The Regional Climate Change Nodes in Colombia

A growing number of countries and municipalities want to enhance multi-level climate governance. Real-life examples and experiences can help them learn from pioneers in this area. The V-LED Real Practice series responds to the growing demand for this practical knowledge. The series answers the question: How have local and national governments addressed challenges in their collaborative climate actions? By delving into the details of practical initiatives, examining the challenges they face and highlighting key lessons for replication, the series extends knowledge to policy makers and implementers in order to improve collaborative action between local, national and global actors.

Colombia’s Regional Climate Change Nodes are the country’s flagship regional governance mechanisms to deliver climate change policy that integrates different levels of government. The Nodes have been in operation for ten years and were institutionalised by national Decree in 2016 in nine regions across Colombia’s territory. The same Decree also established the national Intersectoral Climate Change Commission. Currently, each of the nine Nodes is at a unique stage of development. Some, like the Eje Cafetero Node, have strong foundations and have been able to secure finance for their climate change projects. While the Nodes have great potential to deliver on the promise to advance concerted climate solutions by different government levels and actors, they are currently not achieving a transformative impact due to a number of barriers. 2020 is a crucial year for the Nodes. The Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) is developing new regulations that are essential in shaping the future of climate governance in the country. This case study provides insight into the Nodes’ practical experiences and offers recommendations to guide the regulatory process in 2020.

Listen to Rocio Rodríguez Granados, Researcher at Fondo Acción and Lead Author of the Real Practice Study on the Colombian Regional Climate Change Nodes.

Background and Evolution of the Colombian Regional Climate Change Nodes

Challenges and Lessons