powerful mural that promotes efficient water use. This artwork captures the
community's vision and reflects a collective commitment to sustainability.
"Water insecurity is a reality,
let's face it with positivity!
Make rainwater harvesting, storing and saving your
responsibility!"
The Water Ambassadors program empowers young
leaders like Cavonna to drive change, promoting water conservation and raising awareness about climate
change.
It inspires communities and
individuals to take action, showing that everyone contribute locally to sustainable water management.
Granada's Youth
Tackling the Water Crisis.
Learn more about the Grenada Water Ambassadors Program and
G-CREWS project:
G-CREWS is jointly financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and
Consumer Protection (BMUV) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the Government
of Grenada.
The Caribbean, home to unique ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests, faces serious threats from climate change.
Rising temperatures and ocean acidification endanger its biodiversity and vital balance.
Coral reef bleaching is destroying key marine habitats, putting fishing and tourism at risk.
Biodiversity loss in tropical forests threatens climate regulation, water conservation, and essential food production.
Changes in rainfall, droughts, and an increase in pests are challenging traditional crops and the ability of small-scale farmers to adapt.
Protecting ecosystems not only preserves biodiversity but also ensures communities’ livelihoods and strengthens their resilience to climate change.
“Before, we had a great variety of plants and trees; today, many of them have disappeared. I miss having them here.”
Wendy Jáquez
Dominican Republic
Wendy represents a new generation of women farmers who are adapting agriculture to climate change by applying Nature-Based Solutions.
With the support of the Resilient Caribbean Communities (CCR) project, Wendy transformed her land into a productive ecosystem.
Through an agroforestry system that combines plantain crops with cacao trees, Wendy has managed to regenerate the soil, improve water retention, prevent erosion, and increase biodiversity.
These techniques strengthen climate change adaptation, mitigate extreme climate risks, and provide long-term benefits by acting as carbon sinks.
Thanks to the commitment of producers like Wendy, nature-based solutions are revolutionizing agriculture in the Caribbean.
Integrating ecosystem conservation, food security, and climate change adaptation, strengthens both the communities’ resilience and their long-term sustainability.
Empowering women means strengthening climate resilience and sustainability in the Caribbean.
The CCR project promotes gender equality as an essential foundation for climate adaptation. Through participatory diagnostics and hands-on workshops, it seeks to strengthen both men’s and women’ capabilities, fostering equitable collaboration that paves the way for female leadership in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Wendy's story reflects how gender equality enhances the fight against climate change.
Thanks to the training workshops, she was able to establish more equitable power dynamics within her family, becoming a leader in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
We have learned that if we do not treat the forest as our enemy, but instead manage it well, we will have greater biodiversity and more fertile soils. This also contributes to more stable food security. Before, we could only harvest once a year. Now, thanks to our new home gardens, we have lettuce, onions, chard, peppers, and cabbage all year round.
Wendy Jáquez
Dominican Republic
Back to cooperating with nature.
Learn more about the Resilient Caribbean Communities project:
Costa Rica is globally recognized for its commitment to conservation, protecting its biodiversity, and safeguarding key land and ocean ecosystems.
More than 25% of the country’s landmass falls under some form of Protected Wildlife Area (ASP, from its acronym in Spanish), preserving vital ecosystems that are home to 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity.
However, this natural wealth is not reflected in the diversity of those protecting it.
In 2023, only 33% of National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC, from its acronym in Spanish) employees were women, facing structural barriers in a field shaped by traditional gender roles.
Traditional roles persist in daily operations. While men are assigned to patrols and fieldwork, women are typically given administrative, cleaning, and cooking duties.
This division reinforces stereotypes and limits women’s participation in strategic conservation efforts.
Beyond these assigned roles, infrastructure and equipment are not designed to meet their needs. Many sites lack separate sanitation facilities and rest areas for women, as well as nursing spaces, maternity-friendly uniforms, and childcare support.
These conditions make it difficult for women to perform their duties effectively, compromising both their safety and well-being.
Reina Sánchez and Yocelin Ríos are two park rangers united by a shared mission: protecting Costa Rica’s natural resources. Like many other female rangers, they balance their passion for conservation with family life,
facing any challenges head-on.
Their stories reflect the strength of all women leaving their mark on conservation.
For Reina, an administrator of Irazú Volcano and Turrialba National Parks, each day is an exercise in perseverance.
Like her colleagues, she works 10-day shifts followed by 5 days off – a demanding schedule that challenges her to balance her two greatest passions: being a mother and safeguarding nature.
“I’m a park ranger mom with three children. When the strongest eruptions happened in 2016, I couldn’t go to the volcano because I was pregnant. I’ve missed many important moments with my kids, and they’ve had to adapt. It’s been hard, but I’ve made it work.”
Reina Sánchez
Administrator, Irazú Volcano and Turrialba National Parks
Yocelin has dedicated her life to conserving natural resources. Having experienced gender inequality firsthand, she took on the challenge of transforming the landscape for women in conservation.
