As part of the efforts to continue working together with the public and private sectors to strengthen strategies for sustainable development and ecosystem protection, the Pirelli company has committed to increase its efforts to protect biodiversity by conserving 10.24 hectares of the Cuenca de la Esperanza Natural Protected Area (NPA), in addition to the 40 hectares that had already been protected by the company over the past nine years. Through this commitment, Pirelli will support the conservation of a total of 50.24 hectares, equivalent to an investment of 1.6 million pesos.
“Alliances and cooperation between the state government and the private sector are fundamental for strengthening programmes and the preservation of Guanajuato’s biodiversity,” said Maria Isabel Ortiz Mantilla, Guanajuato’s Secretary of Environment and Land Management (SMAOT).
As part of this signing, SMAOT invited the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Ana Lorena Gudiño, director of the ADAPTUR project, served as a witness for the signing of the agreement. She emphasised the importance of the document because Pirelli, in addition to protecting the state’s biodiversity, is furthering its commitment to taking climate action through ecosystem-based adaptation measures to ensure better environmental and climatic conditions for the state.
This event strengthens cross-sectoral conservation efforts and demonstrates the extent to which multi-stakeholder work ensures the protection and conservation of the state’s biological diversity, ecosystem services such as water provision, soil conservation and protection of Guanajuato’s natural capital. It also supports the development of sustainable tourism, which is a very important economic activity for NPAs such as the Cuenca de la Esperanza.
Mobilising finance is key to addressing climate change and moving towards low-carbon and resilient economies. These efforts require multi-stakeholder and multi-sector collaboration that include youth, who are contributing to increasing the resilience of their communities by proposing innovative solutions, leading climate action and driving change for the sustainable future we all want to build.
Considering the importance of their inclusion, as part of the Festival of Green and Inclusive Finance 2022 (FFVI), the Working Group on Sustainable, Green and Climate Finance (GT-FIN SVC) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Tecnológico de Monterrey launched the national call “Youth in Action for Green Finance“. It aimed to create a space for dialogue for four youth projects to share their initiatives and achievements, and discuss the opportunities and challenges they face in financing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
The four innovative projects selected from the call for proposals were presented during the “Youth in Action for Green Finance” session on the third day of the FFVI, where in addition to presenting their projects, the panellists engaged in a discussion about the central role of youth in driving green and inclusive finance, the impact of their projects in promoting the greening of the financial system, social inclusion and climate ambition. One thing that unites these projects, as Daisy Álvarez pointed out, is that they seek “holistic solutions, which consider all possible approaches to sustainable development”.
Below are the projects that participated in the FFVI:
EFT Verde – Daniela Carreón
ETT Verde proposes an investment fund initiative made up of a diverse portfolio of shares, bonds and commodities that seek to match the performance of an index, in this case of sustainable and socially responsible companies. Its goal is to generate a common heritage, a plurality of investments representing sustainable society where individual returns are established according to collective results. This academic initiative signals a real opportunity for the financial sector to take climate action.
EnerYOU: Women for Sustainability Fellowship – Graciela Rivera
The Women for Sustainability Scholarship (MXS Scholarship) is a co-investment initiative driven by the EdTech startup, EnerYOU, to reduce the gaps between knowledge, education and professionalisation, as well as to strengthen the labour inclusion of women in the energy and sustainability sector. Through professionalisation and knowledge creation, they will be able to contribute to climate action solutions that improve the planet and the communities in which they operate.
Mazahua High Yield Maize System. SMAR Jñatjo’o – Ivan Mendoza
SMAR Jñatjo’o seeks to connect the Mazahua community with ethical and profitable livelihood opportunities through the fusion of traditional knowledge and technology, with the aim of slowing soil erosion through ethical and sustainable agricultural processes. This project highlights the importance of including communities that face greater vulnerability to climate change, such as indigenous peoples, considering that Mexico’s natural system is sensitive to climate change and is exacerbated by anthropogenic activities such as land use change, mainly due to agricultural activities (ADCOM, 2022).
Building green and sustainable spaces for all – Daisy Álvarez
The Building Green and Sustainable Spaces for All project seeks the collaborative retrofitting of public spaces through sustainable structures such as planters with recycled materials, drip irrigation, phytoremediation for urban water and soil, and self-supply of electricity, which respond to and involve communities.
Youth are at the centre of climate action and are agents of change seeking to build a sustainable future. Creating spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue that includes them is crucial to catalyse climate ambition and spread the word about the projects already underway.
We hope that by learning about these projects “more young people will believe and see that it is possible to make gradual progress on climate change issues with high-value projects”, as Ivan Mendoza said. Be part of the green generation!
Get to know the factsheet with the FFVI youth projects:
The global green finance ecosystem is evolving rapidly and steadily due to the importance of the financial sector in the fight against climate change. The Latin American Climate Assets Disclosure Initiative (LACADI) formed a committee with leading institutions in the Mexican financial system to coordinate and enhance the initiative’s work in Mexico.
The first working session was held on 30 June in Mexico City, where the first major milestone of the project was presented, a document that analyses and describes the main barriers for institutional investors to adopt climate disclosure practices and include climate risks and opportunities in their investment decisions.
Participants agreed to work closely with regulators and supervisors to establish the necessary market conditions, and to promote climate disclosure by institutional investors. Similarly, they will continue to meet the high demand for training on climate issues and the transition to decarbonisation, coordinating closely with the Green Finance Advisory Council (CCFV), the TCFD Consortium of Mexico, the Committee on Sustainable Finance and other international initiatives.
After two years collaborating on the creation of a science-based dialogue around Mexico’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), the book “Towards an Emissions Trading System in Mexico: Rationale, Design and Connections with the Global Climate Agenda” was presented.
The book, the first of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean, includes contributions from more than 20 researchers from various public and private universities in Mexico and other countries. Coordinated by Dr. Simone Lucatello of the Mora Institute, the book compiles, through fourteen chapters divided into three parts, a set of reflections and perspectives on key aspects of the ETS and its operational elements.
The book was published by Springer in an Open Access format, allowing for free access to its contents. The publication has been well received by ETS analysists and researchers in Mexico and abroad. Although not in a print format, the digital version of the book already has more than 25,000 downloads.
The event aimed to provide a platform for discussing the co-authored book on the Emissions Trading System (ETS) in Mexico, with the goal of presenting the primary conclusions and ideas contained in the publication and highlighting the role of the academic and research sector in the implementation of an ETS in Mexico.
Welcoming remarks were given by Gustavo Sosa from the Dr. José María Luis Mora Research Institute; Suriel Islas from the General Directorate of Climate Change Policies (DGPCC) of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT); and Vanesa Villa from SiCEM. Two introductory presentations followed: one on the process of dialogue with the academic sector on the ETS by Juan Carlos Mendoza, technical advisor to SiCEM from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Sustainable Development Cooperation); the second a general presentation of the book, its scope and main discussions by the book’s editor, Simone Lucatello.
Key actors for the Mexican ETS gave comments on the book. Suriel Islas, Deputy Director of Monitoring Actions to Promote Sustainable Development of SEMARNAT, stressed the importance of books like this one as a reference for students interested in the subject. He congratulated the authors for the publication of the book and described it as a great step towards analysing, studying and deepening knowledge on the ETS in Mexico.
José Ramón Ardavín, Executive Director of the Commission of Private Sector Studies for Sustainable Development (CESPEDES), stressed that the Mexican ETS was the first in Latin America, and highlighted the important support of the German Government and GIZ in the development and implementation of the ETS. Ardavín underlined the significance of having bodies that encourage participation in the ETS framework, such as the Consultative Committee of the Emissions Trading System (COCOSCE), an important forum to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between academia, the regulatory sector and authorities.
