Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change in the Magdalena River Basin

General

The project supported the Colombian government in the development of a planning framework to design and implement a cost-effective, climate-resilient management plan for the Magdalena River Basin in order to reduce flood risks and provide for economic growth while sustaining a healthy river and accounting for climate changes. Around 80 % of Colombian residents are living in the Magdalena River Basin and 80% of GDP is produced there. The partnership mapped biodiversity, ecosystem services and land use, and develops watershed models for two pilot watersheds in order to better understand the hydrologic regime. The project developed proposed climate adaptation strategies to reduce climate impacts. Involvement of local stakeholders was key, in order to provide broad benefits and buy-in, and include land management options to preserve vital ecosystem services that society needs to buffer the impacts of climate change.