On 18 November, ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability announced that its Race to Resilience Culture (RTRC) initiative is now open for enrollment. Led by ICLEI USA and ICLEI Africa, the RTRC aims to enhance resilience in cities and communities by integrating cultural and heritage assets into climate adaptation frameworks.
The RTRC initiative seeks 15 cities in the U.S. and 15 cities in Africa, providing them with knowledge-building and tools to offer or expand Culture and Heritage-Based Strategies for resilience (CHBS). African and U.S. participants will be paired in a peer-to-peer exchange that provides knowledge sharing, capacity building, and cross-cultural dialogue opportunities.
This opportunity is open to all cities, towns, municipalities, and counties across the U.S. and Africa. Tribal Nations are also eligible and welcome to apply. Applicants emphasizing solutions to advance equity and increased engagement with underserved and underrepresented communities will be prioritized in the selection process.
The RTRC initiative highlights the importance of traditional and Indigenous knowledge in climate action. This knowledge, passed down through generations, offers invaluable insights into local ecosystems and adaptive practices, especially in areas where scientific data may be limited. By honoring and preserving cultural heritage, the RTRC aims to maintain cultural identity while equipping communities to face climate impacts.
This comprehensive approach aims to make vulnerable groups more resilient to climate risks by integrating cultural practices into urban planning and climate adaptation. With this initiative, ICLEI aims to transform how cities think about resilience, making cultural assets a cornerstone of sustainable development and adaptation efforts.
Submit your Expression of Interest by 31 January 2025 here.
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