Municipal Dialogues GCoM Ecuador: Towards Sustainability
March 26, 2024, Quito (Ecuador) – The first virtual event of the series “Municipal Dialogues GCoM Ecuador: Towards Sustainability”, organized by WWF Ecuador in partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ecuador (AME), took place on March 26. This activity was attended by authorities and representatives from the cities of Manta, Ambato, and Quito, as well as key figures from the Advisory Committee of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) in Ecuador, which includes WWF Ecuador, AME, the delegation of the European Union (EU) in Ecuador, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE), and the Metropolitan District Municipality of Quito (DMQ). This event marked a significant milestone in promoting local climate action within the framework of GCoM with the support of the European Union.
Pedro Ponce, Environmental Cooperation Officer of the European Union Delegation in the country, provided a global perspective at the event, highlighting key data from the GCoM and emphasizing the commitment of the European Union to combating the climate crisis, both within European borders and in the context of international cooperation, promoting multi-actor collaboration with ministries of environment, NGOs, and universities.
The intervention of Marciana Valdevieso, Mayor of Manta and representative of the Latin American GCoM Mayors’ Forum, was a crucial moment in the development of the event. Valdevieso highlighted Manta’s vision and efforts in climate planning, emphasizing emblematic projects such as the Manta Reverdece Program aimed to revitalize and preserve local natural resources. Additionally, she emphasized implemented measures such as family gardens and beach cleaning initiatives through their “underwater minga” as tangible examples of the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mayor Valdevieso shared an inspiring reflection on her mother’s legacy, who taught her from an early age the relevance of protecting the environment: “My mother taught me that what happens to the Earth happens to the sons and daughters of the Earth, and therefore, Manta decided to be part of the GCoM Mayors’ Forum.”
In addition to Manta, the city of Ambato (also a member of the Mayors’ Forum) was present, represented by Diego Reino, the municipality’s Director of Environmental Management (on behalf of Mayor Diana Caiza), and Quito, represented by Santiago Sandoval, the Municipal Secretary of Environment. These authorities’ presence highlights Ecuadorian municipalities’ joint commitment to the fight against climate change.
With 112 participants reflecting the diversity and determination of the Ecuadorian municipalities that belong to our alliance, the inaugural event of the Municipal Dialogues GCoM Ecuador established a solid foundation for future collaborative actions in favor of climate sustainability.
