FONPLATA participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), held in Cali, Colombia, until November 1st.

As part of this conference that brings together world leaders to address the conservation of the planet's biodiversity, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), in collaboration with UN Women and FONPLATA, organized a key event at the Amazonia Siempre Pavilion focused on regional cooperation for gender equality and women's empowerment in the Amazon.

The debate focused on the protection of the Amazon region, underscoring the need to recognize the unequal impact of the climate crisis on women, which further deepens inequality and makes it essential to reclaim and include their voices and participation in decision-making spaces.

On behalf of FONPLATA, Carolina Benítez, Senior Gender Specialist, spoke about the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in infrastructure projects financed by the development bank. She also mentioned specific initiatives, such as the program for Amazonian women in Ananindeua and the program for women leaders in the water sector in Belém do Pará  – both in Brazil –, which seek to reduce gender gaps in the labor market and empower women. Benítez also highlighted the importance of multisectoral cooperation to advance a regional gender agenda that will further the actions and commitments agreed upon.

Also, Raphael Lenzi, Senior Specialist in Strategic Alliances, participated in working groups with key actors of the Amazon Agenda, seeking to promote commitments and joint actions to ensure a fair and equitable participation in the use of natural resources. In collaboration with other international organizations, such as the IDB, CAF, and ICLEI, paths to promote the empowerment, and economic and social inclusion of women in the Amazon were analyzed, as well as additional financing to support initiatives aimed at specific social sectors.

10/30/2024