The Mayor’s Office of Cartagena and the Alianza Pro-Ciénaga develop workshop on Urban and Environmental Challenges in the Ciénaga de la Virgen

Aware of the growing environmental challenges facing the Ciénaga de la Virgen, the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, through the Planning Secretariat, and the Pro-Ciénaga Alliance have launched a workshop entitled “Climate Resilient Urban Planning and Strategy Design”. This event aims to address urban and environmental challenges in the region, promoting ecosystem restoration and environmental protection.

The week-long workshop seeks to create sustainable solutions to transform the urban environment into environmentally protected areas, prioritizing the restoration of key ecosystems such as mangroves. During the event, climate change risks will be assessed and strategies will be proposed to ensure the long-term well-being of the region.

Urban and environmental challenges

On its first day, the workshop addressed issues crucial to the future of the Ciénaga de la Virgen, including uncontrolled urbanization, ecosystem degradation, contamination, community displacement and the need for sound environmental governance. In addition, participants took a tour of Comunas 5 and 6, exploring the edges of the marsh and canals, to identify hotspots and analyze the situation of unplanned housing.

Participatory approach and inclusive solutions

This workshop brings together local authorities, community representatives, academics and experts to develop inclusive solutions to improve the quality of life in informal settlements, with a particular focus on ecosystem restoration and the design of resilient public spaces. The strategies to be formulated will be aligned with the Ciénaga de la Virgen Social and Environmental Management Plan.

Commitment of the organizations involved

In addition to the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena and the Pro-Ciénaga Alliance, the event has the collaboration of Columbia University and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, with the support of the Universidad del Sinú. The organizations that make up the Pro-Ciénaga Alliance, such as Fundación Grupo Social, Fundación Santo Domingo, Ecopetrol, Refinería de Cartagena, Esenttia, Cardique, ANDI, TRASO and Granitos de Paz, have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the region.

Statements of those involved

Camilo Rey Sabogal, Cartagena’s Secretary of Planning, emphasized: “The Mayor’s Office of Cartagena is committed to the recovery of the Ciénaga de la Virgen. Our Development Plan includes strategic actions for the comprehensive restoration of this important ecosystem, and we thank private sector organizations, academia and civil society for their collaboration in this joint effort.”

Maristella Madero Jirado, director of the Grupo Social Foundation, added: “Through the Foundation and the organizations that make up the Plan for Good Living, we are working to improve the quality of life of the families of Comuna 6 and contribute to the socio-environmental restoration of the Ciénaga de la Virgen”.

Veronica Trujillo, project manager of the Santo Domingo Foundation, said: “From our foundation, we promote projects that favor the well-being of families in Cartagena, and this workshop is key to projecting the Ciénaga de la Virgen as a space of biodiversity and multi-actor governance, promoting a more sustainable future for the city”.

The importance of Ciénaga de la Virgen

The Ciénaga de la Virgen is a vital element for the city, offering valuable ecosystem services and playing a key role in the sustainability of the territory. However, its management lacks a joint vision to promote environmental restoration projects and nature-based solutions. The Pro-Ciénaga Alliance seeks to implement strategies that restore and protect this valuable ecosystem, integrating social capital and promoting sustainable development through the Ciénaga de la Virgen District Park.