Colombia is a country where natural, socio-economic, and political factors converge, causing disasters to have a daily impact on different regions of the country. An analysis of disaster risk in Colombia reveals that 31% of the population is at risk due to various types of landslides. There is a significant correlation with the quantity and dynamics of water resources and landslides. So working at the watershed is fundamental to Disaster Risk Reduction. The Guarino River basin experience is a good example. This basin is located between the eastern part of the department of Caldas and the northern part of the department of Tolima, The traditional fishing activity in its downstream area, its potential for hydroelectric generation in the midstream and upstream areas, and the great variety of farming systems, mostly coffee and livestocks, are some of the benefits brought by the Guarinó River. However, there are also different environmental conflicts in the basin, generating concerns for both communities and public institutions. The basin planning process started in 2008 and an Immediate Action Plan was created through participation of local stakeholders. Disaster risk reduction projects were formulated in each area and made possible thanks to the creation of a Core Group and the signing of Agreements between ISAGEN, CORTOLIMA and CORPOCALDAS. The projects involve ecosystem restoration to control soil degradation processes and promote land-use changes towards sustainable production systems, with a plan that encourages community engagement. They integrate the use of biomechanical structures with the high-density planting of protective and stabilizing vegetation and, in some cases, with civil engineering works. This way, vegetation becomes the main factor in reducing landslide risk in these locations. Plants provided through community nurseries encourage the direct involvement of the communities. The project's findings include: Understanding the complexities of environmental situations, their extent, and physical-biotic and cultural diversity; the importance of interinstitutional, interdisciplinary, and collaborative work; understanding interconnectivity between actions; the importance of community engagement and its connection within the processes; generating employment and building local capacities, the need for continuity and sustainability; as well as other key knowledge concepts.
Nature’s solutions to landslides: a case study from Colombia
From SDG Academy 16 February, 2021
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From SDG Academy 12 May, 2022 |