With the firm purpose of strengthening the advocacy capacities of Cáritas teams and ecclesiastical organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean on issues linked to access to land, territorial governance and integral ecology, Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean—through its Training area and the Livelihoods and Food Security (MVSA) team—, in coordination with the Latin American Land and Water Program and the SOPHIA University Institute, successfully developed the training course "Access to Land and its Governance in Latin America and the Caribbean".

The initiative, developed between May 4 and June 12, 2026, sought to promote dialogue, critical analysis of the regional reality and the exchange of experiences that contribute to promoting more fair and sustainable alternatives in the territories.

A space articulated in two cohorts

To guarantee a Deep scope and diverse participation, the training was structured in two key moments. The first cohort, which met from May 4 to 15, was aimed mainly at representatives and members of national, diocesan and parish teams of Cáritas directly linked to social and agrarian issues.

For its part, the second cohort, held from June 1 to 12, expanded participation to other ecclesial organizations and pastoral allies that also actively work to defend territorial rights on the continent.

Through meetings virtual sessions, the analysis of recent research, the exchange of community experiences and theological-pastoral reflection from the Social Doctrine of the Church, critical modules related to socio-environmental conflicts, public advocacy strategies and economic alternatives inspired by the care of the Casa Comum were addressed.

Voices from the territories: fraternity and resilience

The methodological value of the course lay in its ability to weave networks of communion between diverse realities of South America, Central America and the Caribbean, allowing participants to find meeting points in their local struggles. Blanca Méndez, from Cáritas Paraguay, valued the experience.

The course meant regional community containment; meet other people from other countries and communities with the same challenges and hope. It sustains strength, broadens the breath and encourages us to continue.”.

For his part, Juan Francisco Ferro, a Cáritas del Perú participant, highlighted the richness of the experiences shared in the virtual classroom: “The main learning I take away is the resilience of small producers and communities that, in the face of situations of corruption or abuse of authority, continue to organize to defend their territories.”.

Likewise, the The linking of the course with the teaching of Pope Francis and the ecclesial tradition was widely valued. “I really liked the relationship and the rescue of the Church documents that present the care and commitment of the Church with the Common Home and with the struggles of the impoverished people of the countryside”, expressed Samuel, a Cáritas Brasileira participant.

Impact in the region: towards an applied integral ecology

The impact This training process is directly projected into the strengthening of Latin American social pastoral care. By providing participants with conceptual tools and governance techniques, Cáritas promotes local communities more capable of dialogue with authorities, denouncing the logic of extractivism and designing food sovereignty projects based on respect for biodiversity.

Likewise, the training strengthened the exchange between ecclesial organizations and pastoral agents committed to the care of the Common Home, social justice, and food sovereignty. and the defense of the rights of rural communities. For the National Caritas, this type of space contributes to enriching territorial accompaniment, strengthening pastoral reflection and generating learning that can be applied in different local contexts.

This joint effort with the Latin American Land Program and the SOPHIA University Institute consolidates the regional Church as a strategic ally in the defense of the right of peasants and indigenous people to remain on their lands in a dignified and sustainable manner.