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IMPLEMENTATION

The National Strategy (NS) of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) is an ambitious agenda designed to empower Argentine municipalities in the fight against climate change during 2022 and 2023. Developed collaboratively to identify gaps and specific needs of Argentine cities, the NS aims to support municipal governments in the implementation of climate actions, defining key objectives to address local realities.

The RAMCC (Argentine Network of Municipalities Against Climate Change), National Coordinator of the GCoM in Argentina, supported the implementation of this agenda.

Carolina Basualdo, Mayor of Despeñaderos, is also the president of the GCoMt’s Forum of Mayors in Latin America and member of the Global Board of the GCoM.

The activities of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Argentina were funded by the European Union.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTS

RELEVANT INFORMATION

  • * Data from July 2024

GOALS

1. CLIMATE PLANNING

Strengthen evidence-based climate planning among members of the GCoM.

2. TECHNICAL CAPACITY

Develop the technical capacity of the GCoM’ member municipalities in Argentina.

3. ACTION IMPLEMENTATION

Improve the level of climate action implementation among GCoM members.

4. CITY EXCHANGE

Promote exchanges between Argentine cities and European and/or regional cities.

 

5. INFLUENCE AND VISIBILITY

Increase the influence, visibility, and knowledge of the GCoM in Argentina.

29 PILOT CITIES

  • Alberti
  • Armstrong
  • Arequito
  • Bella Vista
  • Catriel
  • Cipolletti
  • Colón
  • Despeñaderos
  • Eldorado
  • General Ramírez
  • Gobernador Crespo
  • Gualeguaychú
  • Justiniano Posse
  • La Rioja
  • Marcos Juárez
  • Oliva
  • Paraná
  • Ramona
  • San Fernando del Valle
  • San José de la Esquina
  • San Luis
  • Santo Tomé
  • Totoras
  • Tres de Febrero
  • Trenque Lauquen
  • Villa Carlos Paz
  • Villa El Chocón
  • Villa Ocampo
  • Villarino

CONTEXT

Since Argentina’s commitment to the GCoM until 2023, 235 cities have received a total of 511 badges for their climate achievements. Of these, 268 are in mitigation, 193 in adaptation, 2 in energy, and 52 in full compliance with the GCoM’s requirements (more information about the medals here).

In Argentina, two cities participate in the Latin American Mayors’ Forum: Despeñaderos and San Justo. Additionally, Godoy Cruz has been part of the Flagship Cities initiative, which selected 15 local governments for their leadership in the subnational climate movement.

Within Argentina’s National Strategy, 29 cities have received specific support: General Ramírez, Armstrong, Eldorado, Gualeguaychú, Santo Tomé, San José de la Esquina, La Rioja, Villa Ocampo, Despeñaderos, Colón, Tres de Febrero, Bella Vista, Gobernador Crespo, San Fernando del Valle, Trenque Lauquen, Villarino, Oliva, Marcos Juárez, Justiniano Posse, Alberti, Villa Carlos Paz, Arequito, San Luis, Cipolletti, Villa El Chocón, Catriel, Paraná, Ramona, and Totoras.

ACTIVITIES

Development of GHG Inventories:

Technical support was provided to 15 municipalities for the development of new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories. The cities that received this support were General Ramírez, Armstrong, Eldorado, Gualeguaychú, Santo Tomé, San José de la Esquina, La Rioja, Villa Ocampo, Despeñaderos, Colón, Tres de Febrero, Bella Vista, Gobernador Crespo, San Fernando del Valle, and Trenque Lauquen. This effort enabled municipalities to have accurate and updated data on their GHG emissions, facilitating the planning of more effective mitigation measures.

Climate Action Plans (CAPs):

Nine municipalities were assisted in the preparation and reporting of their Climate Action Plans (CAPs). The cities of Villarino, Oliva, Marcos Juárez, Justiniano Posse, Alberti, Villa Carlos Paz, Arequito, General Ramírez, and San Luis completed and reported their CAPs. This process included the identification of priority actions to mitigate climate change and adapt communities to its effects.

