Cities and nature are often in conflict, with urban development coming at the expense of green space, biodiversity and people’s wellbeing. In Colombia, a new law looks to change this.
At the beginning of April, the Colombian Congress passed a pioneering bill to transform the country’s cities into sustainable, biodiverse and climate resilient spaces. The Green Cities Law (la Ley de Ciudades Verdes) will require large municipalities to create and connect natural spaces to reduce the impacts of climate change and make their cities more livable for their residents.
Why do we need green cities?
Nearly 80% of Colombians live in cities, a figure which has nearly doubled over the last 70 years. This rapid urban growth, coupled with the impacts of climate change, have caused challenges like extreme heat, floods and biodiversity loss in many of Colombia’s cities.
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world and has pioneered the Sustainable Development Agenda. Yet, the importance of urban ecosystems is still sometimes overlooked.
By recognising that nature is not just found in forests, mountains and fields, but also forms part of our cities, we can protect and promote urban biodiversity while providing a better quality of life for people living in urban areas.
How will the Green Cities Law improve urban life?
The Green Cities Law will require cities with over 100,000 inhabitants to incorporate green infrastructure and the protection of urban ecosystems into urban planning. The legislation includes concrete actions such as:
- Creating ecological corridors to connect green spaces and wildlife crossings to protect local animals
- Prioritising native species in urban reforestation
- Protecting rivers, wetlands and green spaces to improve air quality
- Implementing nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change
These actions will be implemented through the collaborative participation of the Ministries of Environment and Housing, local governments and Autonomous Regional Corporations, along with improved environmental education and citizen engagement.
A pioneering step for the future of urban development
The passing of the Green Cities Law goes beyond simply creating more green spaces; it changes the way we think about urbanisation. The law puts biodiversity at the forefront of development, encouraging cities where people live in harmony with nature. By recognising the need for sustainable and biodiverse cities in law, Colombia is pioneering a more sustainable future which protects all forms of life that inhabit its cities.