70198 SUSTAINABLE COLOMBIA A comprehensive Colombian Footprint review 30 June, 2010 Table of Contents: Executive Summary 1 Sustainability Indicators 6 Ecological Footprint 12 Use of Ecological Footprint in 15 Policy Decisions Colombian Ecological Footprint 18 National Footprint Accounts 20 Source Data Review Process 22 Colombian Ecological Footprint 25 by Category of Final Demand Sub-National Biocapacity 26 Links Between the Ecological 28 Footprint and Other Indicators Appendix A: List of External 32 Reviews of the National Footprint Accounts Executive Summary Background Results ment and a renewed commitment to the environment. During the past several months, the Colombia is the 26th largest nation in the Ministry of Environment, Housing and world and consists of approximately 114 Global Footprint Network believes these Territorial Development of Colombia million hectares of land and water. Of two focal points – social and economic has been researching potential indica- this, approximately 3.4 million hectares well-being – are directly linked to the tors that would be useful to assess and are cropland, 39 million hectares are well-being of Colombia’s most valuable possibly adopt – among which included grazing land, 61 million hectares are for- assets – its renewable natural resources, the Ecological Footprint. This work was est, 1.3 million hectares are built-up land, known as its “biocapacity�. These areas commissioned in order to provide the and 4.5 million hectares are continental – environmental, economic, and social Ministry with a deeper understanding shelf or inland water areas. -- comprise what is commonly referred to of the Ecological Footprint and to train as the three spheres, or pillars, of sustain- Colombia’s Ecological Footprint of a number of its staff on the scope of the ability. Managing these spheres, there- consumption (EFc) was 85 million total Footprint in order to support internal fore, will require a complementary set gha or 1.9 gha per capita. Colombia’s evaluations. As part of this exploratory of indicators to help ensure Colombia’s total biocapacity was 176 million gha phase, Global Footprint Network held long-term success. or 3.86 gha per capita. In comparison, an Ecological Footprint training work- the world’s average EFc was 2.6 gha An essential step in reaching this goal is shop in Bogotá, Colombia, from May 21 per capita or 17.1 billion total gha. The measuring human impact on the Earth to June 2, 2010, for an audience mostly world’s total biocapacity was 11.9 billion so we can make more informed choices. comprised of Ministry officials, staff, and gha or 1.8 gha per capita. In 2006, the Among the set of indicators used for this related institutions. In addition, Global total input — production plus imports is the Ecological Footprint, a resource ac- Footprint Network conducted a more in- — into the Colombian economy was counting tool that measures how much depth analysis of Colombia’s Ecological 106 million gha. Colombia imported we use, and who uses what. More specifi- Footprint to determine if there is existing 30.5 million gha from other nations (EFI): cally, it measures the human appropria- in-country data that is more accurate, one-third of total input. Colombia also tion of biologically productive land and comprehensive, and up-to-date than utilized 72.2 million gha of domestic water – measured as biocapacity. the data reported to the United Nations biocapacity (EFP), which is 41 percent of (which is used for current Footprint Beyond carbon, there are numerous the total available biocapacity in Colom- calculations). This process would cre- challenges we face – and will continue to bia; some of this total input is exported ate a more refined calculation and help if we ignore the importance of biocapac- to the international economy. Colombia identify areas of improvement for data ity in policy-making. Carbon dioxide consumed approximately 85.1 million collection. emissions should be viewed as part of an gha (EFC), representing 83 percent of the overall resource strain – a symptom of A second focus of the work was hav- total output—consumption plus ex- human pressure on resources reaching a ing an initial understanding of how the ports—and exported 17.5 million gha to critical tipping point. It is but one (albeit Ecological Footprint of Colombia might other nations (EFE). significant) component of the Ecological be used in the future to support decision Colombia and the Ecological Footprint Footprint. A deeper, broader understand- making. For this, we explored two main ing of the risks to freshwater resources, areas: how the Ecological Footprint of With a recent national election and the food security, forest resources, oil, and Colombia plays out across its sectors, and incoming administration of president- -- of particular interest to Colombia – bio- the linkages between biodiversity and elect Juan Manuel Santos, Colombia is diversity is critical. All are under threat. the Ecological Footprint. approaching a major inflection point And all require careful measurement – one which will garner worldwide At the time of writing this report, Global and management to ensure Colombia’s attention and potentially chart a course Footprint Network is still attempting to economic, environmental, and social for a more prosperous and sustainable obtain the necessary data (input-output well-being. Colombia. Its historical voter turnout tables) that will enable such a sectoral proved that now more than ever, the view, and is assessing the availability of people of Colombia are engaged in the data for a more ‘quali-quantitative’ eco- nation’s political and social sectors. In nomic linkage assessment between the fact, the 9 million votes cast for Santos Ecological Footprint and biodiversity. were the most ever given a Colombian presidential candidate. Building up to this momentum, Santos’ campaign focused on continuing efforts to estab- lish a secure and stable society, with a strong emphasis on economic develop- Ecological Footprint Biocapacity Results for North and South American Countries Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity sustainable production/consumption of Process to Shape Policy coffee, sugar cane, plantains, and beef The National Footprint Accounts pro- in Colombia; land-use management, Use of Global Footprint Network’s Na- vide relevant information in a coherent particularly in relation to Colombia’s tional Footprint Accounts can be effec- manner that is accessible for all potential booming mining projects and expansion tive in reversing these trends. The Nation- users. However, the