Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez, located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, is the most populous city in Mexico’s State of Quintana Roo and one of the fastest-growing in the country, thanks to the economy generated by tourism. However, due to its geographical location, the city is prone to tropical cyclones and hurricanes.

In an effort to secure its financial future in the face of natural disasters, the municipal government has diversified its tourism sector, invested in critical infrastructure, supported local businesses, and built financial reserves to strengthen economic control and resilience against natural disasters. Following the natural events of 2021, the municipal administration had to find the necessary funds to repair the damages , for instance securing funding through federal and state relief, budget reallocations, public-private partnerships, international aid, and community-based initiatives.

Through its Regulations of the municipal fund for natural disasters (FOMADEN), Benito Juárez plans to mitigate the impacts of climate disasters through a multifaceted approach. This includes leveraging the National Risk Atlas to identify hazards and develop preventive measures, integrating comprehensive disaster and climate risk management into development planning, and empowering communities, particularly vulnerable groups like children and women, to enhance their resilience. The city also emphasizes upgrading infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and fostering collaboration across various levels of government and organizations to ensure a coordinated disaster response.