Ecosystems around the world are in danger. From forests and arid lands to agricultural lands and lakes, the natural spaces on which humanity depends are reaching a critical point. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the planet's land areas are degraded, directly affecting half of the world's population. Since 2000, the number and duration of drought periods have increased by 29%, and if urgent action is not taken, more than three quarters of the world's population could be affected by drought by 2050.

In this context, World Environment Day 2024 focuses on restoring land, stopping desertification and strengthening resilience to drought. We can't go back in time, but we can plant new forests, revitalize water sources and restore degraded soils. We are the generation that can reconcile with the earth and heal the damage caused.

Time is running out and nature is in an emergency situation. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we need to halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. If we don't act now, exposure to polluted air will increase by 50% over this decade, while plastic waste polluting aquatic ecosystems could triple by 2040. And these won't be the only consequences; many more will follow.

It is crucial that we take urgent action to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us act now, together, to protect and restore our planet.

Cáritas and its commitment to the environment

At Cáritas, we understand that our mission not only encompasses the fight against poverty and social exclusion, but also the protection and care of our planet. Our commitment to social justice includes environmental justice, recognizing that the most vulnerable are those who suffer the most from the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change.

We present some initiatives for the care of the Common Home in the Cáritas of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mexico: Let's Take Care of Our Creole Corn

The “Let's Take Care of Our Creole Corn” project aims to improve the productivity of the units of family production through knowledge of the state of the soil and the improvement of native corn through plant and cob selection, as well as the creation of community seed banks. This initiative seeks to dignify the lives of Mexican farmers by increasing the productivity of their crops, a vital source of food and economy.

Currently, the project is being developed in the Diocese of Celaya and will soon be implemented in the Archdiocese of Tulancingo, the Diocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and the Diocese of Nezahualcóyotl.

On May 19, 2024, at the San Cayetano community center, this workshop was held training farmers and the diocesan team of Celaya in the genetic improvement of native corn through plant and cob selection. Methods such as the selection of paternal siblings, maternal siblings and self-siblings were taught, as well as simple visual selection techniques and stratified selection, improving crop yields by 1% to 3%.

In San Luis de Paz, Guanajuato, producers have expressed concern about the lack of seeds due to two consecutive years of insufficient rainfall. In response, high-yielding landrace varieties will be sought and the creation of a community seed bank will be considered.

The project also includes training in the preparation of soil chromatograms, providing tools for better plot management. This supports the commitment and certification processes of the regional cooperative movement, ensuring that productivity is achieved in a sustainable manner.

Ecuador: Day of Prayer and Fasting in Defense of Life “No more lighters”

Cáritas Ecuador, Archdiocese of Quito, together with the Vicariate of Aguarico and the collective of lighters, promoted a day of prayer and fasting in defense of life in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This initiative seeks to understand and disseminate the critical situation faced by Amazonian people due to the presence of 487 burners in oil companies and to demand compliance with recent court rulings.

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, at least 445 burners are burning, of which 104 are in the Yasuní National Park. These burners seriously affect the right to live in a healthy environment, in addition to harming the health of nearby populations.

Impacts of the burners:

-Biodiversity: Millions of insects and birds incinerated.
-Water and Ecosystem: Acid rains contaminate rivers and soils, affecting life and ecological balance.
-Health: High incidence of cancer and respiratory, gastrointestinal and of skin in the affected areas.
-Economy: Ecuador imports Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) while burning gas that could be refined to obtain LPG.

In February 2020, groups from various civil society organizations presented a protection action against the Ecuadorian State for allowing the flaring of gas associated with oil production. Although this practice should be exceptional, it has become a regular norm, ignoring international commitments and constitutional mandates.

This day is an urgent call for reflection and action to protect life and the environment in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Chile: Prevention of Forest Fires, Good Community Practices in Chile

In Chile, outstanding community practices for the prevention of forest fires are being implemented at the national level. These activities, which raise awareness and promote the care of ecosystems, are essential as adaptive measures to climate change.

The training, designed by FEMA and adapted by SENAPRED, Caritas Chile and ADRA Chile, seeks to strengthen community capacities to reduce disaster risks. This course, based on the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program, teaches participants basic survival and rescue skills in emergency situations, promoting collaboration and continuous training.

The project “Territorial and participatory management to reduce the risk of forest fires in the forest-urban interface”, financed by USAID/BHA and executed by Caritas Chile and CONAF, includes these trainings. Local communities, organized in committees, have carried out actions to mitigate and prevent disasters, improving coordination with emergency services.

For Caritas Chile, preparation for adverse events is crucial to strengthen the preventive culture. Given that Chile is prone to emergencies such as earthquakes and floods, it is vital that communities participate in training and preventive activities to be better prepared and alleviate human suffering.

How can you help?

The environmental crisis is a global challenge that requires action from everyone. From Cáritas, we call on the community to get involved in this urgent mission. You can contribute in various ways:

• Volunteering and participation: Join our environmental projects and contribute your time and skills.
  Education and awareness: Educate yourself and share with others the importance of caring for our planet.
  Donations: Financially support our initiatives so that we can continue developing restoration and environmental protection projects.

Together, we can make a difference, and we have the responsibility and opportunity to ensure a sustainable future for all. Let us act now to protect our common home and build a fairer and healthier world for future generations.

With information and photographs from Cáritas México, Cuba, Ecuador, Colombia and Chile