CityAdapt Xalapa: ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change
Description
Urban climate resilience project that restores Xalapa's green belt (cloud forest, Cerro del Estropajo, Molinos de San Roque wetland) through nature-based solutions: agroforestry reforestation, soil conservation, rainwater harvesting systems in schools and public buildings, constructed wetlands and training of rural communities in climate-smart productive practices. More than 6,000 plants (3,900 trees) were planted and 12 rainwater harvesting systems were installed, providing water to more than 20,000 inhabitants.
Lessons learned
The GEF-UNEP project closed its funded phase around 2021-2022; continuity depends on municipal ownership and on new administrations not interrupting the financing instruments (the voluntary environmental services compensation fee was suspended by the incoming administration in early 2022). Verified counterpoint: local press from 2025 (La Crónica, 'Xalapa se nos va ladera abajo'; Crónica de Xalapa, 'Reforestación desarticulada') documents that the loss of the green belt and deforestation on the hillsides continue, which calls into question the 'community-managed and persistent' part of the declared legacy.