timeliness (three- of agricultural lands; double decoupling al Accounts provide the two aggregate year lag) and accuracy of the National (increasing resource efficiency while indicators mentioned above: Ecological Footprint Accounts can be improved reducing negative impacts on the envi- Footprint and biocapacity. These indi- by collaborating directly with NSOs and ronment), also in relation to mining and cators can synthesize and quantify a government ministries. agricultural land-use and production; complex array of information into results and energy and climate. For this project, Global Footprint Net- that are meaningful for statisticians, work collaborated with MAVDT to iden- decision-makers, and the general public. The challenge, however, has been in data tify the statistical offices and government The National Footprint Accounts provide collection. While most of the data re- ministries that collect data relevant to a unique framework to analyze resource quired for these calculations is collected the National Footprint Accounts. More and waste flows by applying statistical by the various ministries and statistical specifically, data were requested for data from nearly 30 source data sets, and offices, it is often widely distributed production, import, export, and land containing approximately 50 million data throughout, creating a patchwork of data cover for cropland, grazing land, forest points. that varies in classifications, quality, and land, fishing grounds, carbon dioxide accessibility for various stakeholders. The National Accounts provide national- emissions, infrastructure, and hydro- Oftentimes, better in-country data exists level results for the biocapacity and power. These data were then collected than that which is reported to the UN Ecological Footprint for more than 150 and compared with the data reported and other bodies, thus the importance nations from 1961 to present. Released by the United Nations FAOSTAT, United of refining Global Footprint Network’s every year using internationally ap- Nations ResourceSTAT, United Nations calculations with in-country data. Con- proved methodology and data sources, COMTRADE, and Global Land Cover. versely, these collaborations can also the Accounts seek to quantify the rela- lead to recommendations for improved Data collection from Colombian statisti- tionship between human activities and in-country data collection and compila- cal offices required a great deal of time the planet’s finite resources. Three docu- tion. during this project. Despite the existence ments describe in detail the methodol- of statistical data portals on-line (e.g. ogy, structure, and results of the National One such example is from the United IAvH-SIB, DANE, SI3EA, IDEAM, AGRONET, Footprint Accounts (all are available to Arab Emirates (UAE). During Phase 1 of etc.), future efforts in response to this download at www.footprintnetwork.org): Global Footprint Network’s collabora- report should include the creation of (1) Calculation Methodology for the Na- tion with the UAE, the nation did not a comprehensive repository of pub- tional Footprint Accounts; (2) Guidebook have a statistical office. This collabora- licly accessible Colombian statistics to to the National Footprint Accounts; and (3) tion highlighted the growing need for a promote the free distribution of data and Ecological Footprint Atlas. national statistics office (NSO), which has information throughout Colombia. This since been created and is currently help- The National Footprint Accounts Re- is particularly important for tax-funded ing with numerous other projects in the view Committee supports continual projects that produce data that are nation. Similarly, Ecuador is re-evaluating improvement of the scientific basis of currently unobtainable for the general its data sets, looking for opportunities the Accounts, and independent reviews public. Accessibility to comprehensive in- for improvement and expansion. The have been conducted by various govern- country data can improve the accuracy collaboration on the Ecological Footprint ments, universities, and research insti- and scope of Footprint calculations. For has been folded into this as it is a good tutes. example, nationally generated data on complement to the ongoing process. annual carbon dioxide emissions should In addition, the Ecological Footprint has be reviewed against the carbon dioxide its own policy relevance in the capacity emissions data drawn from International to track the demand nations place on Energy Agency and used in the National ecological assets based on the overall Footprint Accounts. This will ensure a structure of their economies. For ex- nation’s data is correctly reported and ample, the Ecological Footprint has been stored in the international statistical da- identified as a resource-use indicator as tabases and the most representative data part of the European Commission’s The- is used by Global Footprint Network. matic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources. Other topics that the Ecological Footprint can address include: Ecological Footprint and Biodiversity Colombia’s agricultural production. The Ecological Footprint and the Economy three products that place the biggest A report by the Convention on Biological Economists see Colombia as recover- demands on biocapacity within Colom- Diversity stated that “Ecological Footprint ing from the financial crisis of the past bia’s borders are coffee, sugar cane, and analysis provides a metric of environmen- three years, according to the Washington plantains. In the span of 46 years (1961 to tal performance and is therefore a useful Times. In addition, the report states that 2006), beef production grew 141 percent, tool for visualizing and comparing con- the new administration will be bolstered to 790,000 tonnes. This recent expansion sumption levels and comparing them to by strong interest in Colombia from nu- in production has been driven by a com- biological capacities available. It provides merous international institutions, includ- bination of healthy economic growth a valuable form of ecological accounting ing the World Economic Forum, which and policy that promotes agricultural ex- that can be used to assess current ecologi- held a seminar for world business leaders pansion. Investors are now more willing cal demand and supply, set policy targets, in Cartagena in April. During the same to put money into expanding production and monitor success in achieving them.