Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Tranistion Barranquilla 2025

3 Exemplary solutions Todos al Parque programmeExemplary solution 2 Challenge As the fourth-largest city in Colombia, Barranquilla was facing urban growth pressures related to the accessibility of public spaces for social gatherings, with parks becoming sites of neglect and urban marginalization. Due to the limited availability of public spaces for recreation, leisure and sports, an initiative was launched in 2012 to enhance the quality of life for the 1.3 million residents in Barranquilla. The ADI developed the Todos al Parque programme to create a system of inclusive parks that cultivate community engagement and social equity. By recovering, activating and rehabilitating urban green spaces, the city was able to cultivate social cohesion by increasing accessibility for all citizens. The success of the Todos al Parque programme has positioned it as a model of innovative public management, illustrating how strategic investments in public spaces can profoundly alter perceptions, use of public spaces and overall quality of life in urban environments. This initiative has generated significant urban, social and cultural transformations in Barranquilla, making it a benchmark for urban renewal both nationally and internationally. Solution The Todos al Parque programme is a transformative urban initiative in Barranquilla, aimed at revitalizing public spaces and enhancing the quality of life for residents. As part of the programme, the city implemented: 1 Holistic park interventions: Playgrounds, green spaces and security systems, transforming parks into vibrant social ecosystems 2 Numerous sites: Urban parks through to larger projects, such as the Gran Malecón, Bosque Urbano Miramar and Siembra Barranquilla, in regions of greatest need –Gran Malecón del Río: This project has created over 5km of public space along the Magdalena River, attracting over 70 million visitors since 2017 and recognized as a sustainable tourist destination. –Bosque Urbano Miramar: A 30-hectare urban forest that enhances green space and captures 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2) annually. –Siembra Barranquilla: Launched in 2017, this initiative has planted over 135,000 trees and landscaped more than 530,000m 2 of public space, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainability. Impact In line with key objectives, the Todos al Parque programme has had a profound impact on the city by addressing underlying social issues. Key outcomes of the programme include: 1 Reduction in crime: Between 2011 and 2020, the recovery of parks led to a significant decrease in thefts, with an average reduction of 20% within a 100m radius of the parks, 15.4% within 150m, and 9% within 200m. This decline in crime has cultivated a safer environment for residents. 2 Cultural and economic engagement: The revitalized parks have transformed into vibrant venues for cultural events and local entrepreneurship fairs, providing essential spaces for recreation, particularly during pandemic restrictions. These activities have strengthened community ties and enhanced local economies. 3 Social cohesion: Parks have emerged as crucial gathering spaces, promoting social interactions and community bonding. The increased use of these public spaces has significantly contributed to neighbourhood social cohesion, cultivating a sense of belonging among residents. 4 Community empowerment: The programme has encouraged citizen participation, leading to greater social capital in Barranquilla’s neighbourhoods. This engagement has cultivated empathy and trust between the community and local government institutions, enhancing transparency and collaboration in governance. 12345 Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition – Barranquilla37