Colombia

Colombia, home to one‑tenth of the world’s biodiversity and 314 distinct ecosystems, stands among the most biodiverse nations globally. To better understand and sustainably manage this natural wealth, the country undertook a national ecosystem assessment, finalized and launched in 2021 with support from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Alexander von Humboldt Biological Research Institute and UNEP‑WCMC.

Building on this foundation, Colombia continued to advance the assessment’s recommendations through targeted activities and interventions. With catalytic support from the BES‑Net Phase II BES Solution Fund, the country has strengthened the uptake of priority findings, embedding biodiversity evidence into national policies, strategies and decision‑making processes, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainable biodiversity management.

Through the BES-Solution Fund support, the assessment findings informed the preparation of the Colombia Biodiversity Action Plan under the GEF‑7 Early Action Support Programme, contributed to the National Development Plan (2022–2026) and guided the formulation of its Gender Action Plan. Strategic communication products such as infographics and policy briefs translated scientific results into accessible messages for government institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations, strengthening evidence-based dialogue. The national ecosystem assessment also supported Colombia’s alignment with the Post‑2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 23 on gender equality, and provided inputs for ecosystem restoration and community participation strategies.

At the local level, the Fund reinforced three biodiversity networks through small value grants implemented in collaboration with the Climate Promise Initiative, engaging Indigenous Peoples and local communities in workshops and communication activities that amplified community voices and fostered collective action. These networks showcased practical conservation outcomes in territories such as Putumayo and Nariño while advancing gender-responsive and rights-based approaches to biodiversity management. A dedicated knowledge product on the Human Rights-Based Approach provided conceptual and applied guidance for community-led conservation, complemented by targeted training for local actors and UNDP professionals. Colombia’s leadership was further highlighted during CBD COP 16 in Cali, where assessment-informed experiences were presented during official side events, positioning the country as a champion of inclusive, evidence-driven and community-centred biodiversity action aligned with global goals.