� month, HSBC Bank Chief Executive Mi- and are exploring new opportunities for chael Geoghegan termed Colombia “one Colombia’s efforts to protect its nation’s land use in areas that were previously of the world’s most interesting emerging biodiversity must go hand-in-hand with not considered . Colombia faces the chal- markets� during a speech to Hong-Kong- efforts to protect its biocapacity. The Eco- lenge of meeting this growing demand based business leaders. In fact, Colombia logical Footprint indicator is identified without depleting its natural resources. is counted among the recently formed as a pressure – driven by human activi- What are the long-term economic and CIVETS group of nations (Colombia, Indo- ties – on the state of ecosystem health environmental ramifications of convert- nesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South that subsequently impacts the lives of all ing land to pasture in order to keep up Africa) that are expected to excel in the species. with increased demand for beef produc- next decade, rivaling the BRIC nations’ Although Colombia boasts a wealth of tion, as opposed to using the land to (Brazil, Russia, India and China) develop- biodiversity, 658 species are threatened keep up with the growing demand on ment during the past 10 years. by extinction within its borders, includ- crops? While some simple calculations might lead to the conclusion that it is In order for Colombia to continue this ing plant, amphibian, bird, mammal, fish best to convert natural areas to cropland global reputation as a good investment, and reptile species – many of which can (thereby increasing yield), we know all it must be able to monitor and man- only be found in Colombia. In addition, too well that this tells a very small part of age its natural resources, upon which the nation’s recent mining boom has the story. Should improved, in-country its economy depends on. Quite simply, prompted fears that new mining projects data become available, Global Footprint without natural capital, no economy pose a threat to Colombia’s biodiversity Network will attempt to demonstrate would exist. Yet we continue to use more and natural wealth, according to a report economic linkages for such land-use con- of the Earth’s renewable natural resourc- by Colombian magazine Semana. Such versions – forest left as is, or converted to es than the Earth can regenerate, which concern was reflected in a recent delay grazing land. has put us into ecological overshoot. in a new mining project in the Paramo This means the Ecological Footprint of ecosystems high in the Andes. The In the organization’s next, ever-more production exceeds the biocapacity of páramos are ecosystems that consist of influential phase of development, Global a given area -- or, demand is exceed- mostly glacier formed valleys and plains Footprint Network is deepening the ing supply. This ecological imbalance with lakes, peat bogs, and wet and dry science behind the Ecological Footprint, has had an economic impact on some grasslands intermingled with shrub lands and leveraging technology to create ro- nations whose bond ratings have been and forest patches. bust, policy-relevant tools. Such tools can affected by its Footprint. For example, Santiago Madriñán, head of the Colom- help inform decisions on how to regulate Swiss-based private banking firm Sarasin bian business council for sustainable de- mining in Colombia, with a focus on Bank, with 63.2 billion worth of assets velopment, recently told Business News optimizing mining activities while mini- under management, presented a system Americas there should be zones that are mizing loss of biocapacity – and thus, of rating nation bonds based on sustain- completely excluded from mining in or- biodiversity. The goal is to offer leaders ability and Ecological Footprint. Nations der to protect water resources, biodiver- a graphically-rich, interactive modeling are required to meet a minimum re- sity, and the vulnerability of these areas and decision-making platform, integrat- source efficiency and availability thresh- to environmental damage. But with more ing the Ecological Footprint with metrics old to be eligible for inclusion in certain companies operating in Colombia and that capture trade and other key data. portfolios. a growing demand for these resources, This new suite of Footprint-derived tools will allow decision-makers to explore To better understand the industry/sec- the nation must be better equipped to scenarios in detail, and compare poten- tor/trade linkages to consumption, and balance economic growth with environ- tial investments and strategies in light of therefore identify courses of action to mental sustainability. their full range of consequences. reduce risk exposure and optimization The same is true when it comes to opportunities, the Ecological Footprint can be linked with economic input- provisioning, and cultural ecosystem ser- output tables. These economic data sets vices they provide for human well-being: are produced by NSOs as part of their (1) species richness, (2) species rarity, (3) economic National Accounts. Linking biomass density, (4) primary productivity, these two data sets can provide Ecologi- and (5) genetic diversity. cal Footprint results for industry sectors, In the context of the MA and TEEB government, gross fixed capital, and analyses, the biocapacity and Ecologi- household consumption (food, mobility, cal Footprint indicators are focused on housing, goods, and services). Calculat- the biomass-based flows of provisional ing the Ecological Footprint of economic services and waste uptake of regulating activities provides an environmental service from the ecosystem. Examples of accounting application for sustainable the services that are quantified in the Na- consumption and production (SCP) tional Footprint Accounts include food, policies which address four key issues: fiber, timber, and carbon dioxide uptake (1) sustainable production (e.g. resource by forests and oceans. Used in collabora- efficiency), (2) sustainable consumption tion with one another, the data sets and (e.g. efficient/educated consumption), (3) indicators can provide more realistic as- combining sustainable production and sessments linking the monetary value of consumption issues (e.g. labelling prod- ecosystem services with the flows of bio- ucts according to embodied materials or capacity through the human economy. emissions), and (4) government activities. Such an analysis would require an Iinput- output table from Colombia. Further disaggregation is possible at both the sector- and spatial- resolu- tion. For instance, Input-Output tables in many nations — including Colombia — are separated into approximately 50 sectors. Various