Enviro News Asia, Lima – Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirmed their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development through the adoption of the Lima Declaration, the main outcome of the 24th Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Lima, Peru. The forum was chaired by Peru’s Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Castro Vargas, and officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Peru, Dina Boluarte, as a strong expression of support for regional efforts to tackle the environmental crisis.
The Lima Declaration serves as a significant milestone in strengthening regional collaboration through three strategic agendas: large-scale ecosystem and landscape restoration, jaguar conservation as an iconic species of the region, and methane emission reduction through integrated waste management. These initiatives place water, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems at the core of environmental resilience and well-being in the region.
Furthermore, the forum discussed the establishment of innovative financial mechanisms to expand funding sources for large-scale environmental programs. This agreement reflects the region’s commitment to advancing South–South cooperation and reinforcing environmental actions that generate tangible impacts at both local and global levels.
The meeting in Lima also served as a platform to consolidate the region’s position ahead of the upcoming UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi this December and the COP30 Climate Change Conference. On this occasion, Minister Matthew Samuda of Jamaica announced his candidacy for President of UNEA-8, marking the region’s growing leadership in global environmental governance.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) expressed appreciation for the forum’s collaborative spirit. “The flagship initiatives that have emerged are not only a source of hope but also a clear demonstration of how this region is pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” he said.
With the spirit of the Lima Declaration, Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirm themselves as a major force in delivering environmental solutions for a greener, more resilient, and sustainable future for the world. (*)
