The IRIS Climate Foundation, United for the Climate, concluded its visit to the National University of Forestry Sciences (UNACIFOR) in Honduras last August. The IRIS delegation consisted of its president, Ms. Odalys Aldana Mazorra, and its vice president, Ms. Tania Merino Gómez, who were accompanied by MSc. Mirurgia Aguilar Velázquez, coordinator of the Environmental Network of the University of Havana, a member of the Alliance of Ibero-American University Networks for Sustainability and the Environment (ARIUSA). During the visit, a fruitful exchange was held with the rector, Dr. Emilio Esbeih, and guidelines were defined for the joint development of a roadmap for scientific and technical cooperation on climate change and environmental sustainability. During a technical meeting with UNACIFOR's Academic and Research Vice-Rectors, priority areas were identified for the development of new collaborative initiatives, including One Health, Sustainable Forest Management and Value Chains, and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.
The September agenda began with IRIS's active participation in strengthening strategic alliances. Aimed at strengthening regional climate action in conjunction with the Center for Research, Training, and Entrepreneurship (CIFEM) of Panama, a Cooperation Agreement was signed that will contribute to strengthening both organizations in the implementation of services and projects in the region.
At the meeting with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), progress was made in the Adaptation Fund accreditation process, and agreements were established for the implementation of the first binational project between Cuba and Panama. Discussions were also held with the Climate Change Directorate of the Panamanian Ministry of Environment, where a work plan for the development of regional projects was agreed upon, among other topics.
During the visit, an exchange took place with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at establishing IRIS as a national implementing agency. A work plan was defined with our partner, the Environmental Association for Sustainable Development (AMDES) of Panama, and actions within the field of the circular economy were explored to promote more sustainable communities.

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The IRIS Climate Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting transformative projects that contribute to environmental and climate sustainability through regional and triangular collaboration.