Third Regional Encuentro for Climate and Migration Justice: Reflections and Commitments

More than two years ago, the Climate Action program at Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP), began an important conversation with our partners to respond to the question: how are the impacts of climate change in the Mesoamerican region affecting people's decisions to stay or leave their territories?

Last month, from November 13th to 16th, we had the privilege of cohosting the third Regional Encuentro for Climate and Migration Justice, a space co-created by HIP, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (ERIC SJ), El Derecho a No Obedecer (DANO), y Ayuda en Acción. This event brought together community organizations from the region to deepen our collective understanding and seek ways to center the communities most affected by the climate crisis.

Earlier this year, during the second Regional Encuentro for Climate and Migration Justice in San Salvador, these dynamics were also explored in August. The documentary “Somos Territorio” screening revealed testimonies about the impacts of climate change. Communities shared ancestral knowledge—such as following ants' signals to anticipate climate changes—and highlighted the importance of community solidarity in the face of forced displacements.

These learnings have been profound and transformative for our network.

Learning from the Path: Climate Impacts and Migration

From various spaces we have noted how this crisis does not act alone: it exacerbates pre-existing problems such as poverty, violence, and structural inequalities. But as this climate justice movement has evolved, we have also witnessed how its impacts have too:

• Racism and gender inequality: These factors aggravate the causes of migration and must be addressed in the proposed solutions.
• Extractivism and displacement: Uncontrolled extractive practices are pushing people out of their homes.
• Right to remain: Some communities decide to stay on their lands despite climate risks, while others simply have no option.

Simultaneously, local advocates have emphasized that many people do not see migration as a first option, but as a forced response to extreme circumstances. Additionally, increased climate mobility is influenced by the reasons that force people to migrate and the challenges they face along the journey and in the places where they settle.

The Strength of Communities

Despite the challenges, communities and local organizations have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership. They are caring for, resisting, and defending their territories through various collective initiatives. These organizations act not only as first-line support but also as guardians of their communities' knowledge and dignity.

Building a Future for All

At HIP, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to climate and migration justice and we recognize the importance of doing so through movements with collective leadership. Through gatherings like these organic and horizontal Latine leadership is nurtured. Thus, as a community, we left this most recent gathering in Colombia with some of the following agreements.

• Creation of a regional hub: Led by AFSC and propelled by the collective’s efforts, a platform will be developed to centralize initiatives, resources, and knowledge about the link between climate change and migration.
• Amplification of collective agreements: Transforming each of our learnings into coordinated actions to address challenges in the region.
• Collaboration in fundraising: Working with local organizations to attract more resources towards projects that integrate climate and migration justice.

An Invitation

The climate crisis is like a global storm, but we do not all face its impacts with the same resources. 

At HIP, we continue learning and growing alongside the people and communities at the forefront of these struggles. Together with our partners and participants of the gatherings, we invite you to join us in this mission. 

Our collective corazón has a unique opportunity to make a difference by supporting these transnational efforts. By investing in our Climate Action initiatives, you can contribute to transformative solutions that center the dignity and agency of the most affected communities.

Climate justice is not just about repairing damage, but about imagining a future where all people can live with dignity and security. The path towards climate and migration justice is complex, but collectively, we can advance towards significant change.

Will you join our efforts?