Context

Colombia is preparing to enter the Organisation for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD), so it must promote green growth plans in various sectors and territories. In order to further strengthen its climate policy and meet the requirements of the OECD, the Government has incorporated green growth and climate compatible development as keystones of its National Development Plan 2014-2018. This plan promotes a regional and territorial approach, looking at the development and implementation of territorial development plans structured around the themes of green growth and climate compatible development.

Vision

Eastern Antioquia is a strategic territory developing a pioneering plan for climate compatible development and green growth at the subnational level. It is economically dynamic and recognised as a pole of innovation, where more than 35% of the national energy supply is produced, and where large investments are made in infrastructure. Several major companies in the country are moving to the region, turning it into a cluster of development and employment. The region is also characterised by its great climate and ecosystem diversity, by large protected forest areas, by being the water reserve of the department of Antioquia and its role as a large food supplier for the Colombian Caribbean. However, 40% of its population is still below the poverty line.

Goals

This project sought to develop the first plan of climate change and green growth in Colombia, focusing on Eastern Antioquia.

Project approach

This project was carried out at a regional level with both actors from Eastern Antioquia and actors from the national level. The project proposed a model for incorporating climate change and green growth into territorial development planning. As well as this, it was an opportunity to promote the approach to green growth in relation to climate change in a territory, to understand those concepts and their application in the territorial context, as well as to generate the necessary coordination schemes to promote these territorial processes. 

Project funding:  £ 264,898

Beneficiaries

• Direct beneficiaries: CORNARE, municipalities CONARE jurisdiction.
• Indirect beneficiaries: Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, Department of Antioquia Authorities, Private and Financial Sector of Antioquia.

Implementing organisation:  WWF Colombia - Natura Foundation

Final products of the project

• A climate and green growth-compatible development plan for Eastern Antioquia (es)
• Technical studies and options for adaptation and mitigation for Eastern Antioquia