Colombian Low-Carbon Development Strategy

The Colombian Low-Carbon Development Strategy (ECDBC) was launched in February 2012 as a tool to deliver the objectives of the National Development Plan 2011-2014 and the CONPES Document on Climate Change by promoting efficient low-carbon growth. It foresees the identification of a GHG emissions baseline and the formulation and implementation of low-carbon development plans for the sectors of energy, mining, agriculture, transport, industry, waste and construction. On the basis of these results appropriate NAMAs and projects will be put in place. With the support of the EU, the UK and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, UNDP will contribute to the implementation of the Strategy by providing information for the development of emissions baselines and of cost-effective action plans and public policies. It will also strengthen the capacity of the ministries to integrate low-carbon aspects into their activities.

The LCDS seeks to explore ways in which Colombia can contribute to the challenge of mitigating global climate change, while adapting to the impacts of changing climatic conditions domestically. Colombia sees potential co-benefits in terms of the LCDS contributing to economic, social and environmental goals. For instance, in terms of economic competitiveness it sees potential gains by increasing energy efficiency and hence production costs. Planning documents publicly available on the LCDS refer to the development of working groups to examine the potential mitigation and adaptation benefits in each sector of the economy, in addition to production of sector-specific abatement curves.