WUF13: Colombian city links housing crisis to climate action agenda

Authorities in Cali, Colombia, are advancing urban transformation programs focused on biodiversity conservation and decarbonization, framing climate policy and housing development as interconnected pillars of sustainable urban growth, Cali Municipal Secretary María del Mar Mozo said during a panel discussion at WUF13 in Baku.

She said the city recognizes the importance of biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, and is implementing targeted plans for biodiversity conservation and decarbonization, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Mozo also noted that increasing international and national attention toward the city coincides with significant challenges in the housing sector.

According to her, Cali is facing both qualitative and quantitative housing shortages, a challenge common to many Latin American cities in ensuring access to affordable and adequate housing.

The municipal official emphasized that housing policy cannot be separated from the climate agenda and broader sustainable development objectives.

“That is why we are presenting a project that is being developed and implemented in Cali, which combines social inclusion, climate change adaptation, the creation of public spaces together with communities, and relocation processes,” she noted.

She added that the initiative is already being implemented at the city level and has the potential to be scaled up.

“It is at the territorial level where real change can be achieved. The challenges are significant, but they can be addressed step by step. This example can be scaled so that donors, partners, and all stakeholders pay attention to Cali and to nature-based solutions,” Mozo added.

By Vafa Guliyeva