BOGOTA, COLOMBIA– We are here in Colombia to visit my daughter Gabrielle’s abuela and reunite with her Papi’s family. I was here years ago, and I am amazed at how the country, its capital city Bogota, in particular, has grown.
The progress depicted by skyscrapers, larger roads, efficient transport, manicured lawns but more importantly, designated bike lanes, shared community spaces, and beautiful parks can be attributed as a consequence of the General Agreement for Ending Conflict and Building a Stable and Long-Lasting Peace between the national government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed on Nov. 12, 2016, ending a 52-year long civil war.
As a result of this agreement, programs and policies have been designed and framed with the aim of social and economic development with equity and social justice. More so, it is a reflection of the proactiveness of the government in its approach to urban development.
For example, the environmental authority of Bogota supported a cluster of companies to adopt life cycle thinking which, as a result, facilitates improvement in businesses’ environmental as well as economic performance.
The objective was to use a life cycle sustainability perspective to more effectively link environmental programs to business decision-making, to go beyond legal requirements, and contribute to make the city environmentally healthier.
Partnerships like these between the public and private sector, with the engagement of civil society, is paramount for growing cities especially with its multi-dimensional challenges and opportunities.
There is a lot to learn from the story of Bogota, and its approach to becoming an inclusive city. What I am particularly interested to transport to Dumaguete are the incredible bus and park libraries here in Bogota.
The Paraderos Paralibros para Parques libraries serve as a place where the community can come and read, engage in cultural activities, and connect. This would be a welcome project for all Negrenses.
Another project is the CicloviÌa de BogotaÌ which is a government-led project that closes 75 miles of roadways in Colombia to motorized vehicles every Sunday, and on holidays to make way for a recreational space for cyclists, skaters, runners, and walkers.
The activity promotes health and well-being, while improving air quality. There are also other activities such as free yoga, aerobics, and dance classes as part of a related event, Reclovia.
It is amazing to see how government, the private sector, and civil society can work together, and how urban innovation can be done that complements and harmonizes with a clean environment, responsible business, and sustainable development.
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