Finally, Dr. Francisco Estrada Porrúa, General Coordinator of the UNAM’s Climate Change Research Programme (PINCC), highlighted that the fact that this publication is the first book of its kind in Latin America is a sign of the importance of including science in decision-making for climate action. The ETS exemplifies a cost-effective mechanism to meet Mexico’s climate goals.
As part of the event’s closing, the publication’s authors exchanged perspectives and opinions, thus fostering a multi-stakeholder debate on the ETS. In addition to these perspectives, SEMARNAT highlighted the importance of establishing alliances with the private sector, academia and civil society for improving the design and operation of Mexico’s ETS. It acknowledged the role of GIZ in implementing the ETS, the work of several years and how it contributed to the design of the next phases of the system.
The event took place on 5 July 2022, and was organised by GIZ through the SiCEM project, and the Instituto de Investigaciones Dr. José María Luis Mora. Held in the Mora Institute’s auditorium, more than 80 people, both in person and online, joined the initiative seeking to continue promoting dialogue on the ETS. SiCEM will continue to promote similar events and a participatory ETS with the academic sector.
The Congress of the State of Nayarit through the commissions of Industry, Commerce and Tourism; Ecology and Environmental Protection and Economic and Social Development; in coordination with the project “Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change in Cooperation with the Private Sector in Mexico” (ADAPTUR) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, held the webinar “Blue Carbon, an opportunity for a climate resilient economy”. The congressmen and congresswomen and their respective legislative teams from the other states in the Gulf of California region were invited to attend. Part of the capacity- building activities for legislative teams of local congresses, more than 45 people from Nayarit and Sonora participated.
This initiative was led by deputies Juanita González, Georgina López and Nadia Bernal, who serve as chairpersons of the commissions. They are working together to position tourism as an axis that encourages the inclusion of transcendental issues for the region in their commissions and within the State Congress. Their work aims to create a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery for everyone, focusing on the environment; natural resources; climate change and Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EbA) measures.
The event aimed to increase the knowledge of participants on coastal-marine ecosystems; their vulnerability to climate change; their importance for the region’s biodiversity and the creation of solutions for climate action; and their relationship to economic activity within the Gulf of California region, which is essential for the tourism sector. This was done through a panel discussion between subject-matter experts that included Dr. Nélida Barajas from the Intercultural Centre for the Study of Deserts and Oceans; Mr. Luis Fueyo, a consultant specialising in oceans, biodiversity and environmental law; and the moderator, Mr. Alejandro Callejas, an international consultant specialising in biodiversity and climate change.
The meeting created linkages and multi-stakeholder dialogue between states, congresses, commissions, and legislators of the Gulf of California region, which supports work towards the enrichment of the subnational legal framework in the region. They succeeded in positioning blue carbon as an opportunity to implement EbA measures to strengthen climate action, protect the natural capital of the Gulf of California and strengthen the region’s economy by protecting the natural capital of one of the country’s major tourist attractions.
For more information, please contact Andrés Martínez, Technical Advisor of the ADAPTUR project for the Riviera Nayarit-Jalisco region.
The third edition of the Climate Change Action Groups (CCAGs) was a space for dialogue and exchange of experiences between public servants at the subnational level that allowed them to hear first-hand about experiences, successes and areas of opportunity in the implementation of projects on green infrastructure, circular economies, society and climate. This initiative has been created by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the Mexican Association of Municipal Planning Institutes (AMIMP), the Mexican Climate Community (CCM) and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
Held from 4 to 7 July, the GACCs focused on a specific theme each day. In total, 596 people participated, and 25 sessions were held to share experiences about case studies and the implementation of best practices at the local level. For example, three keynote speeches by representatives from Germany discussed examples of important projects that address the impacts of climate change – from the experiences of various cities such as Freiburg in the circular economy; the Berlin Climate Change Action Plan 2022-2026; and the Hamburg Green Network.
Below, find a summary of the four days of the GACC.
