Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Tranistion Barranquilla 2025

3 Exemplary solutions Mallorquín Swamp Challenge The Ciénaga de Mallorquín has historically been a vital ecological resource for Barranquilla – however, it has suffered significant degradation due to human activities, such as its use as a landfill, and changes from port development and rapid urban growth. This has resulted in the loss of nearly 400 hectares (ha) of mangrove cover across the swamp since the 1980s, impacting biodiversity and the marsh’s ability to protect the city against floods. Water quality has deteriorated due to pollution and inadequate public services, creating a cycle of environmental and social decline, which hampers the economic growth of local fisheries. Solution To address the challenges of the Ciénaga de Mallorquín, an ambitious plan was launched to transform the degraded ecosystem into a model of sustainable development. The district administration partnered with local communities to restore the swamp, provide public service enhancements and increase opportunities for ecotourism in the site. Exemplary solution 1 The plan included remediating the Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark through algae phytoremediation, the construction of a sewer system in La Cangrejera, mangrove revegetation and environmental education initiatives to improve water quality and biodiversity. The plan also called for the introduction of local community training programmes on sustainable practices, increased availability of public services and the development of a tourist train. Impact The rehabilitation of the site has had direct benefits to the economy, particularly through the creation of employment in a range of new industries and services within and around the site (e.g. food stalls, train operators, taxi drivers to the site). Additionally, workshop sessions run from the site have engaged participants in various ways to enhance their knowledge of the marsh’s physical, biological, geographic, historical and cultural characteristics. Lastly, community engagement and outreach programmes such as workshops and service fairs for the local community have been under way. These highlight to the local community the important role that nature preservation and maintenance play in the city’s environmental and socioeconomic health. Image credit: Barranquilla City Hall Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition – Barranquilla 36