ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.
Aiming to combine climate action and biodiversity conservation through nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation, the NaBa project is supporting cities in South America to develop their capacities to become more resilient and green.
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Read more Read lessThe implementation of the NaBa project between April 2022 and September 2024 has made it possible to strengthen the technical and decision-making capacities of the beneficiary municipalities (Bucaramanga, Pereira, Pasto, Yopal, Villavicencio, and Montería), based on the generation of technical and knowledge products and the generation of recommendations for decision-making for the integration of biodiversity and ecosystems, resilience and the climate perspective, in local-scale planning and regulation. In the first semester of 2024, the NaBa project has developed the following key products: Recommendations for planning and territorial management instruments with a resilient and nature-based approach: As part of the NaBa project's commitment to building local capacity, comprehensive fact sheets were developed for each of the six model cities, outlining tailored roadmaps to address priority topics related to the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). These roadmaps served as the foundation for delivering recommendations for planning and territorial management instruments with a resilient and nature-based approach, aligning municipal strategies with NbS principles. In addition, synergies between recommended projects and ongoing city initiatives were identified and leveraged through targeted stakeholder meetings. These sessions strengthened local ownership of NaBa outputs and positioned the project results for integration into future diagnostics and planning efforts. This process ensured that NaBa's contributions are actively shaping urban resilience and sustainability in the region. Support in the evaluation and formulation of 3 pilot projects involving nature-based solutions implementation and biodiversity conservation through the strengthening of the internal governance processes: The NaBa project supported the implementation of innovative pilot initiatives in four the six Colombian model cities, each addressing unique local challenges through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). In Bucaramanga, efforts focused on developing a strategy for sustainable pedestrian mobility in a specific urban area, promoting active transportation and reducing environmental impacts. In Montería, a framework for monitoring ecosystem services was designed for the Ronda del Sinú parks, integrating biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. In Pereira, the pilot centered on water governance, creating a roadmap to enhance the sustainable management of water resources. Finally, in Villavicencio, a green corridor was conceptualized to connect emblematic urban spaces, fostering biodiversity restoration and improving urban ecosystems. These pilots exemplify the project’s commitment to integrating NbS into urban planning and building resilience across diverse socio-environmental contexts. Closing face to face meeting: final results, feedback and lessons learned meeting with the Ministry of Environment, the UK PACT national team, the model cities and additional beneficiaries of the NaBa project in Bogotá: This event marked the work of three years focused on strengthening climate resilience and protecting biodiversity in six Colombian cities. Key results of the project were presented, highlighting the nature-based solutions (NbS) implemented and their impact on the participating cities. The event gathered implementing partners, model cities, representatives from WWF, ASOCARS, FAO, the UK Embassy, the Ministry of Environment, and other important stakeholders. The event featured presentations on the NaBa project's alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, followed by a panel discussion where representatives from cities like Pereira, Montería, and Pasto shared their experiences and reflections on integrating these solutions into their urban plans. This exchange successfully fulfilled the intermediate outcome of fostering co-creation among key personnel from the model cities, as they shared their unique experiences with biodiversity, resilience, and water-centric practices in urban planning. These discussions provided valuable insights into the various approaches taken and the benefits observed, illustrating the project’s relevance in addressing local challenges. The final panel concentrated on mapping nature's contributions as a public policy tool for the cities of Yopal, Villavicencio y Montería. This discussion underscored the importance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in preparation for COP16, closing the event with reflections on future opportunities to showcase these efforts at both national and international levels.
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