As the world gathers in Cali, Colombia, for COP16, the focus on biodiversity has never been more critical. This year’s COP highlights the urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. These issues are not only environmental concerns but also directly linked to social and economic inequalities in vulnerable communities. Latin America, home to the Amazon Rainforest and some of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems plays a pivotal role in the fight to preserve biodiversity while advancing climate solutions.
At PVBLIC Foundation, we recognize that the future of biodiversity and climate resilience depends on innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Our initiatives, including expanding the CCE Hubs Latin America and establishing the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP) in collaboration with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are directly aligned with COP16’s goals. These programs are designed to foster entrepreneurship, leverage data-driven decision-making, and invest in resilient, sustainable development for regions most affected by climate change and biodiversity loss.
CCE Hubs Latin America: Fostering Climate Entrepreneurship
The CCE Hubs Latin America program is an ambitious initiative launched by PVBLIC Foundation in collaboration with CleantechHUB. This program, which spans Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, is designed to tackle pressing climate challenges by nurturing climate-focused entrepreneurship in the region. As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE), this program supports the development of innovative solutions that address environmental crises and foster economic empowerment in developing countries.
Through the CCE Hubs, we are working to position Latin America and the Caribbean as leaders in climate entrepreneurship, driving the development of solutions that can be scaled across the region. The expansion of these hubs aims to provide resources, mentorship, and connections for entrepreneurs working on sustainable solutions in sectors such as renewable energy, water management, and biodiversity conservation.
During the panel, "Regenerative Businesses for the Amazon of Latin America and the Caribbean," which will be held at the Peru Pavilion, PVBLIC Foundation and CleantechHUB will announce the ambitious expansion of the CCE Hubs Latin America network. This expansion includes the creation of three new hubs in Peru, Panama, and El Salvador, marking a significant step in addressing climate challenges and positioning Latin America as a leader in climate entrepreneurship.
These hubs are critical in building a robust ecosystem to foster innovation and develop climate technologies tailored to local and regional needs. Beginning in 2025, these hubs will offer climate entrepreneurs specialized resources, training, and connections:
CCE Hub Peru: Hosted by the University of the Pacific in collaboration with RedesignLab.
CCE Hub El Salvador: Supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, funding local ecosystem exploration.
CCE Hub Panama: Collaborating with local partners to strengthen the country's climate ecosystem.
This expansion is not just about geography but impact. The CCE Hubs in Latin America are positioned to be a catalyst for scalable climate solutions that will benefit local communities while contributing to global efforts.
The Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP): Building Resilience in Vulnerable Communities
While the CCE Hubs address climate challenges in Latin America, our work doesn’t stop there. PVBLIC Foundation is also a key partner in the establishment of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), a groundbreaking institution led by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The DBRP is a dynamic, outcomes-driven initiative designed to foster resilient prosperity and sustainable development by addressing the intertwined issues of climate change, economic inequalities, and environmental degradation.
The DBRP will employ a multi-source and multi-instrument funding strategy, filling critical gaps left by the existing global financial architecture. By leveraging resources from sovereign countries, global family offices, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector, the DBRP will help vulnerable countries, particularly SIDS, to build resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
One of the DBRP's most exciting aspects is its focus on strategic partnerships. These partnerships include collaboration with international and regional organisations,, international financial institutions, environmental organizations, and private sector entities to create a scalable, impactful institution that can drive long-term sustainability and economic growth for SIDS and other vulnerable countries and communities.At COP16, the DBRP had invaluable opportunities to engage with a diverse network of governments, private sector entities, and UN institutions. These interactions explored collaboration with climate-focused actions tailored to the resilience needs of SIDS and LDC.s
With its focus on SIDS and other vulnerable states, the DBRP used COP16 to elevate discussions around the disproportionate impacts of climate change on these countries. The DBRP emphasized the need for development approaches that integrate social, environmental, and economic resilience, advancing solutions uniquely tailored to these regions.
The SIDS Global Data Hub: Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Data
An integral component of our work with SIDS is the creation of the SIDS Global Data Hub, launched in collaboration with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda. The SIDS Global Data Hub aims to strengthen SIDS' institutional and technical capacity by providing access to new and relevant data, enabling technologies, and innovative tools for decision-making.
The Hub is part of a broader vision to establish a SIDS Center of Excellence in Antigua & Barbuda, which will serve as a center for innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for SIDS. The Data Hub will collect and analyze data on climate resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, allowing SIDS to make informed decisions to enhance their socio-economic and environmental resilience.
This initiative is particularly important given the significant challenges that SIDS faces in data collection and analysis, which hinder evidence-informed policymaking and access to development financing. By building a comprehensive repository of data and providing tools for effective data governance, the SIDS Global Data Hub will play a crucial role in ensuring that SIDS have the resources they need to thrive in a changing climate.
Strategic Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
As COP16 focuses on biodiversity, it is vital to recognize that climate resilience and biodiversity conservation are deeply intertwined. The expansion of the CCE Hubs in Latin America, alongside the work of the DBRP and the SIDS Global Data Hub, demonstrates how regional and global partnerships can drive innovation and scalable solutions to these challenges.
Latin America’s ecosystems, such as the Amazon, play a crucial role in the planet’s biodiversity, and Small Island Developing States are on the frontlines of climate impacts. By investing in climate entrepreneurship, data-driven decision-making, and innovative financial mechanisms, we can support these regions in their efforts to protect biodiversity, build resilient economies, and contribute to global climate goals.
A Call to Invest in Climate Solutions
Investing in climate solutions is no longer an option; it is a necessity. The CCE Hubs across Latin America and the DBRP are designed to transform local innovations into global solutions, ensuring a sustainable future. These initiatives invite governments, corporations, universities, and multilateral organizations to join as strategic allies. By investing in climate entrepreneurship and resilience, we can collectively tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change, creating a better world for future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates from COP16 as we continue to drive action, collaboration, and innovation for a resilient and prosperous future. 🌱🌍
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