When you hear the word “green infrastructure” what do you think of?

We often look at the same model examples: Portland, Seattle, Santa Monica, and so on. However, a recent experience is causing us to consider a new source of learning: peer to peer.

In May, our Director of Research, Edith de Guzman represented TreePeople with a keynote presentation at the Border Green Infrastructure Forum in Tucson, Arizona. The annual event was organized by the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission, which supports a collaborative exchange between Mexico and the States.

Edith was honored to share LAs green infrastructure story and TreePeople’s vision of collaborative governance to build a water-secure region.

Unexpected Partners

After her presentation, Edith was approached by members of Metropol-Index—a Mexican organization seeking to promote metropolitan area community action through citizen collaboration to improve living conditions.

Just days later, a group of Metropol-Index members traveled more than 100 miles to visit our very own Coldwater Canyon Park, to further engage and understand TreePeople’s work and how the Tijuana region can increase its tree canopy. Edith offered a tour of our facilities and a more in-depth view of how we engage both with communities and government to bring LA closer to sustainability. The group reciprocated by sharing their approach to social and environmental stewardship.

It didn’t take long before both parties realized the valuable resource available when we learn from one another. We’re thankful for the opportunity to create bi-national ties, and look forward to future opportunities to partner and learn from one another.

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