On 22 April 2021, Stanford University and Natural Capital Project are co-hosting a webinar on "Climate-smart coastal planning and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean".
Coastal communities worldwide are facing a growing number of severe coastal hazards due to warming oceans, extreme heat, and other effects of climate change. The Caribbean shores of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras are no exception to these threats, but they also hold a diverse and productive natural environment that can help buffer impacts to communities. The region is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere—just one example of key natural capital that can help reduce disaster risk, secure local food resources, and support economic development. But for people to benefit from nature, coastal management decision-makers must consider climate impacts and investments in natural infrastructure. In this session, government leaders, practitioners, and academics will discuss recent initiatives and scientific advancements in Latin America and the Caribbean that can serve as examples for climate adaptation and sustainable development efforts globally.