On Thursday, March 18, the Latinoamerica Sostenible alliance organized a panel that discussed the role of local governments in a green, fair, and resilient economic recovery through strategies such as transportation initiatives, sustainable construction, and energy efficiency. 

Representing the alliance, researcher Violeta Rabi gave an introduction explaining why economic recovery proposals should focus on cities. “It is urgent that cities are prepared for future crises and can prevent economic, social, and environmental losses,” Rabi noted. “This idea is even more relevant in Latin America, one of the most urban regions in the world.” For her, post-pandemic economic recovery is a unique opportunity to find solutions to urban problems and improve the quality of life for citizens. 

The Latin America Sustainable Alliance works with three urban pillars for a just and resilient recovery: energy efficiency in housing, decarbonized transport systems and infrastructure, and renewable energy systems. "These are investments that directly impact quality of life and also contribute to the climate crisis, and can be implemented in a decentralized manner."“

Rodrigo Perpétuo, Executive Secretary of ICLEI South America, was one of the guests for the debate, along with Sergio Baeriswyl, president of the Urban Development Council of the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism (CNDU) of Chile, Lina Marcela Quinones, and Javier Garduno.

Perpétuo believes that the effects of the pandemic on the territory have at least brought awareness of the need to provide resilience mechanisms in city planning, in all its dimensions, and not only for emergencies. “The way out of the crisis is multi-level integration between governments. Public authorities must vigorously access their social safety nets, both for individuals and businesses, to prevent further unemployment, as well as investing in green infrastructure and aspects related to a sustainable economy.”

According to him, cities should play a more prominent role in this decade, especially in relation to biodiversity recovery, "through licensing regulations and action plans that incorporate climate and biodiversity criteria and serve as mechanisms for integrating the city with the environment and nature.".