Big Bet: Ensure water rights for equitable adaptation as land gets drier
Project: Regional initiative, encompassing 16 institutions from 10 Latin American countries, aimed at developing collective strategies to ensure access to essential resources, such as land and water, for disenfranchised communities in Latin American semi-arid territories. This initiative will support the development of public policies that increase food security for vulnerable groups in the region, while also supporting the development of technologies that promote adaptable agriculture. This work is critical because of the expected climate migration crisis caused by the increasingly frequent droughts in the region.
Carlos Morais, coordinator of the Agroecological Development Center in Brazil, addresses rural poverty and inequality in semi-arid regions. He holds a master’s degree in agroecology and sustainable rural development from the International University of Andalusia and serves as the focal point for the Semi-Arid Latin America Platform. His insights into the global climate crisis deepened during his Fulbright scholarship in the U.S., where he enhanced his global perspective on small-scale farming challenges and expanded his professional network. Raised in challenging circumstances, Carlos intimately understands how a lack of opportunities perpetuates poverty and disparity. He is committed to empowering farmers, enhancing food systems, and pioneering sustainable agricultural practices across Latin America’s dry zones.
Carlos’s advocacy extends through his role with the Semi-Arid Latin America Platform, focusing on climate justice and addressing climate change in these vulnerable areas. His initiatives promote sustainable development and resilience by providing farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge for climate adaptation. By advocating for equitable resource distribution and robust policy support, Carlos aims to ensure that communities in semi-arid regions can sustain their livelihoods and combat the adverse effects of climate change, fostering regional cooperation and advancing social and environmental justice.