Green Infrastructure
The focus of the first day was on green infrastructure. Green infrastructure can be used, for example, to reduce runoff in times of rainfall by harnessing the retention and absorption capacities of vegetation and soil. In these cases, green infrastructure, in addition to meeting the needs of human societies, can increase carbon sequestration, improve air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect and increase resilience in vulnerable populations, such as coastal cities.
One of the experiences highlighted was that of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, in particular the process of developing its municipal green infrastructure standard and how coordination between different areas of the municipal government supports such initiatives. The Green Infrastructure Network promoted by GIZ Mexico through the CiClim and BIOCITIS projects was presented.
Keynote address “The Hamburg Green Network and citizen participation processes” given by Dr. Cornelia Peters from the Behörde für Umwelt, Klima, Energie und Agrarwirtschaft (BUKEA)
Circular Economy
On the second day, experiences were exchanged on circular economy instruments, sustainable consumption of electronic devices and inter-municipal solutions to reduce plastic pollution. They also discussed the implementation of energy efficiency and how it can reduce pressure on the environment, improving efficiency in the supply chain of raw materials and promoting economic growth and increased employment.
During the parallel sessions, state authorities expressed strong interest in generating a shared network of knowledge and information on recycling centres and events through the RAECO mobile application implemented by GIZ. Representatives from Chiapas, Chihuahua and the State of Mexico showed interest in including their own events in the application.
Presentación de RAECO en la sesión “Consumo sustentable de aparatos electrónicos” de los GACC
Society and Climate Change
The cornerstone of the third day was the role of society in climate change. They discussed how different sectors of society play a key role in climate governance because the willingness of business, government, academia and civil society can have a positive or negative impact on the fight against global temperature rise.
Ponencia Magistral “Plan de Cambio Climático en Berlin 2022 – 2026” impartida por Alejandro Fanegas, Berliner Energieagentur GmbH.
Digitalisation tools
Finally, the last day addressed the importance of digital tools in accelerating the transition towards a circular economy and the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially as related to the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in urban populations.
Keynote address “How does digitization help the sustainable development of cities?” Taught by Ileana Cerón from FabCity Yucatán
The creation of this type of space for the exchange of ideas and experiences allows for the construction of synergies between public and private sector actors at the local, national and international level to learn about progress, challenges and opportunities, as well as to create alliances in the fight against climate change.
Thus, for the third consecutive year, the GACCs have collaborated to strengthen and improve communication and the implementation of local projects that contribute significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
On 1 July 2022, the first capacity-building workshop of the Latin American Climate Assets Disclosure Initiative (LACADI) took place, in which climate disclosure was presented as a tool to identify and manage climate change opportunities and risks.
One of the most important observations of Mark Lewis, founding member of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), was that transition risks are crucial for companies and should be considered in all investment decisions. He concluded that companies that do not show their strategic vision for the future, based on TCFD recommendations, should be a red flag for investors.
The panel discussion on the barriers faced by institutional investors in Mexico to include climate risks and opportunities in their investment decisions included participation from Marité Chavira from Citibanamex, Alejandro Bujanos from Afore Sura, Juan Carlos Belasteguigoitia from Consorcio TCFD Mexico and Eric Osio Cerón from the National Commission of the Retirement Savings System (CONSAR). They highlighted the importance of including climate disclosure and sustainability strategy in all areas of the organisation; the objective of the Afores is not only to guarantee the best return but also the best pension, guaranteeing a better planet; and the importance of investments producing change within the companies receiving capital to reduce their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Participants also stressed the need for regulation to establish a guideline or baseline for compliance.
Celine Tapia, from CDP, explained that for financial companies the most important emissions to consider are the emissions they finance with their investments.
One of the main conclusions of the workshop was the importance of starting to share the advances in the processes and mechanisms currently in place within the institutions, as climate disclosure is a process of continuous improvement. To this end, LACADI will work with Afore and insurance companies to identify the status of their disclosure practices and generate recommendations and roadmaps for them to advance in the implementation of the TCFD recommendations.
