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IMPLEMENTATION

The National Strategy (NS) of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) is an ambitious agenda created to strengthen Ecuadorian municipalities in their fight against climate change between 2022 and 2024. It was collaboratively developed with members of the NCC, such as WWF Ecuador, AME, the Metropolitan District of Quito, and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE). The main goal is to support municipal governments in implementing climate actions by setting key goals that adapt to the specific needs and realities of each city.

AME (Association of Ecuadorian Municipalities) and WWF Ecuador, National Coordinators of the Covenant in Ecuador, supported the implementation of this agenda.

Diana Caiza (Mayor of Ambato) and Marciana Valdivieso (Mayor of Manta) represent Ecuador in the GCoM’s Forum of Mayors in Latin America.

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

TECHNICAL PRODUCTS

RELEVANT INFORMATION

* Data form July 2024

OBJECTIVES

1. TECHNICAL CAPACITY

Strengthen the skills of GCoM member cities in Ecuador to advance climate action.

2. CLIMATE PLANNING

Strengthen evidence-based climate planning among GCoM members in Ecuador.

3. GCoM VISIBILITY

Increase the presence and awareness of the GCoM in Ecuador, driving local climate action.

8 PILOT CITIES

  • Ambato
  • Cuenca
  • Guayaquil
  • Quito
  • Lago Agrio
  • Latacunga
  • Manta
  • Montecristi

CONTEXT

Since Ecuador’s commitment to GCoM began, up until 2023, 17 cities have earned a total of 35 bdages for their climate progress. Of these, 211 are for mitigation, 21 for adaptation, 1 for energy, and 2 for full compliance with the GCoM’s requirements (more information about the medals here).

In Ecuador, there are two cities participating in the Latin America Mayors Forum: Ambato and Manta.

Additionally, Quito and Cuenca participated in the Emblematic Cities initiative, which selected 15 local governments for their leadership in the subnational climate movement.

Within Ecuador’s National Strategy, 8 cities have received specific support: Ambato, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Quito, Lago Agrio, Latacunga, Manta, and Montecristi.

ACTIVITIES

Methodology and GHG Inventory Module in the AME System:

A specific methodology for developing GHG inventories adapted to the context of Ecuadorian municipalities was developed and presented. This methodology was integrated into the National Municipal Information System (SNIM), managed by the Association of Ecuadorian Municipalities (AME). The GHG Inventory Module in SNIM facilitates municipalities in collecting, systematizing, and reporting their emissions data in a standardized way, enabling more accurate tracking and the creation of more effective climate actions. This effort ensures that local governments have the proper tools to monitor their environmental impact.

GHG Inventory Development:

Technical support was provided for the development and updating of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories in the cities of Ambato, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Lago Agrio, Manta, and Montecristi. This support included training workshops and technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of 15 local governments, facilitating the use of the National Municipal Information System (SNIM) to measure and manage GHG emissions in a transparent and standardized manner. This enabled municipalities to improve their capacity to report and develop climate mitigation actions. The inventories are available in the “technical products” section of this page.

Training Workshop on Local Greenhouse Gas Inventories (ILGEI):

15 local governments in Ecuador participated in a workshop to strengthen their capacities in measuring, managing, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, using the National Municipal Information System (SNIM). The workshop facilitated learning on how to autonomously calculate GHG inventories, addressing key gaps in data collection and promoting transparency in local climate management. This activity reinforces local governments’ commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors. More information here.

Climate Risk and Vulnerability Analysis:

A climate risk and vulnerability analysis was developed for the city of Latacunga. This analysis was presented and reported, providing essential information on the climate risks in the region, such as floods and landslides. The analysis will guide local authorities in implementing adaptation measures to reduce the city’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The study is available in the “technical products” section of this page.

Training Workshop on the Formulation of Climate Action Plans

The event “Dialogue No. 2: Climate Action Plans and Municipal Strategies for a Sustainable Future” marked an important milestone in training Ecuadorian municipalities to tackle climate change. With over 90 participants, the workshop strengthened the capacities of local government delegates and officials in the formulation of Climate Action Plans (PLAC). The collaboration between WWF Ecuador, the Association of Ecuadorian Municipalities (AME), GIZ, FLACSO, and the Municipality of Quito highlighted the power of partnerships in promoting the local climate agenda.

The workshop provided practical tools and generated lessons that municipalities can apply in their sustainability strategies. The virtual session laid the groundwork for future collaborative actions in the country, underscoring the importance of continuing to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships and promoting climate innovation at the local level.

Climate Finance Training Workshop

This workshop aimed to facilitate access to climate financing opportunities for GCoM Ecuadorian municipalities. During the training, strategies for accessing international funds, such as the GAP FUND, which finances pre-feasibility projects, were explored. Experts from organizations like Fundación Avina and FLACSO Ecuador presented success stories and provided technical advice on developing climate finance proposals.

The workshop strengthened municipalities’ capacities to develop viable climate projects and access funds that will enable them to effectively implement their Climate Action Plans.

GCoM Awareness Events:

Two key events were held to raise awareness among Ecuadorian municipalities about the importance of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) and their commitment to climate action.

  • “Municipal Dialogues. Towards Sustainability in Ecuador”
    This virtual event brought together municipal representatives, sustainability experts, and key GCoM stakeholders to discuss sustainability and climate action strategies in Ecuadorian municipalities. The event recording is available here.
  • National In-Person Meeting “Cities for Climate”
    This in-person event was held in Cuenca, Ecuador, bringing together representatives from local governments and various institutions. The objective was to strengthen climate governance and promote the exchange of experiences between cities, consolidating the country’s commitment to fighting climate change. More information here.

Final Event of the National GCoM Strategy in Ecuador

The final event of the Second National Covenant Strategy in Ecuador took place in 2024, aimed at presenting the achievements, challenges, and progress of the participating municipalities under the Global Covenant of Mayors.

  • Presentation of Achievements and Challenges:
    During the event, the cities of Ambato, Latacunga, Guayaquil, Lago Agrio, Quito, Manta, Cuenca, and Montecristi presented their progress in implementing their climate commitments, as well as the challenges they faced in the process.
  • Identification of Progress:
    The progress of Ecuadorian municipalities in meeting GCoM commitments was reviewed, highlighting the initiatives implemented and their impact on local sustainability.
  • Strengthening Collaboration Networks:
    The event also served as a space to strengthen collaboration networks between organizations, institutions, and municipalities, fostering cooperation to address the challenges of climate change.

Find more information here.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTS

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CLIMATE RISK AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS

LATEST NEWS

NATIONAL COORDINATION

In their role as National Coordinators, AME (Association of Ecuadorian Municipalities) and WWF Ecuador act as focal points for signatory municipalities in Ecuador. They lead the formulation and implementation of the National GCoM Strategy. In their role, they also provide direct support to municipalities within the framework of Covenant activities in the country (recruitment, technical support, participation in events, etc.).

National Coordinators:

 

Members of the National Advisory Committee: