Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
In a world where climate change and food insecurity loom large, national governments across the Americas and the Caribbean are rallying to localize DRR efforts. Colombia stands out as a dynamic example, leveraging the Sendai Framework to build resilience from the ground up. With 178 cities already engaged in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative, Colombia is inspiring neighbouring nations to accelerate local DRR actions.
At the heart of Colombia’s approach is its National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). One of 10 national DRR departments in the region and a core partner of MCR2030, UNGRD has been instrumental in forging strong national–local linkages since the initiative’s launch in 2020. Working hand in hand with local governments, UNGRD has equipped communities with the tools and expertise needed to understand disaster risks and implement effective solutions. “Colombia is advancing local DRR to overcome the three main challenges of the Amazon region in terms of State presence, infrastructure, and the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to disaster risks,” explains Nelson Hernández of UNGRD, underscoring the critical role of local action in regions where government reach has historically been limited.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the small Amazonian town of Puerto Nariño, home to nearly 7,000 inhabitants – and highlighted as a “Green Getaway” by the BBC for its locally driven conservation efforts. Recently, an extreme drought dramatically lowered river levels, disrupting fishing and subsistence agriculture, a stark reminder of how climate change can upend traditional food systems. In response, UNGRD, alongside the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Environment Programme, conducted an integrated assessment of the town’s food systems and disaster resilience.
This equipped Puerto Nariño to craft a comprehensive local DRR strategy, weaving together climate change adaptation and robust food security measures. “WFP and UNDRR embrace an integrated vision for cross-border challenges in the Amazon region in the face of historic floods and droughts. Short supply chains that rely on forest products are being prioritized to foster environmental preservation, resilience and social benefits,” noted Raphael Leão, Programme Officer at WFP.
Colombia’s strategy of strengthening national–local linkages is more than a policy framework – it is a lifeline for communities.
As nations prepare for COP30 in Brazil, the lessons from Colombia offer a road map for resilience. By aligning local actions with national priorities and tailored United Nations methodologies, Colombia’s efforts pave the way for communities to better withstand climate shocks, secure food supplies and protect their way of life. The journey ahead is challenging, but with regional collaboration and innovative strategies, a sustainable future for the Amazon is within reach.