Minister Paíno Henríquez promotes regional climate resilience proposal ahead of COP30

Mexico.- During the First Latin American and Caribbean Ministerial Meeting for Regional Climate Action, Dominican Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez urged countries in the region to take decisive and people-centered measures against the worsening climate crisis. The event, attended by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and 22 regional delegations, highlighted the importance of prioritizing communities and vulnerable populations in environmental policies.

Henríquez stressed that adaptation and resilience must be shared priorities, particularly for island nations, and warned that political and economic interests are delaying necessary actions. He called for stronger regional unity and proposed the creation of a high-level group to develop a common agenda on climate adaptation. He also emphasized the need for climate finance and recognition of Latin America’s ecosystem services, framing them as rights rather than requests.

The Dominican Republic presented a proposal focused on climate adaptability, resilience, and integration of biodiversity and sustainable development into a single agenda. The meeting aims to strengthen Latin American and Caribbean leadership ahead of COP30 in Brazil, marking 30 years of the Rio Agreements, and to consolidate regional positions in defense of ecosystems and vulnerable communities.