Latest News

Colombia to cull wild hippos as population threatens Magdalena River ecosystems

By Richard Emblin - April 15, 2026

Colombia will cull dozens of invasive hippopotamuses descended from animals illegally imported by Pablo Escobar, as authorities warn the rapidly growing population is endangering ecosystems and local communities. Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres said the government has authorized the euthanasia of up to 80 animals as part of a broader strategy to control the herd, […]

How Singapore Turned Necessity into Sustainability and Global Influence

By Richard Emblin - June 13, 2025

Singapore has engineered a vision for green living. From desalinated water, smart housing, eco transportion, and integrated planning, this island nation blends innovation, multicultural harmony, and climate resilience to shape a future-ready city.

Rasmussen Star: New Orchid Species Discovered in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada

By The City Paper Staff - June 7, 2025

Researchers in Colombia have discovered a new orchid species, Epidendrum Rasmussenii, in the cloud forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The endangered orchid highlights the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation amid increasing deforestation.

After a severe water crisis in Bogotá, Mayor Galán ends rationing

By The City Paper Staff - April 11, 2025

Bogotá ends year-long water rationing as Chingaza reservoir levels stabilize, marking a major recovery from one of the city’s worst water crises. Mayor Galán urges continued conservation, citing improved inflows, weather, and public cooperation in avoiding supply disruption.

Bogotá gripped by severe weather as Aerocivil takes charge of aviation meteorology

By Richard Emblin - March 14, 2025

Bogotá faces severe weather with relentless rain and flooding, while Colombia’s Civil Aeronautical Agency takes over aviation meteorology from Ideam. Experts warn of risks, but Aerocivil assures air safety, emphasizing compliance with international standards amid broader transport sector reforms.

Bogotá could lift water rationing in April, cautions Mayor Galán

By The City Paper Staff - February 24, 2025

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán cautioned that water rationing in the Colombian capital could end in April as the Chingaza reservoir system continues to recover. Water rationing was implemented in April, 2024, as the city experienced a severe drought.

Bogotá prepares for first No Car Day of 2025 on Thursday

By The City Paper Staff - February 4, 2025

On February 6, Bogotá will hold its first No Car and No Motorcycle Day of 2025, encouraging alternative transportation. TransMilenio and SITP will operate at full capacity, while 101 km of special bike lanes and 3,300 shared bicycles will be available.

COP16 ends with urgent commitments to global conservation efforts

By Richard Emblin - November 1, 2024

COP16 concludes in Colombia, uniting global leaders and communities with a message of “Peace with Nature” and setting bold commitments for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Colombia and Costa Rica seal Biodiversity Pact as COP16 enters final week

By The City Paper Staff - October 28, 2024

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia and Costa Rica announced a landmark fund to protect the Chocó Biogeographic Region, a vital biodiversity corridor spanning Central and South America.

COP16: Colombia presents ambitious Biodiversity Action Plan

By The City Paper Staff - October 25, 2024

Colombia unveiled its 2030 biodiversity action plan at COP16, aiming to protect 34% of its territory, boost its bioeconomy, and strengthen protections for environmental defenders and ecosystems.

COP16: Colombia calls for Genetic “Sovereignty” and Global Fund to share Data

By The City Paper Staff - October 23, 2024

Colombia has proposed at the COP16 Summit in Cali, the creation of an international fund to ensure that the commercial benefits obtained from genetic information are shared with countries of origin, promoting the protection of biodiversity.

Greening our Oceans: COP16 and a case for a Sustainable Shipping Industry

By Pradeep Kurukulasuriya - October 23, 2024

Redirecting private investments through derisking strategies is crucial to making the shipping industry’s green transition equitable for the Global South, writes Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of the UNCDF from COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

COP16: Colombia launches “Water Police” to safeguard rivers and water sources

By The City Paper Staff - October 22, 2024

At the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia unveiled its new Water Police division, a specialized force tasked with safeguarding the country’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and endangered watersheds.

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Bogotá heat wave and water crisis could lead to Disaster Declaration from Mayor Galán

By Richard Emblin - October 18, 2024

As Bogotá faces a water crisis with extreme heat, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may be forced to declare a state of emergency for the Colombian capital. With reservoirs levels at critical lows, an extended drought could lead to water shortages during 2025.

Colombia recognizes Indigenous Peoples as Environmental Authorities ahead of COP16

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2024

President Gustavo Petro signed a decree granting indigenous communities environmental authority over their territories. The move comes as Colombia prepares for COP16, highlighting indigenous roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management