The Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean ECPA initiative was presented at the Porto 21 World Forum held in Lisbon, Portugal, on April 16 and 17. The initiative implemented by the Organization of American States with support from the U.S. Department of State seeks to strengthen the capacity of NGOs and community associations in Central America and the Caribbean to build sustainable communities and tackle urban issues. Specifically, the initiative targets four priority areas: clean energy, sustainable waste management, resilience to natural disasters, and sustainable transport.

In 2012, 14 NGOs were selected to execute local, innovative and sustainable solutions to urban challenges at the community level. Said NGOs will meet in Antigua, Guatemala on June 2, 2013 to present lessons learned and best practices in sustainable cities policies and technologies.