At the onset of its second phase, Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean an initiative led by the Organization of American States (OAS) is financing a project to plan, design and implement river protection works that will benefit five communities in the municipality of Desamparados. The activity of the Jorco River has affected the integrity of the bridges and roads serving the people of Desamparados. The work to be performed in this rural municipality includes dredging the river and concrete structures to absorb the impact of river water and preventing erosion along its banks. Although the OAS will provide all required materials, this activity would not have been possible without the support of the people of Desamparados who will contribute with everything related to labor, machinery, equipment, engineering services and promotional and awareness strategies.

The Sustainable Communities Initiative in Central America and the Caribbean aims to strengthen the capacity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community associations in Central America and the Caribbean to build sustainable communities. The first phase of this effort was successfully completed in 2014 and the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) has begun implementing its second phase, which receives financial support from the U.S. Department of State.