The event of “La Niña” in 2010-2011 caused damages equivalent to 2% of Colombia’s gross domestic product (GDP), 38% of which was concentrated in infrastructure that was costly to repair. This has created an opportunity to focus long-term investments and policies on adaptation to climate change. Colombia is in the process of significantly expanding its road infrastructure and it is timely to ensure that this kind of investment is resilient to climate change, which will in turn reduce costs for maintenance and reconstruction.

A well-planned and well-designed road infrastructure is synonymous with competitiveness, growth and development. Taking steps now to prepare and adapt to future climate conditions will be much more cost-efficient than waiting until emergency measures are necessary. Furthermore, adaptation creates opportunities for growth in industries, transportation users and the country in general.

This project strengthened the capacity of the Ministry of Transport and other actors in the transport sector to incorporate adaptation to climate change in the new road infrastructure’s agenda. Other objectives were:

• To raise awareness about the threats and opportunities in the sector that stem from climate change.
• To incorporate practical tools and strategies for climate change in sectorial planning.
• To develop a Technical Manual and an Adaptation Plan for the sector.
• To strengthen institutional capacities.
• To create the conditions so that Institutions and relevant actors can coordinate and complement their efforts.

Outputs of the project

• A manual for Standards and Specifications for Adaptation
• A plan for Adaptation to Climate Change in Transportation
• Workshops for the Transport and Infrastructure sectors
• 'Critical Climate Change Concerns for the Road Sector in Colombia'

Beneficiaries

• Direct beneficiaries: Ministry of Transportation, National Institute of Roadways (INVIAS), National Institute of Infrastructure (ANI) and principal actors in the sector.
• Indirect beneficiaries: Academics, research centres, associations of civil engineers, communities and users.

Project funding: £ 433,989