Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Tranistion Barranquilla 2025

2 Assessment of the enabling environment2.3 Policy and regulations Overview According to Colombia’s constitution, the national government is responsible for developing climate change and environmental regulations, while municipalities like Barranquilla hold authority over urban planning and land use. The primary national environmental framework is the Environmental Law, complemented by specific regulations addressing topics such as biodiversity, waste management and air quality. Colombia has committed to its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and passed the Climate Change Law in 2018. Barranquilla has developed its own climate action strategy, aligning with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The city also contributes to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which guides conservation efforts from 2015 to 2025. At the regional level, the Atlántico Department serves as a coordinating and supporting body, helping municipalities – despite their administrative and financial autonomy – align their environmental initiatives with national priorities, thereby ensuring coherent and impactful public policies across the entire territory. Policies and regulations in place 1 The Barranquilla a Otro Nivel Plan de Desarrollo 2024–2027 is the near-term city development plan, with an embedded nature action plan. The plan emphasizes environmental responsibility, including environmental preservation, climate change adaptation, flora and fauna protection, responsible consumption, recycling, reforestation, green businesses and water body restoration. The plan establishes a strong framework for public-private collaboration, recognizing public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a key pillar for the city’s sustainable development. 2 The Land Use Plan is a planning and management instrument through which the organization of land use, territorial occupation and physical development of the municipality or district is established. Its aim is to promote balanced, sustainable and resilient growth. The Land Use Plan guides territorial development to ensure it is compatible with environmental protection, guaranteeing that decisions related to urbanization, infrastructure and land use respect ecological values and contribute to long-term sustainability. 3 The PGAM, managed by Barranquilla Verde operationalizes actions and measures to protect natural resources within and around Barranquilla. The strategy includes reforestation projects, actions to increase citizen volunteering efforts and integration of environmental education into schools. 4 Barranquilla Verde is currently developing a Comprehensive Climate Change Management Plan. 5 A decree on risk management issued by the District Mayor’s Office has approved agreements on urban forestry and waste management to combat major climate risks and environmental challenges in the city. Image credit: Barranquilla City Hall Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition – Barranquilla 24