In a recent press conference, Ambassador William Duncan, Minister of Hacienda Jerson Posada, and Óscar Avalle, representative of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), outlined the significance and processes of debt-for-nature conversion aimed at conserving the Lempa River basin.
Ambassador Duncan expressed gratitude to President Nayib Bukele’s administration, highlighting its leadership as a pivotal factor in this historic initiative. He stated, “I want to thank the government of President Bukele for its leadership. It has been the driving force behind this historic achievement that will benefit generations of Salvadorans who depend on the Lempa River.”
The debt-for-nature conversion aims to transform portions of El Salvador’s debt into funding for environmental conservation efforts, thereby ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems. This initiative not only addresses financial obligations but also fosters a commitment to preserving the country’s natural resources.
As discussions continue around the implications of this initiative, local and international stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to create a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of those reliant on the Lempa River.