Nature-based solutions for urban resilience in Central America (Fundaeco)

In Central America, cities are growing rapidly, often chaotically, in areas vulnerable to earthquakes, storms and floods. This urban expansion increases climate risks and makes populations more vulnerable; Guatemala City, San Salvador and Tegucigalpa are among the most exposed cities in the world according to the World Risk Index. Given the limitations of grey infrastructure, nature-based solutions are emerging as a lever for resilience. The project is a continuation of the Metropolitan Green Belt initiative led by FUNDAECO between 2017 and 2021 and supported by the FFEM, which demonstrated that it is possible to integrate biodiversity into urban development policies, and aims to amplify its impact at the national and regional levels.

The project is based on three components:

• Consolidating regulatory frameworks and territorial planning (development plans, decree-law on the Green Belt, ‘Biodiverciudades’ laboratory).
• Strengthening the metropolitan Green Belt by creating or consolidating 31 metropolitan ecological parks (25 of which are financed by the FFEM) and through innovative mechanisms (Green Passport, guarantee fund, land trust).
• Replicate the model in other cities in Guatemala by creating 8 ecological parks (including 4 financed by the FFEM) and in neighbouring capitals (San Salvador, Tegucigalpa) through regional training and exchanges

• Create or consolidate nearly 761 hectares of natural areas, including 130 hectares supported by the FFEM.
• Improve the quality of life for nearly 232,000 people through access to urban parks.
• Strengthen the sustainability of the Green Belt through planning tools, protection measures and new financing tools for investment and management.
• Increase urban resilience through nature-based solutions (temperatures, soils, rainwater, air).
• Mobilise citizens and develop local economic opportunities (green jobs, ecotourism, crafts).

The project is at the forefront of urban resilience policies in Central America. It combines ecological planning, nature-based solutions, citizen mobilisation and financial innovation in contexts marked by high social and institutional vulnerability.

It is experimenting with structural tools such as the Land Acquisition Guarantee Fund, ecological compensation mechanisms and the Metropolitan Green Passport, in order to secure urban natural spaces in a sustainable manner and ensure their long-term accessibility.

Through its integrated and inclusive approach, it offers a model that can be adapted and replicated at the regional level, helping to build cities that are more sustainable, equitable and resilient to climate risks.