Colombia: new Green Climate Fund Programme in the Amazon Basin opens doors for Dutch water expertise
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a new regional programme that enhances climate resilience through improved water security in the Amazon Basin. The initiative will be carried out in six countries: Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Suriname. Read more about this programme in the article below.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a new regional programme aimed at enhancing climate resilience through improved water security in the Amazon Basin. The initiative, titled FP261: “Improving Climate Resilience by Increasing Water Security in the Amazon Basin,” will be implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and carried out in six countries: Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Suriname.
This large-scale programme, with a total budget of USD 391 million, including over USD 160 million in GCF funding, seeks to address the severe impacts of climate change on water availability, ecosystem services, and vulnerable populations in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions. Through an integrated water resource management (IWRM) approach, the programme will focus on building resilience in Indigenous communities, improving access to hydroclimatic information, strengthening early warning systems, and supporting climate-resilient water, sanitation, and waste (WSW) infrastructure. Here you can find more information about the funding proposal.
Project Highlights
One of the key features of the programme is the use of cutting-edge technologies such as real-time monitoring systems, remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. These tools will enable accurate water flow forecasting, improved climate modeling, and more informed decision-making at both national and regional levels. In addition, the programme will develop a centralized regional information system to support transboundary water management, in close collaboration with the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). You can find the project video here.
In Colombia, the programme will be implemented in coordination with national institutions such as IDEAM, with a focus on strengthening hydro-meteorological networks and promoting regional cooperation on data exchange and climate preparedness.
Why Dutch Stakeholders Should Pay Attention
This initiative offers important opportunities for collaboration with Dutch organizations and companies, particularly those with expertise in climate adaptation, water management, and monitoring technologies. Dutch actors have played an active role in similar efforts globally, and this programme represents a valuable platform to continue expanding their engagement in Latin America. Among the relevant areas of Dutch expertise are:
- Flood monitoring and mapping (e.g., SarVision, Nelen & Schuurmans, HKV)
- Design and implementation of hydro-meteorological systems (e.g., Hydrologic)
- Climate-resilient infrastructure and integrated water management (e.g., Deltares)
The Dutch water sector is internationally recognized for its innovation and integrated approaches to climate resilience. With the FP261 programme entering its initial phase, there are multiple entry points for Dutch stakeholders, including technology providers, consultancy firms, research institutions, and public-private partnerships. Opportunities include participation in pilot projects, provision of digital and technical solutions, and involvement in regional capacity-building initiatives. Dutch stakeholders are encouraged to explore opportunities to contribute to this programme through technology transfer, consultancy, knowledge sharing, and participation in regional pilot projects. Engagement in this initiative would not only support global climate resilience goals but also strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and the Amazon region.
More information
If you would like to know more about these initiatives or want to get in touch with the Agricultural & Biodiversity team, please contact us on bog-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Colombia and Ecuador) or lim-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Peru). For more general information, you can visit our country pages here.