Kew Gardens and CAF Join Forces for Biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean

November 07, 2024

This partnership represents a historic step forward, combining Kew Gardens’ world-leading scientific research with CAF’s strong network and financial backing to empower Latin American and Caribbean countries in their quest for sustainable development.

This partnership represents a historic step forward, combining Kew Gardens’ world-leading scientific research with CAF’s strong network and financial backing to empower Latin American and Caribbean countries in their quest for sustainable development.

In an ambitious move to boost biodiversity protection and sustainable urban development in Latin America and the Caribbean, CAF and Kew Gardens have signed a strategic alliance to leverage the combined expertise of both institutions to tackle some of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges with impactful, innovative solutions.

Sergio Díaz-Granados, CAF's Executive President, emphasized:

"We face a big challenge with climate change in our tropical region, and we need scientific support to create quality programs that help communities survive these consequences. We are building a network of cities, mayors, and governors to prepare for climate change and restore nature’s balance. This partnership will strengthen cities and states across Latin America and the Caribbean. We’re excited to launch an action plan and begin making progress in 2025."

Through this collaboration, CAF and Kew Gardens will explore and drive joint projects in key areas of shared mission, such as biodiversity research, establishing new botanical gardens in the region, strengthening CAF’s BiodiverCities Network, building green, sustainable urban spaces, advancing species identification, conservation hotspot identification, reforesting after disaster, innovating sustainable coffee conservation, and exploring new biodiversity and carbon finance opportunities.

Richard Deverell, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, shared:

"Our new partnership with CAF is crucial for us at Kew, as Latin America and the Caribbean are home to some of the world’s richest plant diversity. With the biodiversity and climate crises, there is real urgency to bring our knowledge and expertise to develop and deliver solutions together."

This partnership will be driven by knowledge-sharing and technical expertise, high-impact joint events, and global networks, creating a robust platform for regional environmental leadership. As each project is carefully crafted, specific agreements will define the terms, roles, and resources committed by CAF and Kew, ensuring a focused and effective approach to each initiative.