complementary initiatives are currently underway to analyze the economic benefits of biodiversity and comparing the costs of effective poli- cies in comparison to continued trends in reduced diversity of life on Earth. One of the more ambitious projects is the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) which, among other things, categorized three types of ecosystem services: (1) provisioning (e.g. food, fresh water, wood and fiber, fuel, etc.), (2) regulating (e.g. climate regulation, flood regulation, dis- ease regulation, water purification, etc.), and (3) cultural (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, educational, recreational, etc.). The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is another ambitious project that reviewed the science and economics of ecosystems and biodiver- sity; including a valuation framework to improve policy decision making. Within this report five important dimensions of biodiversity were identified in the context of the supporting, regulating, Sustainability Indicators “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.� -- World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) 1987 Conceptual background Sustainable development is commonly It is important to identify the research biodiversity, human development, and defined as living well within the means of question and intended outcome of economic indicators for Colombia and nature. The National Footprint Accounts compiling a complementary set of the world. These indicators are presented provide insight into society’s utilization indicators. The optimal set of indicators in the context of environmental, social, of ecosystem services by measuring will depend on the type of policy and economic sustainability, with an the Ecological Footprint and biological decisions the indicators will help emphasis on the human pressures capacity (biocapacity) for more than 150 guide. For overall societal health, an on the environment in Colombia. The countries. Complementary indicators initial set of indicators might include: Ecological Footprint and biocapacity are should accompany the Ecological Ecological Footprint and biocapacity emphasized throughout this report to Footprint and biocapacity indicators for the biological resource situation, identify the key types of resource flows, in analyzing the environmental living planet index for the outcome waste emissions, and the capacity of the sustainability, or unsustainability, of a on ecological health, and human biosphere to produce these resources given population’s activities. Additionally, development index. Additionally, and absorb these wastes. social and economic indicators should genuine savings could complement be linked with the environmental these indicators to better understand sustainability indicators to provide a wealth impact, and GDP, inflation, and more comprehensive understanding unemployment, since they do affect of sustainability in what is commonly societal stability. This report presents referred to as the three spheres, or pillars, information on the Ecological Footprint, of sustainability. carbon Footprint, biocapacity, Environmental Social-Environmental Natural Resource Use Environmental-Economic Environmental Justice Environmental Management Energy E ciency Natural Resources Stewardship Pollution Prevention Subsidies/Incentives for Locally & Globally (air, water, land) use of Natural Resources Sustainability Social Economic Standard of Living Pro t Education Cost Savings Community Economic Growth Equal Opportunity Research & Development Economic-Social Business Ethics Fair Trade The three spheres of sustainability. Workers’ Rights Adapted from the 2002 University of Michigan Sustainability Assessment “A network is... a web of connections among equals. What holds it together is not force, obligation, material incentive, or social contract, but rather shared values and the understanding that some tasks can be accomplished together that could never be accomplished separately. “ - D.H. Meadows, Beyond the Limits Environmental Sustainability Indicators. The ecological network or sphere (2008) that a majority of humanity lived that Bogotá is one of the ‘C40’ cities - 40 of sustainability is commonly in urban areas. This represents a historic of the world’s largest cities that have disaggregated into five sub-components: movement to cities during a time of committed to improving the efficiency of Anthrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, historic growth in population. The urban energy use and reducing carbon dioxide hydrosphere, and lithosphere population of the world increased by 2.2 emissions. (geosphere). billion from 1961 to 2006; during this Common anthrosphere-centric indicators same period of time, Colombia’s urban include the Ecological Footprint and The anthrosphere represents the part population increased by 319 percent material flow indicators (e.g. direct of the environment modified or created while the rural population increased by material input). by humanity and utilized for human 28 percent. activities. The activities by humanity within the anthrosphere strongly impact These urban areas comprise less than 5 the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, percent of the world’s land area; thus, in and lithosphere. Most notably, these many cases it is the location in sensitive human impacts can be seen in the areas and peripheral development that constructs of infrastructure, dams, and can heavily influence the biosphere. This, mines or flows of materials and energy. however, is a complex topic because the cities are the drivers of land-use change The anthrosphere encompasses the and approximately 80 percent of the world’s cities. The first cities developed world’s greenhouse gas emissions occur around 9,000 years ago in Central Asia. in cities. For this reason it is encouraging However, it was not until two years ago 50 Urban Population (millions) 40 Rural Colombia 30 20 10 0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 8 7 Urban Population (billions) 6 5 Rural World 4 3 2 1 0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 The trends in urban and rural population, 1961 to 2006. World Urbanization Prospects, 2009. United Nations Population Division. Biosphere Atmosphere Anthrosphere Lithosphere Hydrosphere The biosphere represents the global The hydrosphere represents the water lithosphere ranges from approximately ecological system and its interactions on the surface of the Earth, under the 40 kilometres to 200 kilometres and with the anthrosphere, atmosphere, surface of the Earth, and over