Barranquilla, Colombia, was awarded the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development, one of the most important global recognitions in the field of sustainability in the Urban Regeneration category, thanks to its commitment to environmental and urban regeneration through the restoration of the Cienaga de Mallorquin and Puerto Mocho Beach.
The award was presented during the World Governments Summit, an event that brings together governments, multilateral organizations, and experts from around the world, and is organized by the government of the United Arab Emirates and UN-Habitat. In this edition, Barranquilla prevailed in the Urban Regeneration category, competing against projects from countries such as Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, and China.
Barranquilla’s outstanding sustainable development practices
The international jury highlighted the way Barranquilla managed to transform degraded ecosystems into sustainable, accessible, and functional public spaces for the community. The Cienaga de Mallorquin, which for years had been affected by neglect and pollution, was transformed into the Ecoparque Cienaga de Mallorquin, a project that combines environmental conservation, recreation, and responsible tourism.
The intervention included the restoration of mangroves and wetlands, the construction of ecological trails and viewpoints, and the implementation of birdwatching and environmental education programs. As a result, a significant improvement in biodiversity has been recorded, along with the generation of jobs linked to ecotourism and the strengthening of community belonging.
@oficial.lomasrecomendado Ecoparque Cienaga de Mallorquin, definitivamente hermoso. @Alberto Mendoza @DJI #cienagademallorquín #barranquilla #turismo #drone #dji #destacar #fyp #naturaleza ♬ Birds of a Feather X Clocks – Liam Conner
A similar process took place at Puerto Mocho Beach, which went from being a deteriorated and hard-to-access area to an organized public beach with basic infrastructure, safe access points, and services for visitors. The recovery of the coastline not only promoted social tourism but also boosted the local economy and ensured a free and inclusive space for both residents and tourists.
@soloestavida Puerto Mocho, Barranquilla. La nueva playa de la Arenosa: más de 1 km de arenita, tren turístico, sendero ecológico y el punto donde el río se encuentra con el mar. Un proyecto que está cambiando la cara del norte de la ciudad. ¿Ya viniste a conocer este nuevo balneario? 🌊🔥 Te leo en los comentarios 👇 #PuertoMocho #Barranquilla #dronesoloestavida🇨🇴 #CaribeColombiano #ColombiaDesdeElAire ♬ En Barranquilla Me Quedo – Joe Arroyo & La Verdad
A sustainable development model for Latin America
Beyond the recognition itself, the award positions Barranquilla, Colombia, as a global benchmark for sustainability and as a replicable model for other Latin American cities. The city’s sustainable development strategy is based on a comprehensive vision aimed at reconnecting citizens with their natural environment: the Magdalena River, wetlands, and the Caribbean Sea.
This model is built on several key pillars: environmental restoration, the creation of inclusive public spaces, the promotion of sustainable tourism, and the strengthening of environmental education and awareness. The integration of these components has allowed the projects to generate not only environmental impact, but also social, cultural, and economic benefits.