Diagnóstico de Desarrollo Económico Local y de Adaptación al Cambio Climático y Plan Municipal de Desarrollo Económico Local y de Adaptación al Cambio Climático

The study aimed to identify the main economic activities in the municipality, analyze the economic chains, and present a vulnerability analysis, particularly of an environmental nature. The study was conducted with the participation of municipal technicians and members of the Comisión de Fomento Económico, Turismo, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (COFETARN). The municipality of Quetzaltenango is located in the western highlands of Guatemala, with a population of approximately 130,000 inhabitants. The main economic activities in the municipality include the commerce of clothing, the furniture industry, and horticulture and fruit production. The study identified potential economic opportunities in the production of chicken eggs and the development of the furniture industry. However, the municipality is also vulnerable to various natural and anthropogenic threats, including strong winds, landslides, frost, floods, and droughts. The study also identified threats related to the socio-natural environment, such as water scarcity and deforestation, as well as anthropogenic threats, including forest fires, solid waste, and gas stations. To address these challenges, the municipality of Quetzaltenango developed a municipal development plan for local economic development and climate change adaptation. The plan aims to transform the main economic chains into value chains and promote economic activities that are considered potential. The plan also aims to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change that may affect the economic activity of the municipality. The plan includes strategies for the development of the commerce of clothing, the furniture industry, and horticulture and fruit production. The plan also includes lines of action for the development of the furniture industry, including the creation of a furniture industry cluster, the development of a quality control system, and the promotion of the industry through trade fairs and exhibitions. In addition, the plan includes strategies for the adaptation to climate change, including the development of a climate change adaptation plan, the creation of a climate change adaptation committee, and the implementation of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan also includes a budget and a timeline for the implementation of the strategies and actions. The municipal development plan for local economic development and climate change adaptation in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, is a comprehensive plan that aims to address the challenges faced by the municipality and promote sustainable economic development and climate change adaptation. The plan is a result of the collaboration between the municipality, the Comisión de Fomento Económico, Turismo, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (COFETARN), and the USAID Nexos Locales project.