the surface includes the tectonic plates. Colombia hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Common of the Earth. Common hydrosphere is located on the South American plate biosphere indicators that are directly indicators that are directly related to with the northwest border of the country related to human activities include human activities include the water near the Nazca and Caribbean plates. biocapacity, net primary productivity, footprint and virtual water flows. Common lithosphere indicators that and IUCN’s Red List (IUCN 2010). are directly related to human activities The lithosphere (geosphere) represents include measuring the remaining The atmosphere represents the the Earth’s crust and outmost layer deposits of fossil fuels, minerals, and gaseous part of the environment that of the mantle. The thickness of the ores. protects the biosphere by moderating temperature, absorbing solar radiation, and providing additional functions such as providing essential gases for life. The atmosphere is comprised of five principal layers: Troposphere (6-20 km), stratosphere (20-51 km), mesosphere (51-85 km), thermosphere (85-690 km), and the exosphere (690-10,000 km). The Earth’s atmosphere is comprised of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and 1 percent other gases. Common atmosphere indicators that are directly related to human activities include the global warming potential of the six major greenhouse gases, gas emissions that deplete the ozone, and water vapor concentrations. Social Indicators Social well-being can be defined in numerous ways. Utilizing national and international statistics, the United Nations Human Development Index includes literacy rate, life expectancy, and income. These values are obtained at the national level and reported in the annually published Human Development Report. These national-level statistics can be disaggregated by income group and gender to analyze the discrepancies in opportunity, quality of life, and social conditions within a nation. There are 6,912 recognized languages of the world with living speakers; approximately 80 languages are spoken in Colombia. It is estimated that half of the world’s languages will no longer have living speakers by 2100. The northern South and Central America region (Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela) is home to 131 languages of which six are identified as endangered: Cacua, Carabayo, Palenquero, Secoya, Tinigua, and Totoro (Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languanges 2007). Selected Human Development Indicators Female Male 76.5 Life Expectancy at birth (years) 69.1 92.8 Literacy (% aged 15 and above) 92.4 80.9 School Enrollment (%) 77.2 7,138 Income (PPP US$) 10,080 Source: Human Development Report, 2009. United Nations Development Programme Economic Indicators 100 Economic stability is important for Cumulative Percent of Total Income individuals and cultures in order to 80 maintain a high quality of life. In most Perfect equality countries there are inequalities in income based on gender and education. One 60 particular indicator that measures the statistical dispersion, or inequality, of 40 income or wealth within a nation is the Gini Index. In Colombia the Gini Index is 58.5, 20 indicating that income in Colombia is amongst the most unequally distributed 0 in the world. Quintile of population poorest richest Source: 2000 World Development Indicators Ecological Footprint Introduced in the early 1990s (Rees The Ecological Footprint is a flow physical limits to the growth of human 1992), the Ecological Footprint measures indicator; however, it is measured in economies. the human appropriation of biologically terms of the bioproductive land areas A situation where the Ecological productive land and water—measured needed to generate such flows, and Footprint of production exceeds the as biocapacity (Wackernagel et al. 1999, thus is expressed in the unit of global biocapacity of a given area results in 2002). The Ecological Footprint addresses hectares (gha). There is an advantage in ecological overshoot. Overshoot in a a specific research question: “How much expressing demand for flows in terms given land-use type subsequently leads of the regenerative capacity of the of bioproductive land appropriation, in to a higher likelihood of degradation of biosphere—expressed as biocapacity—is that the use of an area better reflects the the stock and harming ecosystem health. demanded by a given human activity� fact that many basic ecosystem services In the case of the carbon Footprint, (Kitzes and Wackernagel 2009)? The and ecological resources are provided as the anthropogenic emissions of Ecological Footprint thus accounts by surfaces where photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide exceed the biosphere’s for the pressure humanity places on place (bioproductive areas). These ability to uptake carbon dioxide, this the planet in terms of the aggregate surfaces are limited by physical and leads to accumulation of atmospheric demand that resource-consumption and planetary constraints, and presenting concentrations of carbon dioxide. the release of CO2 emissions place on results in units of global hectares ecological assets. clearly communicates the existence of EFC = EFP + EF I - EFE Global biocapacity (direct and indirect demand) Exports Imports Economic System Consumption Production Waste (Harvest) (Emissions) Domestic Biocapacity Global Biocapacity (direct demand) (indirect demand) Use of Ecological Footprint in Policy Decisions “In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.� -- Baba Dioum, 1968 speech in New Delhi, Policy Applications Division), and primary users to obtain. humanity’s [F]ootprint to ecosystems It is therefore imperative for national elsewhere. Disaggregated into its The National Footprint Accounts provide governments to create a data warehouse components, the [F]ootprint can be two aggregate indicators: Ecological that acts as a repository of information used to set specific policy targets (for Footprint and biocapacity. These that can be utilized to guide policies. example, reducing the [F]ootprint of indicators can synthesize and quantify a transport, energy, or other categories of complex array of information into results According to a report by the consumption).