Group picture with participants during the workshop in Quito.

Ecuador

Country Projects

Ecuador, located in the heart of the Andean region, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but its geographical conditions and socioeconomic characteristics make it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, glacier retreat, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events threaten its ecosystems, communities, and economy. Recognizing the urgent need to strengthen capacities and empower citizens to address these challenges, Ecuador has embarked on the creation of its National Climate Empowerment Action Strategy, joining regional leaders in advancing climate change learning and action.

Strengthening Action for Climate Empowerment

In 2024, Ecuador initiated the development of its National Climate Empowerment Action Strategy (ENACE), marking a milestone in its climate change agenda. The ENACE provides a national framework aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and participation of Ecuadorians in addressing the climate crisis. It focuses on six key pillars: education, training, public awareness, access to information, public participation, and international cooperation.

The ENACE complements existing national mitigation and adaptation plans. Its goal is to foster a culture of climate resilience and shared responsibility, ensuring all sectors of society are equipped to contribute to sustainable development.

Turning the Strategy into Action

To ensure the ENACE reflects the diverse realities of Ecuador, a participatory process was launched in November 2024. Three regional workshops were held in Tena (Amazon region), Guayaquil (coastal region), and Quito (Andean region), gathering approximately 100 participants in person. Representatives from government agencies, civil society, academia, private sector, and indigenous communities worked together to identify priorities and contribute their insights.

In addition to the in-person workshops, a virtual webinar and an online survey gathered feedback from 80 individuals, extending the reach of the consultation process. Special attention was given to engaging children and youth in a dedicated workshop, emphasizing the role of future generations in shaping the country’s climate resilience.

This inclusive process ensured that voices from all sectors and regions were heard, creating a solid foundation for the ENACE to address the unique challenges posed by climate change in Ecuador.

Our National Partners

The development of the ENACE is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE), with the support of UNICEF and UNITAR, through the UN CC:Learn initiative. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future by fostering knowledge and action on climate change at all levels of society.

Project News and Activities

ENACE workshop with youth
14 December 2024 I Online

ENACE campaign with children and adolescents
1-14 December 2024 I Online

National Participatory Workshops
November 2024 I Tena, Guayaquil, and Quito

Webinar for the presentation and co-construction of ENACE
28 October 2024 I Online