Cities are responsible for 70% of carbon emissions and 75% of energy consumption globally. Cities are also responsible for a high demand of resources such as water, wood and raw materials. A disproportionate demand compared to the territory that they cover. Analyzing the latest information, we must look at our cities and think about solutions that help us to mitigate the consequences of climate change, with a special focus on sustainability and quality in urban life.

In this framework, the regional report "Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for adaptation to climate change: Inspiring practices in cities of Peru, Chile, and Argentina" was launched. The nature-based solutions concept is shared to promote actions that strengthen ecosystems and the services provided by them. In this way, we will be able to respond to several climate change challenges.

The report made by MiCiudad, a project between Periferia and WWF Peru, and supported by te Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) through its Regional Center for Knowledge on Climate Change (Clikhub), highlights inspiring urban initiatives that become examples for the development of more sustainable cities.

The research compiled data from natural infrastructure projects in urban areas in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, highlighting a total of 19 practices of which 10 come from Peruvian cities as diverse as Ayacucho, Jauja, Cuzco, Arequipa, Tahuamanu, Tarapoto, and districts such as San Borja, Miraflores, Independencia, and Lima.

One of the most inspiring actions identified in the report is “Adopt a green area” in Tarapoto. The city had few green areas, high noise pollution from taxis, deforestation, and rivers polluted by drains. And so 11 companies and institutions took on the challenge of maintaining green city areas supervised by the local government. They also implemented a small peri-urban forest and a horticultural production center, achieving 11,000 seedlings of forest species, creating areas for climate regulation, generating food for urban areas.The most important achievement was to show the commitment of citizens and companies to see Tarapoto greener every day.

We hope that urban reforestation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and adaptation to climate change will be part of the mainstream of urban projects in the years to come.  It’s time to cultivate a sustainable future for our successors.