� that are meaningful for statisticians, Convention on Biological Diversity decision makers, and the general public. (2005)1 , “Ecological [F]ootprint analysis The National Footprint Accounts provide provides a metric of environmental aggregate indicators that convey a The National Footprint Accounts performance and is therefore a useful clear message for the general public. provide a unique framework to tool for visualizing and comparing This is a key driver behind successfully analyze resource and waste flows by consumption levels and comparing creating legislation or regulations; applying statistical data from nearly them to biological capacities available. thereby encouraging compliance by 30 source data sets and containing It provides a valuable form of ecological key stakeholders. As Donella Meadows approximately 50 million data points. accounting that can be used to assess noted, “aggregation is necessary to keep Data collectors within countries are current ecological demand and supply, from overwhelming the system at the often widely distributed through various set policy targets, and monitor success higher levels of the hierarchy.� This model departments, ministries, and statistical in achieving them. Using the [F]ootprint is further illustrated in the pyramid offices; thus creating a patchwork of data as an aggregate measure of demand on structure below: that varies in classifications, quality, and ecosystem resources provides a system accessibility for various stakeholders. perspective that allows researchers to These data are subsequently difficult calculate global overshoot, and show for national agencies, international data the extent to which a policy solution is collectors (e.g. United Nations Statistics actually reducing rather than shifting Source: Weber and Martin 2009 1 The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) was created in 1992 following the Rio Summit. Colombia ratified the CBD in 1994. The Ecological Footprint has its own 1. Detailed sets of indicators allowing for Following the DPSIR framework (Driver- policy relevance in the capacity to in-depth reporting of each component: Pressure-State-Impact-Response) of track the demand countries place on analyzing environmental sustainability o Footprint by land category the ecological assets based on the and policy strategies, the Ecological overall structure of their economies. o Footprint by households, Footprint indicator is identified as a For example, the Ecological Footprint governments, and for investments pressure—driven by human activities— has been identified as a resource use o Footprint by industrial sectors on the state of ecosystem health that indicator as part of the European subsequently impacts the lives of all Commission’s Thematic Strategy on the o Footprint by consumption activities species; the Ecological Footprint can Sustainable Use of Natural Resources. 2. Final aggregate indicators facilitating also aid policymakers in creating the Other topics that the Ecological Footprint communication and reporting to policy appropriate response to maintain or can address include (Best et al., 2008) makers: improve ecosystem health. 1. sustainable production/ o World-average Ecological Footprint consumption; (in relation to global biocapacity) 2. land use management; o National Ecological Footprints 3. double decoupling ; and (in relation to national or global biocapacity) 4. energy and climate. o Sub-national Ecological Footprint To address these areas, Ecological (in relation to sub-national, national, Footprint results can be presented or global biocapacity through both: DPSIR Framework Adapted from Rapport and Friend, 1979 World Ecological Footprint World Results The world consists of approximately 51 billion hectares of land and water. Of this, approximately 1.6 billion hectares are cropland, 3.4 billion hectares are used for grazing land, 3.9 billion hectares are forest, 0.2 billion hectares are built- up land, and 2.9 billion hectares are continental shelf or inland water areas. These areas of high productivity are included within the biocapacity indicator that is calculated in the National Footprint Accounts. Humanity’s demand (Ecological Footprint) first exceeded the Earth’s capacity (biocapacity) to meet it around 1980. In 2006, the ecological overshoot was 44 percent, meaning that it took the Earth the equivalent of one year and 5 months to regenerate the resources used and assimilate the wastes produced. 1.5 Biocapacity Ecological Footprint Number of planet Earths Ecological debt 1.0 0.5 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 The challenge of reaching a high level of ecological degradation often comes human well-being while ensuring long- after a significant time 1212 term resource availability is illustrated delay, and is difficult 1010 in the graph below. The United Nations to reverse once the Development Programme (UNDP) stock of resources 88 defines a high level of development as has been significantly an HDI score of 0.8 or above, while 1.8 depleted. Short-term 1980 66 global hectares is the average productive methods to improve 44 area available for each person on the human lives – such 1212 planet. Countries with an HDI score as water purification, 2 2 of 0.8 or higher, and a Footprint of 1.8 basic medicine, 1010 global hectares per person or lower, and electricity for 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 88 meet two minimum criteria for global hospitals – must be sustainable development: a high level of development and an Ecological Footprint complemented by effective long-term resource management 1990 6 6 per person that could be globally in order to address and reverse 4 4 replicated to a level less than global humanity’s cumulative ecological 1212 2 biocapacity degradation. 2 1010 The well-being of human society is Short-term methods to 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 intricately linked to the biological improve human lives – such 88 capital on which it depends. Accounting as water purification, basic medicine, for the biological capacity available and electricity for hospitals – must 2000 6 6 to, and used by, a society can help be complemented by effective long- 4 4 identify opportunities and challenges term resource management in order in meeting human development goals. to address and reverse humanity’s 2 2 The loss in human well-being due to cumulative ecological degradation. 