Peru is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate-related disasters because of its dependence on agriculture, high poverty rate, and degrading environmental conditions. In February 2013, Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, experienced a torrential rainstorm causing devastating floods throughout the area. Approximately 5 inches of rain fell in a short period of 7 hours. The floods destroyed homes, demolished roads, and left thousands of residents without electricity and water.

In order to assist Arequipa with future disasters, CityLinks is leading a two-week diagnostic visit to conduct an assessment of climate change adaptation challenges the city faces. The team will develop a set of recommendations for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Peru to consider that will help the Municipal Government of Arequipa address those challenges. The recommendations will focus on improving the Municipal Government of Arequipa’s capacity for developing and implementing an urban climate change adaptation strategy and programs within the framework of the 2009 Regional Climate Adaptation Plan.

To learn more about CityLinks, visit our website, follow us on Twitter at @ICMACityLinks, and join our climate change discussion in the Climate Preparedness, Adaptation, and Resilience group on the Knowledge Network. Please visit ICMA International’s site for additional information ICMA’s other global projects.