Colombia - the wetlands of Rio Magdalena under threat
Millions of Colombians live from the Rio Magdalena basin. The landscape is made up of meadows and forest in the dry season, but in the rainy season the river breaks its banks and creates a huge wetland rich with plants, fish and other wildlife.
In recent years, local fisherfolk have found the river is no longer as plentiful as it used to be. Their catches are smaller and many species have died out, they say.
These changes are down to many factors. Deforestation for cattle pasture and palm oil plantations has affected water supply, while the El Nino climate cycle is increasing in frequency and drying out the wetland.
One international project in the region is working with locals to change things for the better.
A film by Tanja Blut
The link has been copied to the clipboard
Information
Length
06:41 Minutes
Date of publication
2019
Project
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change in the Magdalena River Basin
Global Ideas
Related Publications
Further publications related to the International Climate Initiative and its projects can be found in the publications section of our website.