Her leadership has championed the integration of gender equity into the management of Protected Wildlife Areas, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement.
Her story, like those of many other female rangers, highlights a key reality: to strengthen conservation, we must ensure equal opportunities.
Recognizing the need for a gender-responsive approach to biodiversity protection, Costa Rica advocated for the inclusion of an additional target in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) during negotiations at COP15 in Canada.
Target 23 aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and effective participation in biodiversity conservation.
To advance this goal, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE, from its acronym in Spanish) and SINAC, with support from German Development Cooperation GIZ, formed a partnership.
Together, they have created spaces for dialogue where female park rangers share their experiences, highlight challenges, and propose solutions, ensuring their voices drive meaningful change.
In May 2023, Costa Rica held its first-ever national gathering of female park rangers – a key step toward equity in conservation.
With support from SINAC and GIZ, 30 women park rangers came together to share their experiences, identify obstacles, and propose solutions that address inequalities while strengthening their role in biodiversity protection.
“Through these initiatives, we recognize and address the barriers to gender equity. I’ve always worked surrounded by men, but the support of other women is essential in the workplace. Finding a balance between conservation and equality is crucial.”
Reina Sánchez
Administrator, Irazú Volcano and Turrialba National Parks
Another significant achievement was the establishment of the Ad Hoc Gender Committee, tasked with advancing the “Petition of Women Park Rangers.”
This milestone sets a precedent within SINAC, paving the way for institutional gender equality and ensuring tangible progress in inclusive conservation efforts.
This committee is committed to creating spaces for dialogue, capacity building and strengthening, and institutional change in pursuit of gender equality. It acknowledges a historical debt to all the women whose rights have been impacted in one way or another.
Yocelin Ríos
Coordinator, Ad Hoc Gender Committee
Women park rangers are reshaping conservation and carving a path toward a more just and inclusive environment.
Their work not only protects biodiversity, but also fosters a fairer and more equitable workplace for all SINAC employees.
As women, we contribute to biodiversity conservation from many perspectives. It’s an honor to be able to say
that female park rangers are warriors – not with weapons, but with specific requests that reflect our lived experiences
and those of countless others who have not
had the chance to speak up. We are their voice.
Close to 40% of the Earth's surface is dedicated to food production. However, this activity has a significant environmental impact: it is responsible for the loss of 70% of the world’s biodiversity.
The situation is especially critical in developing countries, where 72% of plant and animal species are at risk due to unsustainable agricultural practices.
Despite this challenging scenario, it is both possible and urgent to find a balance between highly productive
agriculture and biodiversity
conservation.
Achieving this harmony is key to
ensuring a sustainable food supply, protecting the integrity of ecosystems, and securing the survival of the species that depend on them.
Joselyn Rojas Varela is an agronomist at Nicoverde, a subsidiary of the Italian company Nicofrutta. The company owns three farms and collaborates with more than 100 small-scale pineapple producers in Costa Rica.
As production supervisor, Joselyn has led the transition from conventional farming to a more sustainable model that integrates biodiversity criteria into production.
“One of the most tangible changes is that we guarantee the consumer a healthier product, produced with fewer chemicals and by implementing biological inputs for its management.”
Ing. Joselyn Rojas Varela
Nicoverde
Pital, Costa Rica
Joselyn and Nicoverde are actively involved in From Farm to Fork (CAP), a project by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) that integrates biodiversity conservation into banana and pineapple production.
Through sustainable agricultural practices, such as using bioinputs and reducing agrochemicals, the initiative promotes the preservation of natural capital and the enhancement of ecosystem services, strengthening its sustainability and commitment to biodiversity.
In October 2019, Nicoverde launched its bioinput laboratory, where they develop effective, high-quality agricultural products made from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.
Thanks to this innovation, Nicoverde and its suppliers have reduced conventional pesticide use by 80%, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally responsible production process.
Driven by CAP, the Biodiversity Check Agricola (BCA) is a tool that encourages the development of action plans to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of resources.
Nicoverde is part of the 160 farms in the country that have implemented the BCA, applying effective strategies to protect local biodiversity, enhance their productive practices, and reduce their environmental impact.
In 2021, Joselyn and Nicoverde’s commitment to sustainable pineapple production led them to participate in the From Farm to Fork idea competition.
With support from CAP and GIZ, they developed PineApp, a mobile app for small-scale pineapple producers that optimizes input use and promotes more sustainable practices.
“This tool allows producers to check certain active ingredients that can be used specifically in pineapple production and those that may or may not be restricted. The tool provides producers with biological alternatives that can replace the use of prohibited agrochemicals.”
Ing. Joselyn Rojas Varela
Nicoverde
Research to innovate: biotechnology, circular economy, and soil regeneration.
From Farm to Fork also collaborates with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and FairTrade Smallholder, encouraging them to adjust their standards and requirements to include biodiversity conservation in their certifications, with the goal of helping consumers make more responsible purchasing choices.
