Colombia, despite being a country with a great diversity of species, faces great socio-environmental challenges. In fact, it is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change (such as floods and droughts). This is because unsustainable territorial de-
velopment models cause the loss of ecosystems. When ecosystems are not in good condition, the capacity to cope with such undesirable effects is lost, putting people's livelihoods at risk.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are an option to help solve these challenges. And at the same time provide well-being for people and enhance the benefits of nature (such as access to food, carbon sequestration and habitat for multiple species).
Challenges such as lack of water or food, risk of disasters and adaptation to climate change can be addressed through the protection, restoration, or sustainable use of key ecosystems. Such actions must also respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, youth and gender equality.
A restored mangrove forest, for example, creates a natural barrier against coastal flooding and provides habitat for multiple animals.
The objective of the project is: Key actors successfully implement Nature-based Solutions that transform territories to become more resilient, biodiverse, low-carbon, and contribute to meeting climate goals (Nationally Determined Contributions - NDC).
The project is being developed in the departments of Córdoba, Huila and Santander under the following four fields of action:
1. Bottom-up design of Nature-based Solutions,
2. Strengthen financial support for their implementation,
3. Strengthen local capacities for the implementation of 24 Nature-based Solutions in the 3 departments,
4. Improve the enabling conditions for Nature-based Solutions, e.g. monitoring and verification are improved to support the achievement of climate change and biodiversity targets.