Project Launches Call for Expressions of Interest in Vulnerable Rural Territories of Latin America and the Caribbean

• Empowering Vulnerable Rural Landscapes in Latin America and the Caribbean to Build Climate Resilience and Promote Sustainable Livelihoods

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainability, food security, and climate resilience, the Peace, Action, Resilience, and Sustainability in Landscapes of Latin America Project (PARES) announces the launch of its call for expressions of interest. This call is directed toward non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, universities, research centers, community associations, cooperatives, and territorial networks with 3 to 5 years of experience in climate resilience projects, rural adaptation, and/or sustainable natural resource management.

The call aims to identify landscapes facing high climate vulnerability and playing a critical role in food provision, ecosystem conservation, and reducing social inequalities.

Interested organizations are invited to participate and submit proposals that reflect the realities of their territories and their potential to implement nature-based solutions that strengthen community resilience against climate, environmental, and security risks in vulnerable rural landscapes. The ultimate goal is to promote stability and peace in countries facing migration and displacement challenges.

A Call to Transform Rural Landscapes

The PARES Project aims to support territories that, despite significant challenges such as migration and limited access to basic resources, possess abundant opportunities to develop sustainable livelihoods. In its first phase, the project prioritizes 15 territories in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, and Ecuador, working collaboratively with local actors to design strategies with long-term impact.

“This call is an opportunity for the most vulnerable territories to become examples of sustainable transformation. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to foster climate resilience and promote inclusive and sustainable livelihoods,” said Ileana Avalos, coordinator of the PARES Project.

Requirements and Prioritization Criteria

Expressions of interest must meet the following criteria:

• Rural areas with high climate vulnerability.
• Areas that contribute to food security through the production of staple grains, tubers, coffee, or other subsistence products.
• Territories focused on small- and medium-scale agriculture, avoiding areas dominated by industrial agriculture.
• Presence of local communities, including indigenous peoples and populations in vulnerable conditions.
• Availability of committed local actors to implement sustainable development strategies.

How to participate?

Organizations and stakeholders interested in participating can submit their expressions of interest through the following form: https://arcg.is/1fDub80
Additionally, they can download the complete details of the call at the following link: https://www.catie.ac.cr/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EOI_FINAL-ESP.pdf.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is December 15, 2024, at midnight. Selected territories will receive a one-time grant of USD 164,775 to implement a pilot project between April 2025 and December 2026 in the submitted landscape. Additionally, they will benefit from technical support and the opportunity to be part of a regional network for experience exchange.

About the PARES Project

Within the framework of the Alliance for Climate Change, Environment, Peace, and Security, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have joined efforts with CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) to implement the Peace, Action, Resilience, and Sustainability in Landscapes of Latin America Project (PARES) in 2025 and 2026. The project aims to promote sustainable and resilient landscapes in Latin America. Its comprehensive approach combines strengthening local capacities, implementing nature-based solutions, and creating knowledge-sharing networks.

For more information about the call or the PARES Project, please contact Ileana ÁvalosPARES Project Coordinator, at ileana.avalos@catie.ac.cr.