Adaptation Plans:

Support was provided for the completion and reporting of adaptation plans in the cities of Catriel, Cipolletti, and Villa el Chocón, helping municipalities develop specific strategies to address the impacts of climate change. This support was crucial to strengthen the resilience of local communities to extreme climate events.

Review and Monitoring of CAPs:

A detailed review and monitoring of three CAPs were conducted in the cities of Paraná, Ramona, and Totoras. The objective was to increase the planned commitments and supervise the progress, ensuring that the planned climate actions align with national and international mitigation and adaptation goals.

Workshop 1:

Between March and June 2022, an intensive workshop was held with the participation of 56 municipal technicians. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including the development of GHG inventories, mitigation plans, adaptation plans, and the creation of Climate Action Plans. The speakers, from the Argentine Network of Municipalities Against Climate Change (RAMCC) and CDP, provided comprehensive training to the participants, improving their skills and knowledge in local climate management.

Workshop 2:

On April 20, 2023, a second workshop was held with the participation of the European Union and RAMCC. This training focused on deepening the knowledge of municipal technicians in key areas of climate action, providing practical tools for the effective implementation of local climate policies.

RAMCC Climate Action Plans Guide:

A detailed publication was developed, presenting the methodology designed by RAMCC for the creation of Local Climate Action Plans. This guide includes the process for creating GHG inventories and developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. The publication serves as a valuable resource for municipalities seeking to meet GCoM standards and advance their climate commitments.

Public-Private Partnership Guide:

Technical teams from at least 10 municipalities were supported in deepening their already developed Climate Action Plans, strengthening their budgets and financing strategies by considering Public-Private Partnership mechanisms. This effort resulted in the creation of the “Guide for Public-Private Partnership for Local Action (PPP Guide), Best Practices in Argentina.”

Strengthening Municipal Budgets:

The national coordinator supported the technical teams of at least 10 municipalities in deepening their Climate Action Plans, with a special focus on strengthening budgets and developing financing strategies. Through this experience, a guide with examples and best practices of public-private partnership mechanisms was developed, essential for ensuring the financial sustainability of local climate actions.

Gap Fund Workshop:

On June 28, 2023, a regional workshop was held to present Argentina’s experience with the Gap Fund. This workshop, organized by RAMCC, had 112 participants and focused on informing Latin American cities about available funding opportunities, the application process, and associated challenges. The presentation was led by Andrés Agosti, a national consultant, who spearheaded the project and provided a detailed overview of procedures and outcomes. The session also featured participation from the European Union Delegation in Argentina, Gap Fund experts, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Virtual Exchange Meetings:

Virtual meetings were organized to foster the exchange of experiences between Argentine cities and other regions, including European cities. These exchanges aimed to raise awareness among municipalities about the importance of developing a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and to share concrete actions implemented in different countries. Additionally, the goal was to encourage more municipalities to join the GCoM and create their own SECAPs, promoting a broader network of international collaboration.

Promotion of the GCoM at the RAMCC Annual Mayors’ Assembly:

During the 2023 RAMCC Annual Mayors’ Assembly, held in San Martín de los Andes, the importance of the GCoM and its benefits were highlighted. The event served as a platform to review ongoing projects and define future strategies, focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Specific sessions of exchange and debate were held, where collaboration between the public and private sectors was discussed as a viable path towards carbon neutrality. Additionally, private sector representatives were invited to participate in the event, emphasizing the importance of their role in the fight against climate change.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTS

LATEST NEWS

NATIONAL COORDINATION

In its role as National Coordinator, RAMCC acts as the focal point for the signatory municipalities in Argentina. They lead the formulation and implementation of the National Strategy of the GCoM. In their role, they also provide direct support to municipalities within the framework of the GCoM’s activities in the country (recruitment, technical support, participation in events, etc.).

National Coordinator:

 

Members of the National Advisory Committee:

(has not been established)