environment
Rainwater harvesting and eco-gardens: how one Colombian neighbourhood helped a whole city plan for climate change
From rainwater harvesting to tree nurseries, communities in Medellín are taking steps to increase their landslide and flooding resilience
TL;DR
- Residents of Comuna 8 in Medellín have developed a disaster risk and climate crisis adaptation plan using nature-based solutions.
- Róbinson Velásquez Cartagena designed a rainwater harvesting system to reduce flood and landslide risks.
- Nancy Elena Quiros Correa manages a community tree nursery aimed at preventing rockfalls and increasing biodiversity.
- The plan, launched in August 2023, includes measures for rainwater management, reforestation, and eco-gardens.
- The community's efforts have served as a pilot for a city-wide plan applicable to all 21 comunas.
- Key challenges include securing government support, funding for grassroots initiatives, and ensuring coordinated implementation.
- The plan emphasizes the importance of community involvement, as residents possess intimate knowledge of local hazards.
- Community leaders are creating a user-friendly guide to promote the plan nationally and internationally.