The GEF at CBD COP16

Photo credit: Patrick Poendl/Adobe Stock

Colombia is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, making it a global hotspot for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. The country boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and high-altitude paramos to vast wetlands and coral reefs, all of which contribute significantly to global environmental stability. With over 50,000 known species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic, Colombia's biological diversity plays a vital role in supporting global biodiversity. The country's marine resources are equally important, with extensive coastlines along both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and rich coastal waters, are critical for maintaining biodiversity and ocean health on a global scale. Colombia’s natural resources provide essential services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and the sustenance of local communities.

Due to the country's vast and diverse ecosystems, which are under increasing pressure from both natural and human-induced threats, Colombia faces significant challenges from the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These environmental challenges are compounded by the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of local communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Colombia has emerged as a leader in the global environmental arena, taking significant steps to conserve its natural resources and promote sustainable development. One of the country’s most notable achievements is its commitment to expanding marine protected areas, with a pledge to conserve 30% of its marine and coastal ecosystems by 2030. This commitment positions Colombia as a regional and international leader in marine conservation. On a broader scale, Colombia is also leading efforts to tackle climate change. Its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement reflect ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy, with a focus on renewable energy development. Additionally, Colombia is actively engaged in international environmental conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, where it advocates for global biodiversity conservation efforts. These initiatives highlight the country’s leadership and commitment to addressing both national and global environmental challenges.

The Global Environment Facility has been a key partner in supporting Colombia’s environmental initiatives. For nearly 30 years, the GEF has provided over $360 million in funding across more than 50 projects. The projects funded by the GEF contribute to restoring and protecting Colombia’s ecosystems while enhancing the well-being of local communities through sustainable development. These projects are expected to create over 11 million hectares of terrestrial protected areas, improve practices in over 2.7 million hectares of landscapes, mitigate over 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, and directly benefit over 3.9 million people.

Traditional approaches often focused on isolated problems, but the GEF recognizes that issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and water scarcity are interlinked, and solutions need to be cross-cutting to be effective.

Recognizing the complexity and interdependence of environmental and development challenges, the GEF’s integrated programming approach reflects a shift toward working across sectors, addressing multiple issues simultaneously, and fostering partnerships, aiming to generate large-scale, transformative impacts that benefit both the environment and society.

Colombia has played a key role in the implementation of integrated approaches since the creation of the first GEF integrated programs in 2014. Colombia has participated in the three phases of the GEF-funded which seeks to protect the Amazon rainforest by promoting sustainable land use and forest conservation, while also providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities and addressing climate change through reduced emissions. Most recently in GEF-8, Colombia is also participating in the Wildlife Conservation for Development Program, which focuses on preserving wildlife and combating illegal trafficking of endangered species. These programs represent Colombia’s commitment to addressing environmental issues through collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches.

Colombia has also demonstrated strong commitment to the Paris Agreement. Through the GEF-funded Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency project, the country is strengthening its capacity to measure, report, and verify (MRV) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals, focusing on critical sectors such as energy and agriculture. This effort not only optimizes transparency and accuracy in international reporting, but also strengthens national policies and strategies, informing decision-making. The project is also building capacities for precise emission projections in selected GHG sectors, while mainstreaming a gender approach.

Colombia’s engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs) is another crucial element of its environmental strategy. The country has a strong network of CSOs dedicated to environmental advocacy, climate action, and sustainable development. These organizations work closely with the GEF to implement projects at the local level, ensuring that conservation efforts are community-driven and responsive to local needs. The GEF’s collaboration with civil society is essential in ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive and equitable, benefiting both ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) has been a particularly impactful initiative in Colombia, empowering local communities to take the lead in grassroots environmental projects. Through the SGP, the GEF provides financial support to community-led initiatives that address biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable land management. In Colombia, the SGP has supported over 200 projects, many of which focus on forest conservation, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture. These projects have been particularly successful in engaging Indigenous and rural communities, who play a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable practices.