City

Bogotá

A Signatory of the Cities4Forests Call to Action

Bogotá adopts strategies for adaptation and mitigation of the climate crisis in various ecological corridors.

“Bogotá is a fortunate city--we have forested areas throughout our eastern border and in 75 percent of the District area, including one of the largest páramos in the world: the Sumapaz Páramo. We are committed to preserving and expanding these forested areas by implementing strategies to multiply the green areas and urban trees inside and outside our protected areas. As a result, we will take care of our water and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

—Claudia Nayibe López Hernández, Mayor, Bogotá, Colombia

Success Story

Bogotá, Colombia implemented conservation and ecological restoration actions in the Cerros Orientales, an area of high environmental value for the city. For example, the Secretariat of Environment manages incentives for conservation in the area and promotes activities that raise public awareness on the importance of biodiversity and water sources in these ecosystems through its Environmental Classrooms. The Secretariat also works on adaptation projects and operates ecological trails for the enjoyment of citizens.

In February 2021, the first Conservation Agreement was signed between the city and a private actor to consolidate the Thomas Van der Hammen Nature Reserve to the North-east of Bogotá. This agreement aims to conserve 19.24 hectares through the implementation of ecological restoration activities. The administration’s goal for 2024 is to protect 100 hectares of strategic ecosystems through similar mechanisms.

The Secretariat of the Environment carries out activities to refine the regional connectivity and urban-rural corridors of Chingaza-Sumapaz Paramo, Cuenca Alta, Cerros Orientales, Van Der Hammen, Torca, Cerros y el Virrey and Suba-Conejera. The city formulates and executes strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation in these ecological corridors to maximize the conservation of strategic areas at both national and local levels, such as the Sumapaz Páramo, which has been declared a National Natural Park.