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 2006 10.0 UNDP threshold for high human development Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person) African countries Asian countries European countries 8.0 Latin American and Caribbean countries North American countries Oceanian countries Colombia 6.0 4.0 1980 World average biocapacity per person in 2006 2006 2.0 High human development within the Earth’s limits 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 United Nations Human Development Index 2.0 8.0 Built-up Land Global Hectares Per Person 1.5 Built-up Land 7.0 Built-up Land Forest Land 1.5 Forest Land 6.0 Forest Land Fishing Ground 1.0 5.0 Fishing Ground Fishing Ground Grazing Land 1.0 4.0 Grazing Land Grazing Land 0.5 Cropland 3.0 0.5 Cropland Cropland Carbon Footprint 2.0 Carbon Footprint 1.0 Carbon Footprint 0.0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 0.0 0.0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 1.0 1.0 1.0 Fraction of Total Ecological Footprint Built-up Land Built-up Land 0.8 0.8 Built-up Land 0.8 Forest Land Forest Land Forest Land 0.6 0.6 Fishing Ground Fishing Ground 0.6 Fishing Ground 0.4 Grazing Land Grazing Land 0.4 0.4 Grazing Land Cropland Cropland 0.2 Cropland 0.2 0.2 Carbon Footprint Carbon Footprint Carbon Footprint 0.0 0.0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 0.0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 Low Income Middle Income High Income A global analysis of the Ecological of $10,066 or more; middle-income Footprint provides a first look at the countries are defined as having a per- distribution of the human demand on person GNI ranging from $826 to nature. However, to better understand $10,065; and low-income countries are how the Footprint is distributed world- defined as having a per-person GNI of wide, it is important to provide analysis $825 or less -- we gain insight into the of the demand generated across income relationship between income level, groups. changes in population, changes in Using the following World Bank consumption, and available biocapacity classifications -- where high-income over time (World Bank). countries are defined as having a per- person gross national income (GNI) Population density of major cities throughout the world. National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition. Colombian Ecological Footprint Colombia is the 26th largest nation in the world and consists of approximately 114 million hectares of land and water. Of 2.5 this, approximately 3.4 million hectares Built-up land Built-up Land are cropland, 39 million hectares are 2.0 Global Hectares Per Person grazing land, 61 million hectares are Forest Land Carbon Footprint forest, 1.3 million hectares are built- 1.5 Fishing Ground up land, and 4.5 million hectares are Fishing Grounds continental shelf or inland water areas. Grazing Land 1.0 These areas of high productivity are Forest land Cropland included within the biocapacity indicator 0.5 that is calculated in the National Carbon Footprint Grazing land Footprint Accounts. 0.0 Colombia’s Ecological Footprint of 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 Cropland consumption (EFc) was 85 million total gha or 1.9 gha per capita. Colombia’s total biocapacity was 176 million gha or 3.86 gha per capita. In comparison, the world’s average EFc was 2.6 gha per capita or 17.1 billion total gha. The world’s total biocapacity was 11.9 billion gha or 1.8 gha per capita. In 2006, the total input—production plus imports— 2.5 into the Colombian economy was 106 Built-up Land million gha. Colombia imported 30.5 2.0 Global Hectares Per Person million gha from other countries (EFI): Forest Land one-third of total input. Colombia also 1.5 Fishing Ground utilized 72.2 million gha of domestic biocapacity (EFP), which is 41 percent 1.0 Grazing Land of the total available biocapacity in Cropland Colombia; some of this total input is 0.5 exported to the international economy. Carbon Footprint Colombia consumed approximately 85.1 0.0 million gha (EFC), representing 83% of 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 the total output—consumption plus exports—and exported 17.5 million gha to other countries (EFE). 12 10 Global Hectares Per Person Built-up Land 8 Forest Land 6 Fishing Ground 4 Grazing Land 2 Cropland 0 1961 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 Community of Andean Nations Colombia Population Distribution Ecological Footprint Summary Trends Per capita Total 95-99 90-94 Female Male 85-89 (gha) (million gha) 80-84 75-79 1979 70-74 65-69 Age Group 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 2.4 Bolivia 22.5 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 05-09 00-04 15 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 Percent of population 95-99 90-94 85-89 80-84 1.9 Colombia 85.1 75-79 70-74 65-69 2005 Age Group 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 1.9 Ecuador 25.2 05-09 00-04 15 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 Percent of population 95-99 90-94 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 Age Group 60-64 2030 1.8 Peru 49.6 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 The population figures to the right show that Colombia had a rela- 10-14 tively young population with a lower life expectancy in 1979. The 05-09 population structure has steadily transitioned to a stabilized popula- 00-04 tion growth with a longer life expectancy. 15 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 Percent of population National Footprint Accounts Transparency and Standards The National Footprint Accounts provide Committee is elected by the nearly 100 analysis of ecological tradeoffs of land national-level results for the biocapacity partner organizations affiliated with conversion. and Ecological Footprint of more than Global Footprint Network and follows 3. Potential Errors in Implementation: 150 nations from 1961 to present (Ewing the Global Footprint Network Committee As with any scientific assessment, et al., 2009). Released every year using Charter (Global Footprint Network 2006). Ecological Footprint results need to internationally-approved methodology This Charter also stipulates the activities be evaluated in terms of reliability and and data sources, the accounts seek of the Ecological Footprint Standards validity. This is a complex task given to quantify the relationship between Committee, which is comprised of 18 that the National Footprint Accounts human activities and the planet’s finite researchers (Global Footprint Network draw on a wide range of data sets, resources.Three documents describe 2010b), follows the ISEAL Alliance many of which have incomplete in detail the methodology, structure, Standard Setting Code (ISEAL 2010), coverage, and most of which do not and results of the National Footprint and developed the Ecological Footprint specify confidence limits. Considerable Accounts. Standards (Global Footprint Network care is taken to minimize any data 2006, 2009). • The Calculation Methodology inaccuracies or calculation errors that for the National