Community-based adaptation: the CBA arrives in Latin America
For the first time in its 19 editions, the International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) is being held in Latin America. The event will take place from May 12 to 17 in Recife, Brazil, and Fundación Avina is one of the partner organizations involved in its implementation.
The CBA aims to share and consolidate lessons learned on locally led adaptation systems across different sectors and territories. It also seeks to connect key actors, strengthen capacities, and create a space for dialogue among communities, grassroots organizations, local and national governments, policymakers, researchers, and funders. Together, they will discuss how to accelerate climate ambition toward a more resilient future.
Holding events like the CBA and the COP in Latin America are key opportunities to show that the region not only faces challenges — it offers solutions. Fundación Avina, alongside local partners, has shown that communities are already adapting. Projects like Marajó Resiliente, BASE, VAC, and Aliados por el Agua are concrete examples we'll be sharing during the CBA (see highlighted agenda below).
Beyond being cross-cutting to key agendas such as water, biomes, climate, and democracy, the CBA is a strategic milestone on the road to COP30. It will be a central space for consolidating messages, alliances, and proposals born in the territories and projecting them with strength toward Belém in November. Regional leadership can be strengthened by the political, technical, and financial support built in spaces like the CBA. Only through collaboration among diverse actors —across all levels and sectors— can we build a collective and powerful voice to drive deep, sustainable social transformations for everyone.
For Fundación Avina, the CBA is essential because our alliances and projects promote an adaptation model where communities are protagonists, not guests. That's why it's crucial to have spaces for dialogue, decision-making, and co-creation that amplify their voices and help redesign financing systems so that resources reach those who need them most. Trust is a fundamental element in this process, and the CBA will also serve as a platform to strengthen bonds between communities, funders, and intermediaries.
Public agenda of Fundación Avina and allies at the CBA:
Alternative financial mechanisms to promote inclusion and action at the community level
May 12 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Led by Comua Network in partnership with Simavi, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and South South North (SSN), an organization that, along with Fundación Avina, is part of the Voices for Just Climate Action (VAC) alliance and brings the alliance's perspective to the panel.
Living the Locally Led Adaptation principles – women and traditional communities leading action from the global South
May 12 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Session led by Fundación Avina through the Marajó Resiliente alliance, alongside Tropenbos International, Huairou Commission, and Slum Dwellers International (SDI).
Locally led adaptation in the vertical climate funds – practical experiences with access and implementation
May 14 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Session organized by Fundación Avina together with the Green Climate Fund, Save the Children, and the Adaptation Fund.
Food security and climate adaptation: local knowledge and the protagonism of women in the semi-arid region
May 15 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Session led by World-Transforming Technologies (WTT), an organization that is part of the Avina Ecosystem, along with Associação Humana Povo para Povo Brasil, Associação de Mulheres da Gameleira, and Forest Trends.
