Big Coalition in Central America Announces Action Plan Against Deforestation

A coalition of governments, indigenous people, green groups and others across Central America has announced a regional climate action plan to conserve 10 million hectares of forests by the year 2030.

The five forests – spanning from Mexico to Colombia – are vital towards curbing climate change as they store carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise heat up the planet. They also provide water, clean air, food security and other natural resources to 5 million people, according to the alliance, and provide habitat for wildlife, helping ensure no species goes extinct.

Three of the forests have been reduced by almost a quarter in size in the last fifteen years, with illegal cattle ranching causing over 90% of recent deforestation. The protection plan, announced at this month’s U.N. climate talks in Madrid, Spain, includes supporting agencies that look after protected areas, ensuring beef is traced and legally produced, limiting cattle trafficking, and reforesting where needed.

According to Jeremy Radachowsky, regional director for the Wildlife Conservation Society – a partner in the project – Central American countries, donor governments and a dedicated fund for indigenous and community forests will all contributing towards financing the initiative.