Recovery of wetlands in Villavicencio - Decrees 304 of 2020 and 152 of 2021

This instrument promotes the interaction between the productive construction sector and the conservation of urban biodiversity. Decree 152 of 2021 is a management instrument that provides a new regulatory framework that has made it possible to generate, establish and implement building rights for construction and regulate the ownership of these environmental areas. By means of this decree, the protected land located within a private property becomes a benefit by protecting it, since it allows the increase in height or density of the building. Decree 152 of 2021 was created thanks to the characterization and identification of the problems and potential of some key urban areas for the city of Villavicencio made by Decree 203 of 2020.

Overview

Type of instrument:

Economic and fiscal instruments›Payments as rewards/for ecosystem services, subsidies, incentives

Challenges addressed

Ecologic connectivity
Green space management (e.g. accessibility)
Watershed restoration/water quality
Flood risk: pluvial and fluvial / soil permeability
Nature appropriation / stewardship

Consideration of nature-based solutions:

For each of the wetlands, the application of SBN is guided by the Management Plans of each of them. For this, the Secretariat of Environment and the Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the Special Management Area La Macarena - Cormacarena, according to their competencies, will carry out the implementation of these activities, with the advice of the Interinstitutional Committee of Wetlands of Villavicencio. These actions are aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability of the territory, taking into account ecological, social, cultural and environmental criteria.

Targeted (peri-)urban areas:

Blue areas

Green areas for water management

Urban green space connected to grey infrastructure

Good practice characteristics:

Support multifunctional NBS

Sustainable in the long-term

Inclusivity

Governance

Government body/bodies

Initiating body:

none

Instrument design:

Details about how the instrument was designed:

From the Land Management Plan (POT) 287 of 2015 of Villavicencio opens the possibility of establishing new areas subject to Compensation in Buildability Rights for Environmental Conservation. The document indicates that declared protected areas may apply will be considered Protection land subject to Management Plan, and incorporated in the POT. Thanks to this instrument, it was possible to approve Decree 304 of 2020, which created a broad inter-institutional committee that carried out a diagnosis of six (6) wetlands, identifying their problems and management potential. Subsequently, the formulation of Decree 152 of 2021, which illustrates how planning tools can be articulated with the infrastructure sector as a key ally for the conservation of urban biodiversity. The creation and implementation of Decree 304 of 2020, which gave rise to Decree 152 of 2021 has occurred through: Intersectoral dialogues in which different actors related to protected areas such as NGOs and environmental leaders. Inter-institutional articulation between the Villavicencio Mayor's Office and the competent environmental authority CORMACARENA. Participatory diagnosis led by the Secretary of the Environment with the support of environmental protection groups and communities living in areas surrounding the wetlands. Bioblitz as a citizen science exercise that strengthens biodiversity inventories in protected areas such as wetlands. Sensitization of the community in general by applying a pro-nature discourse and exposing its natural wealth.

Involvement of non-governmental actors:

Private sector, corporate, business

Researchers, university

Citizens or community groups / NGOs

Type of actor involvement:

Co-planning or co-design of instrument (e.g. boards, advisory role)

Civil society consultation through e.g. workshops, surveys, etc.

Instrument implementation:

Type of non-governmental actors involved:

Citizen councils or consultation for co-planning (e.g. workshops, surveys)

Citizen oversight (e.g. boards, advisory role)

Citizen science

Targeted actors:

Private: household, real estate developer, business , financial

Citizens or community groups (CBOs), NGOs, NGOs, etc.

Financing

Budget:

Unknown

Details about instrument financing:

The instrument consists of the transfer of building rights in zones other than wetland areas, in exchange for the transfer to the municipalities of areas that are part of the protected areas. Activities related to the implementation of the Management Plans are the responsibility of authorities such as the Secretary of the Environment and CORMACARENA.

Monitoring, evaluation and impacts

Achieved outcomes and impacts:

Compliance with the objectives of the wetland areas associated with the conservation and protection of the environment. Increased social cohesion to the extent that NGOs and environmental leaders in the city have become key allies of property owners in the monitoring and control of their properties. New channels of communication and outreach have been generated for citizens in relation to natural wealth. Integrates builders, recognizing them as key players in the city. Maintenance of wetland ecosystems that provide social, tourist, cultural, ecosystemic, and economic services, such as climate regulation, reduction of the heat island effect, water regulation, protection against natural disasters, and recreation, among others.

Sources and further information

Further documents

Weblinks:

http://www.humboldt.org.co/biodivercitiesby2030/

Photos

@FelipeVillegas