Youth Solutions Report 2020 Edition
Fundación Barranquilla +20
PROBLEM Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, while also being the country with the highest number of social-environmental conflicts (EJ Atlas). Sadly, climate activists and human rights defenders in the country are also faced with an increased risk of violence. Furthermore, Colombia has a low contribution in terms of greenhouse gas emissions when compared globally, but it suffers a high deforestation rate, lack of water, climate induced disasters and more. All of these factors combined, makes Colombia especially vulnerable to climate change.
SOLUTION
Lead: Xiomara Acevedo Navarro Website: https://barranquillasostenible.wordpress.com/ Type: Non-profit Location: Barranquilla, Colombia Current Reach: Colombia Budget: $1,000 - $5,000 USD
Barranquilla + 20 is a youth led nongovernmental organization with 8 years of experience in the environment and nature field in Colombia. Founded in 2012 and legally registered in 2018, the solution has organized and supported grassroots movements fighting for climate action and the defense of territory at local levels in Colombia. Their mission is to educate and empower children and youth to create sustainable cities and territories.
IMPACT Barranquilla +20 has successfully participated in numerous international negotiations at COP under UNFCCC, they have had representation at COP12, COP13, COP20, COP21 and COP25. The solution also organized the Colombian Youth Consultation post 2020 Aichi targets in Nariño, Colombia and are current coordinators of the GYBN Colombia chapter. Barranquilla +20 also participated in the World Water Forum Brasilia, Acodal Colombian water forum, and the Latin-American parliament for Water. During 2019, they participated in the Sendai DRR Forum, and the UNMGCY, GCF international Summit 2019. Additionally, the organization is working with numerous local adaptation consultations and policy analyses. Through their work, they continue to put climate change at the forefront of the national interest, while empowering Colombian youth to actively use their voices in the fight to protect the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH THE SDGs Colombia as a nation faces several environmental challenges, making it necessary to identify and prioritize more ambitious solutions for biodiversity conservation taking into account that the country is considered the most biodiverse country in the world per square meter despite only occupying 0.7% of the earth’s surface. With this position, the work of Barranquilla +20 involves SDGs 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
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