Sustainability on Emerging Economies: Colombia

Sustainability on Emerging Economies: Colombia

  

Bogota, Colombia

I wanted to write a blog about some of the projects that have been created by emerging economies and how they have achieved great steps towards achieving sustainability. One country that came up numerous times as an example was Colombia; they have become a great example of being a country that achieves sustainability through innovation and that many other countries have used their initiatives in their own countries to engage in sustainable practices and planning.

As I learned in my colloquium class at FGCU, one of the key aspects necessary to be able to achieve sustainable development is for governments to promote it. This is exactly what Colombia has done in the past 10 years as they have completed projects that not only focus on environmental sustainability, but also on economic development and societal improvement.

To provide an example, here are some of the ways the Colombian government has changed their policy to achieve this projects:

• Colombia approved national policies for environmental health (2008), air quality (2008), and water (2010);
• It also passed a law on fuel quality in 2008 that reduced sulfur content in diesel from 1,000 parts per million to 500 ppm in Colombia's largest cities;
• It established an air quality monitoring network for in 21 cities;
• The government created a Water Resources Group in the Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Territorial Development, which is the first centralized group responsible for planning and budgeting activities related to water resources management in Colombia;
• At least 25 municipalities adopted watershed management plans in areas of water scarcity in order to better manage and monitor valuable natural resources;
• Colombia undertook a hygiene and hand-washing campaign to reduce incidence of water-related disease, especially amongst children and the poor;
• It passed an Urban Environmental Policy in 2008 that clarifies the roles and responsibilities of local environmental authorities;
• The government created a system for the regular management reporting of local environmental authorities, with reports made available to the public;
• It also established a monitoring and evaluation system for environmental policies, providing input into environmental management decisions. SOURCE: Worldbank

 These government initiatives have resulted in various projects that have changed the look as well as improved the outlook of Colombia's most populous cities. One of this projects is Transmilenio, a Bus Rapid System that can transport Bogota's citizens across the city. A bus rapid system such as Transmilenio is much cheaper to build than a rail and uses less resources. This system has reduced Bogota's pollution by nearly 50% and has given economic opportunities in a sustainable manner. Here is a video showing some of the positive results resulting from the construction of Transmilenio:

Another great project is the renovation of Medellin, Colombia. Medellin was known up until 10 years ago for its high murder rate and drug cartels, but is now becoming known worldwide as a great tourist destination. It was nominated the most innovative city in the world and has changed it's outlook in the past 10 years by becoming a city that is inclusive, uses sustainable planning, and promotes an economic and healthy welfare to its citizens, here is a video showing some areas of Medellin that one can appreciate the inclusion of poor people and great transportation systems as well as areas that improve the lifestyle of its citizens:

Colombia is a great example of an emerging economy being involved in sustainable planning. It gives me hope that there are countries in the world that are applying innovative and sustainable practices. It also shows me the importance of what I've learned: Governments need to promote sustainability. So as an individual, it also encourages me to be involved in democracy and to make sure my government supports and encourages sustainability.