Brief description of the project 

The consultancy aimed to develop the design process for two Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Villa del Mar and La Playita neighborhoods of Barranquilla, Atlántico, and the La Chuscala micro-watershed in Copacabana, Antioquia, applying the IUCN Global Standard and the Red Cross Nature Navigator approach in a practical manner. The work focused on territorial analysis, prioritization of risks and vulnerabilities, co-creation with communities and key stakeholders, preliminary design and cost estimation of the interventions, as well as defining criteria and indicators to guide their future implementation and monitoring.

Implementation period:

April 21, 2025 – August 21, 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:

• Document analyzing secondary and field information.
• Ecosystem service supply maps and opportunities for the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
• Territorial vision and ecosystem planning document.
• Methodological guide for the design of Nature-based Solutions.
• Application document of the methodological guide for the design of NbS for each city. 
• SbN training course for volunteers from all Red Cross branches. 
• Database and digital mapping of the SbN design process.
• Final analytical and design report of Nature-based Solutions.

Key results:

• In Copacabana, the project developed the design of two Nature-based Solutions aimed at risk management and ecological restoration in hillside areas. 
• In Barranquilla, the project focused on the design of Nature-based Solutions for the recovery of mangrove ecosystems and flood risk management.