On January 23, 2025, ICCF hosted the inaugural meeting of Colombia's National Steering Committee (NSC) for the project Policy Coherence for Global Environmental Benefits in Bogotá.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this groundbreaking initiative aims to address policy inconsistencies across sectors to strengthen environmental governance and promote synergies between biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
The meeting brought together 18 participants, including congressional members of the Conservation Caucus—HS Julio Cesar Estrada and HR Jorge Mendez—alongside representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, UNEP, the Colombian Ocean Commission, the Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute, Global Compact Network, Legal Atlas, and ICCF. This gathering marked a significant milestone as the NSC was formally established as a strategic body to guide, supervise, and coordinate inter-institutional efforts for the project.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
During the meeting, participants reviewed project progress and validated findings related to environmental policy coherence in Colombia. A central focus was on addressing inconsistencies between legal frameworks across sectors, such as those affecting biodiversity conservation and agricultural activities.
To advance this effort, the NSC agreed to pilot an analysis in the Sumapaz páramo ecosystem. This pilot will identify and resolve conflicts between conservation policies and agricultural development objectives. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening transparency in policymaking processes and ensuring the inclusion of key stakeholders—such as indigenous and local communities—in decision-making. Adequate budget allocations for effective implementation of environmental policies were also highlighted as critical, particularly for ecosystems like aquatic environments and páramos.
Next Steps
The NSC will continue implementing its approved roadmap with a focus on intersectoral collaboration and promoting synergies among various initiatives. The Sumapaz pilot will serve as a model for replicating strategies in other critical ecosystems across Colombia.
This pioneering project—the first of its kind to address environmental policy incoherence—demonstrates Colombia’s commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions for global environmental challenges.
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