Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Tranistion Barranquilla 2025

2 Assessment of the enabling environment2.6 Stakeholder engagement Overview The city recognizes the importance of aligning its goals with broader environmental conservation efforts. It is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable urban environment. Barranquilla’s commitment to sustainability takes a multifaceted approach that includes collaboration with local communities for the delivery of programmes (such as the Limpia y Linda project). It also encompasses crucial changes, including the formalization of waste pickers in the community. By recognizing and empowering these individuals, the city aims to improve its waste management system and uplift marginalized communities, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable urban environment. To achieve its sustainability objectives, Barranquilla engages in proactive interactions with key local organizations such as environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community associations and academic institutions. These collaborations support initiatives ranging from urban nature restoration and biodiversity monitoring to environmental education programmes and community-led sustainability projects, cultivating both ecological resilience and social engagement. This collaboration is essential for: –Aligning objectives: ensuring that all parties share common goals related to nature conservation –Coordinating key messages: developing consistent communication strategies that promote environmental awareness and action among residents and stakeholders Challenges identified –Lack of alignment in messaging among stakeholders, entities, and departments responsible for managing nature, which results in the uncoordinated implementation of critical city initiatives across agencies. Limited support is available to run environmental initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of vulnerable groups. This can limit programmes’ scope and impact. –Indifference or limited understanding of nature as a value and development priority among key community actors can generate resistance and hinder the success of projects. Improvement areas –Establish a central communications hub to engage the broader community, ensuring residents are informed, involved and empowered to participate in decisions and actions that benefit both the environment and their well-being. –Establish community partnerships and run programmes with vulnerable groups to cultivate environmental stewardship. Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition – Barranquilla 30