Lima, Peru, 2 October 2025 The XXIV Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean concluded with the adoption of key decisions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The measures include the adoption of an updated Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration and Water Security, which will strengthen countries resilience to droughts and desertification, while also generating social and economic benefits for the region.
Countries also agreed on new initiatives and plans to reduce pollution and protect health and the environment. These include a new Programme for the Reduction of Methane Emissions in the Waste Sector and the progressive closure of dumpsites, the Regional Action Plan on Chemicals and Waste 20262029, the Regional Action Plan on Air Quality 20262029, as well as strengthening regional cooperation to address plastic pollution.
We must respond effectively and in synergy to the crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in all its forms, with a common agenda that enables us to define and implement a practical and concrete roadmap through multiple regional and global partnerships, said Perus Minister of the Environment, Juan Carlos Castro Vargas. At this international meeting, where Peru concluded its term as Presidency of the Forum of Ministers, we generated joint proposals to foster cooperation and investment that will help our countries address and close environmental gaps.
For his part, Panamas Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, whose country begins a new two-year term as Presidency of the Forum, stated: This handover symbolizes more than a change of Presidency: it is the continuity of a collective effort in which Latin America and the Caribbean speak with one voice to urgently confront regional and global environmental challenges. We must protect our forests and rivers, our biodiversity and our oceans now, to ensure the clean air and pure water upon which our very lives depend.
During the meeting, ministers also reviewed the latest outcomes of the Second Meeting of the Range States for the Jaguar, recently held in Mexico, including the Regional Action Plan for Jaguar Conservation. This plan aims to strengthen ecological connectivity and the protection of strategic ecosystems in the region, consolidating the jaguar as an emblematic and umbrella species for conservation and restoration efforts.
In thematic consultative sessions, and throughout their deliberations, representatives discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, as well as cross-cutting areas such as integrating a gender perspective into environmental action, strengthening education and training for sustainability, and promoting circular economy models across the region.
The Lima Declaration, adopted at this meeting, reaffirms the need to respond in an integrated manner to the crises of climate, biodiversity, land degradation, drought and pollution in all its forms. It recognizes the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, underscores the urgency of strengthening regional and global cooperation, calls for the recognition of the special circumstances faced by Small Island Developing States, and calls for advancing a just transition that leaves no one behind. It also highlights the importance of integrating gender perspectives, the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, as well as mobilizing financial and technological resources to accelerate climate action, and biodiversity conservation, including for the benefit of iconic species in the region such as the jaguar, as well as ecosystem restoration in the worlds most biodiverse region.
We extend our deep gratitude to Peru, a nation of extraordinary cultural heritage and unparalleled natural wealth, for its leadership over the past two years as President of this Forum, and to Minister Castro Vargas for his dedicated stewardship, said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, UNEPs Deputy Executive Director. We warmly welcome Panama, through Minister Navarro, as it takes over the Presidency of the Forum of Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean a platform that serves as living proof that multilateralism is the essential pathway for our region to advance sustainable solutions, inspire action, and produce concrete results to address the many interlinked planetary environmental crises. UNEP is proud to serve as its Secretariat and remains fully committed to supporting Latin America and the Caribbean in building a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient planet for all, she added.
The Forum serves as a key space to prepare joint positions of Latin America and the Caribbean in multilateral negotiations, including the upcoming COP30 in Belm, Brazil, and the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), to be held from 8 to 12 December 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet.
UNEA-7 will be preceded by the seventh meeting of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7), which will take place from 1 to 5 December 2025.
Editorial Note
About the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean
The Forum is the regions longest-standing and most important space for political dialogue and collaboration on environmental matters. Established in 1982, it brings together the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to set environmental priorities and collaborate on programmes, projects and approaches. It also serves as a key space for the region to prepare consolidated positions for the United Nations Environment Assembly and other global negotiations. UNEP, through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, serves as the Forums Secretariat.
About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global authority on the environment. It provides leadership and fosters partnerships by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
