Challenges

This section should provide an overview of the challenge(s) the project is seeking to overcome in the country or region in which the initiative is being implemented in (or has been implemented), as well as what is required to address them for the achievement of one or more of the SDGs.  

 The project addresses the challenge of a deficit in tree canopy cover and the deterioration of phytosanitary conditions in the District of Santiago de Cali, Colombia. According to census data (2013-2015), the city recorded a ratio of 8 inhabitants per tree, reflecting low vegetation cover. Furthermore, 36,000 trees required removal due to their poor condition, exacerbated by a lack of environmental awareness and the effects of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and heat waves. These factors generated a scenario of environmental vulnerability, impacting biodiversity and urban quality of life. The initiative sought to strengthen forest management through technological tools and sustainable management strategies, promoting the restoration of green areas and the training of local technicians to address these issues comprehensively.  

Toward a Solution

The cooperation project between Peru and Colombia for strengthening forest management in Santiago de Cali addressed a critical environmental challenge through an innovative and collaborative approach. The initiative, led by the Agency for the Supervision of Forest Resources and Wildlife (OSINFOR) of Peru and the Administrative Department for Environmental Management (DAGMA) of Colombia, sought to combat the deficit in tree canopy cover and phytosanitary deterioration in Cali, where there were only 8 trees for every 11 inhabitants according to the 2013-2015 census data. To achieve this, the project was structured around three fundamental pillars: technical training in geospatial tools such as Geosupervisor, the development of early warning strategies against environmental crimes, and the implementation of participatory methodologies such as the Forest Backpack. These actions not only responded to local problems but also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), demonstrating how international cooperation can drive sustainable and replicable solutions. ?  

The methodology employed combined virtual and in-person strategies to ensure a lasting and adaptive impact. Activities included video conferences to introduce technological tools, practical workshops in Cali and Ucayali (Peru), and field visits to exchange experiences. This blended approach overcame logistical barriers and ensured that the transferred knowledge was applicable in the local context. The project’s results matrix, with clear indicators such as the number of trained technicians or the approved roadmaps, facilitated monitoring and continuous evaluation. Furthermore, the active participation of both countries in the planning and execution of activities strengthened local ownership of the solutions. For example, the Forest Backpack methodology, originally developed in Peru, was adapted to the specific needs of Cali, highlighting the flexibility and replicability potential of the model in other regions with similar challenges. 

The project’s results not only improved the institutional capacity of DAGMA but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and environmental policies. Although the document does not detail final figures, the qualitative indicators, such as the approval of roadmaps and photographic records of the training sessions, demonstrate significant progress in local forest management. The sustainability of the project was ensured through the institutionalization of the learned tools and the strengthening of alliances between Peru and Colombia. Moreover, the initiative demonstrated how South-South cooperation can solve complex transnational problems, such as environmental degradation, through the exchange of knowledge and technologies. The lessons learned, such as the importance of combining virtual and in-person modalities or the need to adapt methodologies to local contexts, offer valuable guidance for replicating this model in other cities in the region, provided there is institutional commitment and resources for its implementation. This project not only improved the competitive advantage of both countries in environmental matters but also highlighted the key role of international collaboration in achieving global sustainability goals