Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá

11/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/22/2024 06:52

UN Approves $USD 72 Million for Protection of Water Sources in Bogotá-Region

Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero

Bogotá and the metropolitan region have received a significant boost toward water sustainability with the approval of a major project backed by the United Nations' (UN) Green Climate Fund (GCF). The $USD 92 million initiative, with $USD 72 million contributed by the UN, is dedicated to conserving and restoring strategic areas critical for water security in Bogotá and neighboring municipalities within Cundinamarca.

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The Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, announced on Wednesday, November 20, that the $USD 92 million project will enable intervention in key watersheds supplying water to the capital and its neighboring towns.

"Thanks to the work our administration has carried out from day one in partnership with Conservation International, and with the approval of the National Government, the Green Climate Fund has taken a fundamental step in advancing a $USD 92 million project. This effort focuses on conserving and restoring strategic areas to ensure water security for Bogotá and the region," Mayor Galán stated.

Mayor Galán shared the announcement on his account on the social media platform X:

Buenas noticias para la seguridad hídrica de Bogotá.

Gracias al trabajo que desde el primer día de nuestra administración hemos adelantado junto a Conservación Internacional, y a la no objeción de Gobierno Nacional, hoy el Fondo Verde del Clima de las Naciones Unidas dio un paso… pic.twitter.com/KIovZZfwJ5

- Carlos F. Galán (@CarlosFGalan) November 20, 2024

The GCF's $USD 72 million contribution will allow the project to prioritize key water sources and systems that supply potable water to the city, including the Norte Component, the Chingaza System, the Sur Component, Sumapaz, and especially the Tunjuelo River watershed and wetlands.

The $USD 92 million budget includes $72 million from the Green Climate Fund, $11 million from the Bogotá Mayor's Office, $4 million from the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca (CAR Cundinamarca), and $3 million from private sector partners.

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Led by Conservation International in partnership with the national government, Bogotá's city administration, CAR Cundinamarca (Regional Autonomous Corporation,) and private stakeholders, the initiative will focus on conserving and restoring over 172,000 hectares of critical areas in the region. It is expected to benefit more than 9 million residents who rely on these water sources for their daily supply of potable water.