The UK promotes alliances for biodiversity in Guatemala

The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the achievements of COP26, which was held last year in Glasgow, Scotland. Representatives from all over the world, including Guatemala, attended the meeting to ratify their commitments in the fight against climate change and adaptation measures in nature.

Amongst the achievements of COP26, Ambassador Whittingham highlighted the countries’ agreement to keep the planet’s temperature within the objective of 1.5 degrees. Furthermore, 90% of the global economy has committed to zero emissions compared to 30% about a year ago. He also highlighted the Glasgow commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by the end of this decade by 2030, which was signed by 141 countries representing more than 90% of global forest cover, including Guatemala.

The United Kingdom also congratulated Guatemala for its participation at COP26 and for reaching agreements in benefit of the country. Among them, an initiative in favour of the forests of Central America, and the adherence of Guatemala to the declaration of the oceans. Representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP), the National Institute of Forests (INAB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Congress, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, attended the event.

Finally, Ambassador Whittingham highlighted that the United Kingdom will continue supporting Guatemala in these objectives through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund. This US$20 million initiative will help Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize to protect biodiversity, face the impacts of climate change and reduce poverty for 7 years. Implementation of the Fund is expected to start at the end of 2022.