Cali joins the Biodivercities Network at COP16

The executive president of CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Sergio Díaz-Granados, and the Mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, signed the city's adhesion to the Biodiverciudades Network, which promotes biodiversity conservation as a central part of planning, land use, and socioeconomic development of cities.

"For me, the bank's support was very important because of the expertise and peace of mind that comes from having a regional and world-class ally like CAF," said Alejandro Eder.

The mayor of Cali said that the best result of the COP16 in Cali is that it is generating a collective awareness towards biodiversity, and a reconnection of citizens with nature. He also mentioned some research and development projects, and ideas to integrate the Farallones to the city or promote ecotourism.

"We are going to move from will to actions. You can count on CAF's support," said Sergio Diaz-Granados. "We want to accompany the region's efforts to protect our biodiversity, be increasingly sustainable and face climate change with more guarantees," he added.

The Biodiverciudades Network, led by CAF, the Humbolt Institute and UN Habitat, aims to support the urban-territorial planning and management processes of Latin American and Caribbean governments that effectively integrate the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity as a basis for their socioeconomic development and the improvement of people's quality of life.