María Berrocal, a banana producer at Finca González Ríos, is also part of the project.
She has chosen to minimize her use of chemical herbicides, reviving traditional methods such as using machetes to clear the land.
“We benefit when consumers buy the products, we both help each other. They consume a healthier product and help us continue producing in this way. We’ve learned that it’s possible.”
María Berrocal
Finca González Ríos
Costa Rica
Recovering the past to care for the future: traditional practices for sustainable conservation.
For Joselyn and María, the From Farm to Fork project has been an opportunity to innovate and strengthen their farming practices, using biodiversity to improve crop health and reduce environmental impact.
Through their work, they show that efficient and sustainable agricultural production is possible.
This project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), with support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUV).
Wetlands are the planet’s most efficient carbon sinks.
Ecosystems like mangroves, peatlands, and seagrass meadows capture carbon up to 50 times faster than forests and can store up to 5 times more carbon in their soil.
But this natural wealth is at risk. Since 1970, the world has lost 35% of its mangroves – they’re disappearing at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than forests.
This loss threatens biodiversity and the communities that rely on these ecosystems.
In Guatemala, Sipacate-Naranjo National Park is a prime example of these invaluable ecosystems. Here, mangroves are not only vital to biodiversity but also serve as a foundation for the local economy.
These wetlands act as natural guardians, buffering ocean waves and storms – protecting coastal communities from flooding and property damage.
Wetlands play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation:
They ensure access to fresh water and provide essential ecosystem services that support health and livelihoods.
Yet despite this natural abundance, nearby communities live on the poverty line and rely on multiple economic activities to survive.
To face of these challenges, Celeste Rubiana, Lady Zulema, and Marcos Ariel – who live near the national park – chose to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Like many young people in their community, they faced a difficult choice: stay or leave in search of better opportunities, after completing their studies.
Their answer was transformative: they bet on conservation and ecotourism.
Alongside 37 other young people, they trained as community guides. In the process, they not only discovered the park’s ecological and cultural wealth but also developed the skills to share its significance with the world. This experience deepened their connection to their community and opened new doors for their future.
Additionally, 15 youth participated in an intensive three-month birdwatching training program.
They learned to identify and record the park’s 50 most common bird families using the eBird digital application. Their findings now contribute to conservation efforts and provide crucial data to the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP, from its acronym in Spanish).
This process, facilitated by the Wildlife Conservation Society Guatemala and the Small Grants Programme, marked the beginning of both personal and community transformation.
“I learned that there are 100 bird species here – both migratory and local. Before, I only knew of two or three.”
Celeste Yubiana Rodas Castañeda
Young Community Guide
Guatemala
Over four months and 180 hours of hands-on training, these young people gained expertise in biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and bird monitoring.
But beyond this technical knowledge, they developed a new perspective on their surroundings – learning to value, protect, and see their environment as a source of opportunity.
“The conservation of species – both flora and fauna – is incredibly important because it benefits humans in one way or another.”
Lady Zulema Blanco
Young Community Guide
Guatemala
The project’s influence grew through initiatives like community-based waterbird monitoring. This led to the creation of a birdwatching club, now consisting of 15 young members who aspire to establish and lead an association in the future.
It also resulted in developing the first-ever Pacific Guatemala Bird Guide in Spanish, documenting over 152 species and promoting conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.
The project also fostered community participation in conservation efforts.
Teachers, local leaders, and residents joined workshops and festivals, strengthening local pride and community commitment to protecting these wetlands. Thanks to their contributions, more than 200 people gained awareness around the importance of preserving these ecosystems and their biodiversity.
What we learn, we must share in our schools so that our children can understand the birds that live, mature, and reproduce in our country. This way, in the near future, most of our population will be educated about the care and protection of the different bird species found in our region.
Marcos Ariel Alvarado López
Young Community Guide
Guatemala
The dedication of young leaders like Celeste Rubiana, Lady Zulema, and Marcos Ariel brings hope for the future of Sipacate-Naranjo National Park.
Their work goes beyond conservation: they are building a model where community development and environmental protection go hand in hand – proving that the future of wetlands and their communities is deeply interconnected.
This project proves that regions with high conservation value can be drivers of social and economic development, as they sustainably leverage environmental services like tourism, ensuring no one is left behind.
The Global ICCAs Support Initiative (ICCA-GSI) is funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme through the GEF Small Grants Programme.
In every story we have explored – from the forests of Central America to the islands of the Caribbean – we can see the reflection of community resilience, leadership, and innovation.
These different experiences teach us that protecting biodiversity and sustainably managing natural resources is not only a shared responsibility but a vital investment for our collective future.
These experiences have been supported by cooperation projects funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Government.
In Central America and the Caribbean, IKI contributes to sustainable development through funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem protection.
The stories have been compiled by the ACCIÓN Clima project, as part of its mandate as IKI interface project for the region.
Learn more about the IKI portfolio in Central America and the Caribbean here:
