Brief description of the project 

The Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) Consultancy was conducted in the La Chuscala micro-watershed, in the municipality of Copacabana (Antioquia), and in the Villa del Mar and La Playita neighborhoods, in the District of Barranquilla (Atlántico), with the objective of characterizing the ecological, biophysical, and socio-environmental conditions of these territories in an agile, participatory, and technically sound manner. Based on the review of secondary information, field visits, and dialogue with local communities, pressures, risks, and management opportunities were identified, generating ecological baselines that guide conservation, restoration, and sustainable management actions for ecosystems, as well as supporting decision-making for the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

Implementation period:

July 17, 2025 – October 17, 2025

Funders: AECID, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Colombian National Red Cross Society 

Implementing organizations: ICLEI Colombia

Territory(ies) where it was implemented: Copacabana, Antioquia and Barranquilla, Atlántico

Products developed:

• Methodological document for the application of the EER, based on the Ramsar Guidelines and The Nature Navigator.
• Thematic maps on strategic ecosystems, threats, restoration areas and areas of ecological interest 
• Training process in rapid ecological assessments for volunteers from Red Cross branches. 
• Document of strategic recommendations for the conservation and restoration of ecosystems in the intervention areas.

Key results:

• In Copacabana in the La Chuscala micro-basin, the Rapid Ecological Assessment showed that, despite the pressures associated with urban expansion, deforestation and erosive processes, the territory retains a functional ecological structure with remnants of Andean forest, secondary vegetation and riparian corridors that support water regulation, soil retention and biological connectivity.
• In Barranquilla, in the Villa del Mar and La Playita neighborhoods, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) revealed the high socio-ecological importance of the urban fringe of the Mallorquín Marsh, where mangrove ecosystems, drainage channels, and densely populated urban areas converge. The results showed significant human pressure associated with coastal occupation, inadequate waste disposal, and limited sanitation infrastructure, all of which negatively impact ecological connectivity and environmental quality.