Mainstreaming Urban EbA in Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in Latin America

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region faces serious climate change challenges, including rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and poor air quality. These issues affect different groups unequally, and older people often face greater risks while being excluded from community services and climate initiatives.

This project aims to integrate ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) into the policies and practices of age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC) across the LAC region. AFCC focuses on creating urban spaces that support older people and empower them to advocate for policies that improve their lives. By combining AFCC with an intergenerational approach, the benefits are even more impactful.

AFCC policies are effective tools for engaging governments and supporting low-income communities, where older people are often marginalised. Mainstreaming EbA into these policies ensures older people benefit from urban adaptation initiatives, reducing their vulnerability to climate risks.

HelpAge will mainstream EbA by advocating for its inclusion, engaging with key stakeholders, and building the capacity of regional and national institutions. This approach is grounded in core principles of EbA, such as helping communities adapt to climate change by utilising biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of broader policies. Collaboration with AFCC networks will ensure that EbA becomes a key element of urban planning, rather than being limited to climate-specific strategies.

To support this effort, the team will create practical resources, including guidance, case studies, and media content, informed by two demonstration projects in Bogotá and Mexico City. These projects will involve conducting climate risk assessments and training intergenerational groups in low-income communities that are especially vulnerable to climate change. Through these initiatives, communities will develop the knowledge and tools needed to implement inclusive Urban EbA and create stronger, more sustainable demonstration projects.