23-12-2024 | di COOPI

Guatemala. Mancomunidades: the project's merits recognized

The project "Addressing Climate Change and Food and Nutritional Security in Common Territories in Guatemala," implemented by COOPI-Cooperazione Internazionale, CIPS, and PyD and funded by the European Union, received recognition from the Departmental Council for Urban and Rural Development (COCODE) of Huehuetenango. By promoting sustainable development in the territories of the Mancomunidades, the project has been acknowledged for its valuable support to communities in advancing sustainable development and addressing the effects of climate change.

The celebratory event took place on December 13, 2024, and was attended by the Departmental Governor of Huehuetenango and President of the COCODE, Dr. Elsa Hernández, who personally delivered the award. Over 80 participants, including mayors from the Huehuetenango department, officials from various government agencies, representatives of indigenous peoples, members of civil society, and other distinguished guests, attended the ceremony.

Through this initiative, the COCODE reaffirmed the importance of addressing the effects of climate change in a responsible and integrated manner in the western territories of the country. As part of the project, COOPI and its partners are implementing pilot actions for the collection and storage of rainwater for agricultural use in the priority territories of the Mancomunidades: MAMSOHUE and Frontera Norte in the department of Huehuetenango, and MANORQ and MANCOSEQ in the department of Quiché. During the event, the potential benefits of this practice were highlighted, including the recovery of water resources, soil restoration, and preparedness for forest fires, among others.

Present in Guatemala since 1973, COOPI has been promoting food security, livelihood development, nutritional security, protection, access to water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction in the country for fifty years.