CATIE at COP28: Strengthening Networks for a More Resilient Region
Written by Kattia Bermudez Mora, Edited by Katie Modic
A key priority of The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center’s (CATIE) attendance at COP28 in Dubai this month was to establish and strengthen networks. To that end, CATIE's Director General, Muhammad Ibrahim, along with Carlos Araya, Director of Business and Strategic Alliances, met with representatives from governments such as Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Germany but also by engaging in crucial conversations with global financial instruments, such as the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German government, and the Mitigation Action Facility, formed by a consortium of European donors.
In addition, the CATIE team used the conference as a platform to re-solidified key partnerships with global NGOs and nonprofits. For example, through a series of key meetings between CATIE and the Crop Trust, the two reconfirmed their collaborative partnership aimed at strengthening the conservation of the International Coffee Collection housed at CATIE headquarters in Turrialba, Costa Rica. The Crop Trust is an international organization dedicated to safeguarding the genetic diversity of crops worldwide. Crop Trust's commitment is a fundamental step for CATIE, as this organization is a leader in preserving genetic resources essential for global food security. Both parties agreed to develop a comprehensive proposal to seek funding from various donors, aiming to further strengthen CATIE's capacity to address current and future challenges in coffee production.
CATIE's Contribution at COP
In addition to networking, the CATIE team also presented at the conference, taking the opportunity to highlight its role in the climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Latin American region. Director General Muhammad Ibrahim was part of the panel of speakers at the Side Events of Pavilion #SICACOP28, where he shared initiatives and results driven by CATIE through the Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council.
During the panel Dr. Ibrahim reiterated the importance of working as a block in the agricultural sector, promoting innovation and technology to reduce carbon emissions, conserve biodiversity, and increase efficiency in production.
Director General Muhammad Ibrahim with panelists from SICA
More information:
Carlos Araya
Green Business Development, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships
CATIE
carlos.araya@catie.ac.cr