Belén de los Andaquíes (Colombia), Coronel Portillo (Peru), Belén and Oreamuno (Costa Rica) Join the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Forum
June 6, Brasília, Brazil – “It is a pleasure to welcome Wilmar, Janet, Zeneida, and Erick, mayors from cities in Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica, to the Mayors’ Forum of the GCoM. The active participation of municipal leaders like you is essential to drive local climate action and build more sustainable communities, in addition to strengthening regional climate governance in Latin America,” said Hélinah Cardoso, Regional Director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in the Americas.
Cardoso also highlighted the importance of having two representatives from Amazonian cities in the Forum: Belén de los Andaquíes (Caquetá, Colombia) and Coronel Portillo (Ucayali, Peru). The Amazon agenda is a priority for the GCoM in Latin America and will also have special relevance at COP30 to be held in Belém do Pará (Brazil) in 2025.
The GCoM Mayors’ Forum in Latin America has become a key instance of regional climate governance. Currently, the Forum includes 14 mayors from eight countries, strengthening the voice of cities in the GCoM’s support strategy and priorities in the region.
In 2024, Belén de los Andaquíes (Colombia), Belén (Costa Rica), Oreamuno (Costa Rica), and Coronel Portillo (Peru) join other Forum members: Despeñaderos (Argentina), San Justo (Argentina), Salvador (Brazil), Serra Talhada (Brazil), Independencia (Chile), Peñalolén (Chile), Ambato (Ecuador), Manta (Ecuador), Ahome (Mexico), and Comas (Peru).
Belén de los Andaquíes (Colombia): A Conservation Refuge Amidst Adversity
Located between the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest, Belén de los Andaquíes, one of the smallest municipalities in Caquetá, has resisted deforestation for more than 20 years thanks to the strong commitment of civil society to conservation. Through the creation of municipal reserves, environmental education, and scientific research, this region of one of the most deforested departments in Colombia has shown that it is possible to protect the environment even in the most adverse conditions.
“In Belén de los Andaquíes, we have shown that with community commitment and strong political will, it is possible to conserve our natural resources. It is an honor for us to join the GCoM Mayors’ Forum, and we look forward to sharing our experiences and learning from other cities in our common fight against climate change,” said Wilmar Ballen Losada, mayor of Belén de los Andaquíes.
Belén (Costa Rica): Commitment to Sustainable Development
For more than 25 years, the municipality has had an Environmental Unit that has always been at the forefront of environmental programs and projects, and for the last ten years has been innovating in climate action projects.
Belén has several greenhouse gas inventories, a climate action plan with nine strategic axes; it promotes sustainable mobility and transport, a circular economy roadmap, a comprehensive waste management plan aiming for zero waste, projects for the decarbonization of public and private buildings through energy efficiency and sustainable construction; a territorial vision focused on protecting water resources through the purchase of strategic lands, risk evaluation and management, food security with urban and community gardens, and the promotion of participatory processes with other sectors for biodiversity conservation.
“We work for future generations and are honored to be part of the GCoM Mayors’ Forum. This is an important step for Belén in our mission to foster sustainable and resilient development,” declared Zeneida Chaves Fernández, mayor of Belén.
Oreamuno (Costa Rica): Local Municipal Leadership, Global Impact
The municipality of Oreamuno stands out in the fight against climate change and in building a sustainable future for its population. Committed to the GCoM since 2019, the municipality works to create and promote policies and actions that foster sustainable processes and effectively protect the environment in the region. The city promotes initiatives such as the Municipal Collection Center, which receives waste for recycling; the Blue Flag Ecological Program, which promotes sustainable tourism and public health with an annual award, and the Ecolones Program, which aims to boost the green and solidarity economy in Costa Rica through an incentive system that rewards recycling and promotes sustainable purchases and experiences. Additionally, Oreamuno has implemented composting programs both domestically and industrially to encourage sustainable waste management. The municipality has also carried out construction works related to natural risk mitigation, strengthening its commitment to climate action, and has developed a cantonal strategy for the protection of pollinators, thus contributing to the conservation of local biodiversity.
“As mayor of Oreamuno, I am proud to represent our community in the GCoM Mayors’ Forum. In Oreamuno, we are committed to promoting sustainability and resilience to climate change and developing policies for this. I am excited to collaborate with other municipal leaders on this platform and share best practices that will help drive sustainable development across the region. Together, we can make a lasting positive difference for our planet and future generations,” said Erick Jiménez, mayor of Oreamuno.
Coronel Portillo (Peru): Environmental Commitment and Sustainability
Under the leadership of Mayor Janet Yvone Castagne Vasquez, Coronel Portillo joins the GCoM Mayors’ Forum with a strong commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. The city has implemented various environmental initiatives to improve the quality of life for its inhabitants and protect the environment.
Among the main actions are tree planting campaigns in the city, which aim to increase green coverage and improve air quality. The Recycle Program promotes recycling and proper waste management, while the Educca Program focuses on environmental education to raise community awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
Additionally, activities are carried out for the cleaning, dredging, and channeling of natural waterways, as well as the construction of dikes and/or protective embankments to prevent flooding and improve water management. The improvement of the solid waste collection system, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment’s (MINAM) solid waste project, has optimized waste collection and treatment in the city. Furthermore, the municipality works on the improvement of green areas and the recovery of public spaces, creating healthier and more pleasant environments for residents.
“Joining the GCoM Mayors’ Forum is a crucial step for Coronel Portillo. We are determined to promote sustainability and face the challenges of climate change with determination. Through collaboration with other cities, we aspire to share our experiences and learn to continuously improve our environmental strategies,” said Janet Yvone Castagne Vasquez, mayor of Coronel Portillo.
About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is the largest global alliance of municipalities and cities committed to leading the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable energy. In Latin America, more than 700 municipalities are committed to the alliance. Our mission is to foster resilience to climate challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable and affordable energy. The support of the European Union, through the support project for the Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas, is another example of the importance of this joint effort to face climate challenges at the local and global levels.
More information for the press:
Alexandra Cortés, Senior Communication Advisor: [email protected]
José Moreno, Communication Advisor: [email protected]