As we begin the new year, we take a fresh look at some of the challenges unique to safeguarding the rain forests, mangroves, farms, and coastal waters that make Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

The stories in this edition of Global Waters take readers on a fascinating journey through the beautiful and fragile ecosystems of the LAC. USAID and our implementing partners have been working together to protect biodiversity and improve food security in this region rich with natural resources, but threatened by overuse, pollution, climate change, and other risk factors.