Regional development and environmental planning initiatives in Colombia

In Norte de Santander, the Departmental Environmental Education Committee, led by Corponor and the regional government, has advanced the formulation of the 2027-2037 Environmental Education Plan. The proposal, which aims to address climate and ecological challenges over the next decade, will be presented to the Departmental Assembly for approval. Key initiatives discussed include the ‘Environmental Heroes’ pedagogical strategy, which has trained over 5,000 youths, and the allocation of 300 million pesos for strategic land acquisition in the Tejo River basin. Additionally, the plan emphasizes apiculture incentives through Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) and intensified educational campaigns to prevent forest fires caused by open burning.

In the Centro Sur region, comprising Tolima, Huila, Caquetá, and Putumayo, the National Planning Department (DNP) held working sessions in Ibagué to transition from identifying needs to building a shared development agenda. Priority areas identified include improving connectivity through tertiary roads and strategic corridors, and driving productive transformation in agro-industry, tourism, and logistics. For Tolima specifically, proposed projects include the Ibagué-Region Multipurpose Center, the Ibagué-Cajamarca dual carriageway, and the modernization of the Flandes and Perales airports.