María Paula Calvo Barboza , Costa Rica

María Paula Calvo Barboza is the lead applicant for Loss and Damage project in Costa Rica on behalf of La Ruta del Clima

La Ruta del Clima is a Latin-American non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Costa Rica, that advocates at a national and international level for the public’s right to participate in the climate governance process and the promotion of climate justice. La Ruta del Clima is the recipient organization of the $25,000 loss and damage grant to implement a loss and damage project in Cahuita in Costa Rica.

 La Ruta del Clima was awarded a $25,000 grant to implement their proposed loss and damage project. The grant was part of the 2nd cycle of the loss and damage grant awarded by the Loss and Damage Youth Grant Making Cycle through the support of the Open Society Foundations  and the Climate Justice Resilience Fund.

Description of Loss and Damage In Target Location
Cahuita is a coastal community located in the southern Caribbean of Costa Rica, with a diverse population that includes Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous groups. The community is known for its dedication to ecotourism, fishing, and cultural heritage. Throughout its history, Cahuita has defended its territory, culture, and livelihoods against racism and structural violence. Considering the context of the community, it is recognized that climate change has brought severe consequences to Cahuita due to changes in water cycles, water shortages, temperature shifts in the area, coastal erosion, rising sea levels, reduced rainfall, and increased heat. Additionally, the community constantly suffers from extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods, which have an even more severe impact on the population. It is concluded that climate change jeopardizes the future, identity, and livelihoods of the community. Among the main Loss and Damage caused by climate change, non-economic impacts related to the mental health of young populations stand out. This is due to the adverse conditions in their community, which cause high levels of stress and concern, leading to the canton of Talamanca having the highest suicide rate in the country
Overview of the Project Addressing Loss and Damage in the Community

This project aims to address mental health issues in vulnerable young populations in Cahuita, Costa Rica, by creating spaces in health centers and local institutions for learning and discussion about the link between mental health and the climate crisis. It will provide implementation kits to health centers for better psychosocial support and promote the importance of mental health and intergenerational rights in the face of the climate crisis, enhancing community capacity to respond to climate-related damages. La Ruta del Clima will involve young people in broader climate action processes for greater long-term impact, ensuring ongoing support as the climate crisis progresses.

Read More About Other Projects

1st Grant Cycle

The first grant cycle launched on the 22nd of September 2022. Over 200 organizations applied and before 2023 11 organizations were support with the sum of $150,000

2nd Grant Cycle ​

The Second cycle announce at COP28 in Dubai launched on the 1st of February 2024 and the winners of the “$275,000” grant were announced at the SBs in Bonn

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