Supporting sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean

The European Commission announced 230 million euros of aid initiatives for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. New projects announced today will take into account the progress already made in various parts of the region in recent years and will deal with the new challenges that have emerged.
The announcement of the aid was made at the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), held in Brussels on 10 and 11 June. In order to adapt to this new reality, the EU has created a mechanism for cooperation and the International Association, which will favor the consolidation of peer learning in the countries of Latin American and Caribbean region and it will promote joint cooperation with new donors. It has a budget of 12 million euros, intended to support the improvement of the design and implementation of public policies that have a direct impact on poverty reduction.

Some of the new projects affect Bolivia sanitation in suburban areas, management of watersheds and reducing water scarcity, water pollution and flood risks. With Honduras food security program aimed at improving the living conditions of 15 000 rural households in one of the most vulnerable areas of the country, by building sustainable farming systems that will increase food production and support will be signed while education and nutrition.

Other projects announced are the program coffee rust for Central America (15 million), they are regional. Coffee rust is a disease of the sheet that has affected about 50% of coffee plantations in the region and is causing considerable hardship to small producers in the region and their families. It is anticipated that the program will contribute to improving the livelihoods of 330 000 farming families and 6000 family farms in selected coffee producing areas throughout Central America and the Dominican Republic.

Moreover, the EU signed two Memoranda of Understanding on International Cooperation with Chile and Uruguay, with the primary objective to promote and strengthen international cooperation relations with both countries and work together to alleviate poverty.