Medellín, Colombia - The Clinton Global Initiative invited Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) and others to discuss and collaborate on action-oriented solutions that address climate change and health issues in Latin America and the Caribbean during a symposium held in Medellín in late April.
SHI’s Executive Director Elliott Powell (far right) with representatives of Fair Trade America, Acceso, and Fondo Acción
Executive Director Elliott Powell shared SHI’s transformative work across Central America in an hour-long panel discussion titled, “Showcasing solutions: Scaling regenerative agriculture & nature-based solutions.” SHI has supported small-scale farmers adopting regenerative practices for more than 25 years in the region.
“With the impacts of climate change putting more and more pressure on our way of life — especially that of smallholder farming families in the Global South and the surrounding natural environment — these opportunities to come together as actors across Latin America and the Caribbean are imperative. It was an honor to participate as a panelist and share SHI’s work at a symposium hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative. Together, we’re calling attention to the need to act now and build impactful partnerships for the good of people and the planet.”
The Clinton Global Initiative fosters partnerships between nonprofits, governments, civil society, and other agencies. Events at the symposium highlighted the intersections between climate adaptation, growing health concerns, and economic empowerment. Leaders also emphasized the threats women face due to gender inequalities, and SHI shared our commitment to supporting women farmers.
A major theme of the conference was local, community-led solutions. Organizations shared an understanding that community members should be equipped with knowledge and resources to carry out solutions, but the long-term decisions should be up to them.
