Colombia’s Carbon Stewards: Sustainable Ranchers in the Savannas

The savannas of Arauca and Casanare are rich in biodiversity but also very fragile. Preserving this ecosystem is vital for the capture of carbon to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Cattle ranching families in the region are leading important conservation efforts that not only preserve their communities’ cultures but also protect the environment…

Colombia’s Carbon Stewards: Piangueras in the Pacific Coast

In Colombia’s Pacific Coast, Afro-Colombian communities in Bahía Málaga are working to conserve their mangroves and forests through sustainable conservation practices and selling carbon credits to offset the harmful impacts of deforestation and forest degradation. Los Guardianes del Carbono de Colombia: Piangueras en la Costa Pacífica En la costa pacífica de Colombia, las comunidades afrocolombianas…

Colombia’s Carbon Stewards: The Misak in the Páramos

Páramos, high-altitude Andean grassland ecosystems located in South America, are rich, biodiverse ecosystems that are critical sources for fresh water and carbon storage. In Colombia, the indigenous Misak community that inhabit the Páramo de las Ánimas are strengthening their centuries-old ties to nature by prioritizing sustainable ways to protect, conserve, and restore grassland ecosystems. Los…

A Dialogue with Nature: Communities and Carbon in Colombia

Locally led carbon projects play a critical role in transferring resources to support the sustainable development and self-determination of communities, while also contributing to climate action. In this docuseries, viewers will travel throughout Colombia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, from its high Andes ecosystems (páramos) to the Eastern plains (llanos) and the mangroves…

Catherine Maldonado

Catherine (Kate) Maldonado is the Senior Advisor for the Agriculture and Food Security Practice. With 20 years of experience in international programs, Kate has designed and implemented agriculture, resilience, nutrition, and food security programs in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Kate served as the Chief of Staff to the USAID Bureau for Resilience and Food…

Perspective: What’s New About the Nairobi Declaration for Climate Investment

In convening the first ever Africa Climate Summit on September 4-6, Kenya’s President William Ruto sought to frame an African position in preparation for the upcoming U.N. Climate Summit, COP28, to be held in Dubai starting November 30. The resulting Nairobi Declaration endorses a series of proposals to reform the way multilateral development banks operate…

Climate and Conflict in Ghana

This report explores growing concerns surrounding climate change and conflict in Ghana. However, if sufficiently supported, Ghana exhibits resiliency factors that may be critical to the country’s long-term stability. This analysis is the product of a collaborative research effort between Chemonics International and CDA Collaborative Learning Projects.

Reducing Fossil Fuel Use Is Key to the Sustainable Energy Transition

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Synthesis Report (AR6), issued in March 2023 features a stark message: the decisions that we make right now will have profound implications for the future. In the energy sector, such decisions must focus on incentives for reducing fossil fuels and development agencies, such as USAID, are…

3 Questions with Sadiki Laiser on Taking Local Action to Respect the Ocean

Overfishing and the effects of climate change are challenging the resilience of Tanzania’s biodiverse marine protect areas (MPAs), but USAID Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Activity (Respect the Ocean), led by Chief of Party Sadiki Laiser, will strengthen management of protected areas and wild-caught fisheries to ensure these vital natural resources are protected. Sadiki Laiser explains what…