The IDB is preparing a series of investment grants projects that will fall under the umbrella of the Sustainable Colombia Initiative. This is how the IDB plans to support the Sustainable Colombia Initiative which focuses on rural development, environmental sustainability, and climate change in areas characterized by armed conflict. The IDB support for the creation of the initiative has included grants totaling $1.5 million, with a focus on program coordination, the formulation of a pipeline of investment projects, and work on the international climate change agenda, including conservation and biodiversity.
BIC and our Colombian partner, Asociación Ambiente y Sociedad (AAS), are currently monitoring the following IDB projects of the Sustainable Colombia Initiative:
Ecological restoration, rehabilitation and recovery of degraded ecosystems: This project aims to increase areas for ecological restoration, rehabilitation and recovery for the renovation of degraded ecosystems in active nuclei of deforestation, in addition to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life of rural communities in these areas.
Implementation of the Comprehensive Program for the Reconversion of Livestock in Colombia – PIRPAG: This project will implement and disseminate the Comprehensive Program for the Reconversion of Livestock in Colombia (PIRPAG), as a strategy to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, conservation of biodiversity, protection of forests, and strengthening of institutional capacities for the transformation of land use models and production systems.
Support of the National Strategy of Natural Conservation Contracts to reduce deforestation: This project aims to enhance actions promoting conservation strategies by strengthening and promoting the sustainability of 270 Natural Conservation Contracts (CCN) that are part of the goal of implementing 9,600 CCN in about 264,000 hectares by 2022, established by the President, to implement the Peace with Legality Policy, and the goals of the UN decade of restoration, as well as Point 1 of the Final Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict with the FARC.
Implementation of Sustainable Agroforestry Systems for Coffee and Cocoa Farms: The object of this project is to strengthen sustainable agricultural production systems with the implementation of agroforestry systems for coffee and cocoa farms, to reduce the pressure on natural forests, as well as to support farmers in having an additional income from the sale of the products obtained.
Formulation and Implementation of Integrative Agricultural Projects for Sustainable Rural Development: This project will enhance and incentivize agricultural production under a comprehensive approach, which promotes measures for mitigation and adaptation to climate change and good agricultural and environmental practices, with the formulation and implementation of agricultural projects that integrate the sustainable productive dimension with the complementary infrastructure of connectivity and productivity, to be presented to the Collegiate Body of Administration and Decision (OCAD) of the National Government.
Implementation of Payment for Environmental Services Projects for the Conservation of Strategic Ecosystems: This project will promote the implementation of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) projects for the conservation of ecosystems and sustainable rural development within the framework of the National PES Program, to reduce deforestation and conflicts in land use, generate development opportunities for local communities and the increase environmental services.
Our focus is how the IDB and the government of Colombia plan to engage with stakeholders and project-affected groups, and how these can access project benefits over time. A key question is whether projects are designed and implemented in such a way that communities improve their own sustainability. Project benefits might not be immediate, however, projects should be designed and implemented in such a way that supports communities in a sustainable manner. For example, projects should improve water sources, get rid of chemical fertilizers, and allow communities to share in the benefits of forest conservation and restoration, clean air, healthier soils, biodiversity, or capacity building components.
How are the IDB and Borrower implementing the ESPF in these projects, particularly stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure (ESPS 10) and Indigenous Peoples (ESPS 7)?
To what extent are these new projects incorporating lessons learned from previous operations implemented under the Fondo Colombia Sostenible?
The IDB is investing the following amounts for each of the projects:
Ecological restoration, rehabilitation and recovery of degraded ecosystems: US$ 2,350,000
Implementation of the Comprehensive Program for the Reconversion of Livestock in Colombia – PIRPAG: US$ 2,500,000
Strengthening of the guadua productive chain for the fight against deforestation: US$ 1,627,730
Support of the National Strategy of Natural Conservation Contracts to reduce deforestation: US$ 2,500,000
Implementation of Sustainable Agroforestry Systems for Coffee and Cocoa Farms: US$ 2,500,000
Formulation and Implementation of Integrative Agricultural Projects for Sustainable Rural Development: US$ 2,554,000
Implementation of Payment for Environmental Services Projects for the Conservation of Strategic Ecosystems: US$ 2,500,000
Community Initiatives for the Promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products to Support the Fight Against Deforestation: US$ 1,950,000
