Cycle of Workshops in Chile: Progress and Challenges in the Implementation of Climate Change Community Action Plans
Santiago, Chile; August 2, 2024 – Organized by the Chilean Association of Municipalities (AChM) with the support of the European Union through the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), three successful workshops focused on the preparation and execution of Climate Change Community Action Plans (PACCC) were held in Chile. The workshops, held online on July 18 and 25 and August 1, brought together more than 80 representatives of technical teams from Chilean communities committed to climate action.
First Workshop – July 18, 2024
The cycle began with an introduction to the PACCC, highlighting the importance of these plans in local climate planning and action. During the workshop, Pia Hevia, Cooperation Officer at the European Delegation in Chile, emphasized the value of the GCoM as a key tool to advance climate action at the local level. “The GCoM is a fundamental channel for the European Union, allowing us to work directly with local governments on climate and sustainable development agendas. We are excited about the work that municipalities have done and confident that these workshops will continue to strengthen our cities in the face of climate change,” commented Hevia.
The workshop provided a detailed overview of the preparation for the climate planning and action process, consolidating information on frameworks, legal obligations, and opportunities. Caroll Owen, Environmental Project Coordinator of the Peñalolén community, expressed the relevance of this commitment, stating that “the commitment to the GCoM not only strengthens municipal management but also provides constant technical support and valuable learning opportunities to combat the climate crisis.” The session concluded with an enriching exchange between communities, allowing participants to learn about the experiences of municipalities leading the fight against climate change in their territories.
Second Workshop – July 25, 2024
This workshop focused on the design and definition of adaptation and mitigation measures within the PACCC. Gema Hernández, Project Officer – Local Climate Change Action Policy Analyst – JRC, presented the GCoM’s Climate Day and the pillars of mitigation, adaptation, and energy, while Esteban Delgado presented the “Methodological Guide for the development of the PACCC.” Tools were provided to comply with the law and frame the plans within the GCoM’s climate agenda.
Juan Pablo de la Fuente, head of the Environmental Department at the Municipality of Independencia, emphasized the importance of these resources, stating: “The collaboration between AChM and the GCoM has been fundamental in developing our PACCC and improving our capacity to address climate change.” During the workshop, participants also analyzed the experiences of municipalities that have already developed their plans, generating a valuable dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the climate planning and implementation process.
Third Workshop – August 1, 2024
The focus of this last workshop was the structuring of climate action projects and the search for financing. The new Financing Guide associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in Chile was launched.
Together with representatives from key stakeholders on the topic, such as GAFICCOR, GORE Santiago, and the EUROCLIMA project, Rodolfo Pérez, an expert in charge of developing the Guide, presented the methodology for structuring these project profiles with the communities, and Maria Clara Nascimento, Head of Cities, States, and Regions at CDP in Latin America, highlighted the importance of the work that communities do in submitting their climate data for reporting.
The Mayor of Punta Arenas, Claudio Randonich, highlighted the impact of the PACCC, commenting: “The PACCC are essential to tackling climate change in our communities. The support of the GCoM and AChM is crucial for the effective implementation of these plans.” Natalia Garay Pizarro, from the Environmental, Biodiversity, and Climate Action Department of the Santiago Regional Government, and Vladimir Figueroa Carrasco, from the Ministry of the Environment, also participated, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in joint climate action.
These workshops have been a crucial space for the exchange of experiences and capacity building among Chilean communities. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, together with the Chilean Association of Municipalities, remains committed to supporting local governments in their fight against climate change, providing the necessary resources and knowledge for effective climate action. More information about the activities implemented in Chile is available on the Chile National Strategy website.
About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & 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 the development of resilience to climate challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable and affordable energy. The support of the European Union, through the project to support the Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas, is another example of the importance of this joint effort to address climate challenges at the local and global levels.
In Chile, the GCoM is represented by the Chilean Association of Municipalities, which chairs the national advisory committee and also serves as the national coordinator.
