We are proud to announce that Barrio 20, a neighbourhood and informal settlement in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been honoured with the prestigious Knowledge into Use Award 2024 for their work that is part of UNU-EHS-led project Transformative Urban Coalitions (TUC)! This award recognizes the community’s innovative work in integrating climate resilience into urban development. Here, TUC aims to create a greener and more socially just area for all.
Work in Barrio 20
Since 2021, TUC consortium partner the International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED América Latina has collaborated with the community of Barrio 20 and the Housing Institute of Buenos Aires (IVC) to embed climate action within the ongoing urban upgrading of this vibrant neighbourhood. Through the urban lab in Barrio 20, a series of pilot interventions focused on nature-based solutions, citizen science, and community engagement were developed. In addition to the creation of a weather monitoring system, the development of an Environmental Circuit showcasing positive transformations and climate action murals were created, because awareness-raising through transformative communication is one of the approaches TUC takes. This way, the murals not only beautify the neighbourhood but also raise awareness and disseminate impactful messages in an engaging manner.
Looking Ahead
The Knowledge into Use Award, which includes a prize of 100,000 Swedish Krona, will support TUC in expanding these efforts. IIED – América Latina plans to create additional murals both within and beyond Barrio 20, depicting sustainable practices such as vegetable gardening and recycling. These murals will also highlight the results of citizen science projects, including local temperature and humidity data, and serve as powerful tools for communication and dialogue within the community.
