El Salvador is taking significant steps to prioritize climate resilience by integrating a variety of adaptation measures aimed at enhancing both infrastructure and social frameworks. One of the key initiatives focuses on developing climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly road systems designed to withstand extreme weather events. This approach not only ensures uninterrupted connectivity to essential services during emergencies but also plays a critical role in reducing economic losses and mitigating the broader impacts of climate change.

In tandem with infrastructure improvements, El Salvador is implementing land restoration programs that actively engage vulnerable communities. These initiatives not only contribute to ecological recovery but also promote social cohesion and sustainable urban development, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. A cornerstone of El Salvador’s climate resilience strategy is inclusive decision-making. By involving women, indigenous populations, and rural communities, the country is reinforcing gender equality and enhancing community participation. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, strengthening governance and fostering peaceful societies.

These efforts directly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, they enhance access to healthcare during emergencies and reduce health impacts from climate-related disruptions (SDG 3). They empower women through their involvement in decision-making and urban development projects (SDG 5), and tackle inequalities by ensuring fair access to resources for marginalized groups (SDG 10). The focus on resilient urban systems and sustainable urban development directly supports SDG 11, while strengthening governance and community participation aligns with SDG 16.

Overall, these initiatives not only improve healthcare access and conserve biodiversity, but they also support a resilient ecological and social system that is better equipped to face the challenges of climate change.

Priority NDC Activities

NDC synergies with the priority SDGs

El Salvador is charting a course towards sustainable urban development by focusing on creating adaptable, resilient, and low-emission cities. A critical component of this strategy is promoting sustainable urban planning, which encourages efficient land use and spatial organization. These efforts aim to improve access to essential socioeconomic services, such as employment, transportation, and recreational opportunities. By supporting climate-resilient urban design, El Salvador aims to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts and ease pressure on natural resources. Additionally, the integration of low-carbon infrastructure, including sustainable transport systems, plays a key role in reducing fossil fuel use, improving air quality, and mitigating climate change.

In line with these urban planning efforts, El Salvador is also emphasizing efficient waste management and circular economy practices. By adopting circular economy approaches that focus on recycling and minimizing waste, the country conserves resources and reduces urban pollution. These practices not only enhance public health—contributing to SDG 3 by lowering exposure to hazardous chemicals and improving the urban environment—but also engage vulnerable communities in waste management. This engagement fosters social cohesion, aligns with SDG 16, and promotes gender equality as outlined in SDG 5.

These initiatives have a direct impact on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They advance sustainable and resilient urban systems (SDG 11), enhance public health through pollution reduction (SDG 3), and empower marginalized groups and women by facilitating inclusive participation (SDG 5). Additionally, these efforts contribute to reducing inequalities in access to sustainable resources and benefits (SDG 10) and protect urban ecosystems and biodiversity (SDG 15).

Through these comprehensive measures, El Salvador is laying the groundwork for urban environments that are not only sustainable and resilient but also inclusive and low-emission, ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for all its citizens.

Priority NDC Activities

NDC synergies with the priority SDGs

The approval and implementation of the General Water Resources Law in El Salvador marks a significant advancement in the governance of water resources, fostering equitable and transparent management practices. This law promotes inclusive decision-making by actively engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including marginalized communities. By doing so, it helps to reduce potential conflicts over water access and usage, thereby fostering peaceful coexistence among various users.

In addition to governance improvements, El Salvador is focused on optimizing agricultural practices. This involves encouraging collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and local organizations to enhance sustainable food production. By reducing reliance on harmful chemicals, this initiative ensures that agricultural practices are safe and equitable. Furthermore, these adjustments build resilience against climate change, helping to mitigate risks associated with resource-based disputes.

The efforts tied to the General Water Resources Law and agricultural optimization have a direct impact on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, they improve public health by reducing pollution-related illnesses (SDG 3) and promote gender equality by involving women and marginalized groups in decision-making and resource management (SDG 5). Additionally, these initiatives contribute to reducing inequalities by ensuring fair access to essential water resources (SDG 10) and support sustainable urban development through enhanced access to clean water and improved resilience in urban areas (SDG 11).

Moreover, these practices are aligned with SDG 14, as they protect aquatic ecosystems through sustainable methods, and strengthen institutions, promote inclusive decision-making, and foster peaceful societies, which is in line with SDG 16. There are also contributions to food security and responsible consumption, connecting to both SDG 2 and SDG 12.

Overall, these actions not only build climate resilience and reduce inequalities but also promote long-term environmental sustainability, playing a vital role in contributing to peaceful and inclusive societies within El Salvador.

Priority NDC Activities

NDC synergies with the priority SDGs