Footprint Accounts Independent reviews have been might distort the National Footprint describes the methodology for conducted by various governments, Accounts, including inviting national calculating the Ecological Footprint universities, and research institutes. A governments to collaboratively review and biocapacity indicators within the sample list of these reviews include are the assessment of their nation for National Footprint Accounts (Ewing included in Appendix A. accuracy, and develop improvements et al. forthcoming). This document in the method -- either specific to their Limitations of the National Footprint includes the fundamental principles, country or to that of all nations. In Accounts assumptions, and equations utilized in addition, efforts are continually made the National Footprint Accounts. The National Footprint Accounts are to improve the transparency of the designed to quantify the biosphere’s National Footprint Accounts, allowing • The Guidebook to the National regenerative capacity and the demand for more effective internal and external Footprint Accounts documents the for this biocapacity by humanity. The review. Conceptual and methodological collection of the calculation templates limitations of the Ecological Footprint errors include: (spreadsheets) that transform data fall into four broad categories: scope, inputs into results and perform the a. Systematic errors in assessing the comprehensiveness, implementation, calculations in the National Footprint overall demand on nature; and extent of implications. Accounts (Kitzes et al. forthcoming). b. Allocation errors; This document provides detailed 1. Limitations of Scope: The Ecological information regarding the structure Footprint is an indicator of human c. Data errors in statistical sources and flow of information—from source demand for ecological goods and for one particular year; data sets to results within the National services linked directly to ecological d. Systematic misrepresentation of Footprint Accounts. primary production. As such, it reported data in UN statistics; and addresses very specific aspects of • The Ecological Footprint Atlas e. Systematic omission of data in UN the economy– (living) environment summarizes the results from the statistics. interaction, and should not be taken National Footprint Accounts and as a stand-alone overall sustainability 4. Interpreting the Ecological describes the research question, basic indicator. Rather, it should be used Footprint: Overshoot reflects demand concepts, and science underlying in the context of a broader set of rates that exceed supply rates, and the Accounts (Ewing et al. 2009). This indicators that provide a more complete thus has physical ramifications: either document describes recent advances picture of sustainability. a drawdown of stocks of natural to enhance the consistency, reliability, and resolution of the National 2. Limitations of Current Methodology capital or an accumulation of wastes. Footprint Accounts. and Data: The current National However, the National Footprint Footprint Accounts have significant Accounts do not identify particular The National Footprint Accounts outcomes attributable to a specific level potential for improvement. Such Review Committee supports continual of overshoot, regardless of cause. In potential improvements include: better improvement of the scientific basis of the addition, overshoot in some ecological assessments of biocapacity required Accounts. This committee is comprised demand categories may be masked by for uptake of carbon dioxide emissions; of 10 researchers and practitioners from lower Footprint in others (Ewing et al. consideration of bioproduction throughout the world (Global Footprint 2009). occupied by hydroelectric reservoirs Network 2010a). The Review and other infrastructure; and further Source Data The National Footprint Accounts utilize the suitability index from the Global approximately 50 million data points, Agro-Ecological Zones model along primarily based on international data sets with land cover data from CORINE Land published by the United Nations Food Cover (CLC 1990, 2000, 2006), Global and Agriculture Organization (FAOSTAT), Land Cover (GLC 2000), SAGE (Univesity United Nations Commodity Trade of Wisconsin 1992), GAEZ (FAO and IIASA Statistics Database (UN COMTRADE), 2000), and FAO ResourceSTAT (FAOSTAT). International Energy Agency (IEA) and Global Agro-Ecological Zones 2000 (IIASA and FAO, 2000). Production statistics for agricultural, forestry and fisheries primary and derived products are obtained from the FAO ProdSTAT, FAO ForesSTAT and FAO FishSTAT Statisical Database. In the National Footprint Accounts, 2009 Edition (NFA 2009), there are production data for 164 crop products, 41 livestock products, 33 forest products and 1,439 fish products expressed in tonnes produced or harvested per year. Production data are presented in the FAO commodity classifications and HS+ commodity classifications where possible. HS+ is an extended version of HS 2002 created by FAO to provide increased resolution and harmonize the FAO and HS commodity classifications. Production statistics for carbon dioxide emissions are obtained from the International Energy Agency. In the National Footprint Accounts 2009, there are emission data for 45 products and categories expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Yields are based on regeneration rates for all land-use types except cropland; cropland yields are calculated for each crop using the ratio of crops produced and harvest area. Grazing land yields are the average above-ground net primary production for grassland. Forest yields are calculated using net annual increment, which is the gross annual increment less that of the natural losses to the growing stock due to natural mortality, disease, etc. Fishing grounds yields are calculated for each species as the product of the inverse primary production rate and available primary productivity (Kitzes et al. 2009). Equivalence factors are calculated using Source Data Review Process Background improved by collaborating directly with collected and compared with the data national statistical offices (NSOs) and reported by the United Nations FAOSTAT, The quality of accounting frameworks, government ministries. United Nations ResourceSTAT, United Na- statistics, and indicators rely on many key tions COMTRADE, and Global Land Cover. characteristics, including: (1) relevance For this project, Global Footprint Net- and comprehensiveness, (2) accuracy, (3) work collaborated with MAVDT to iden- A systematic comparison of the source timeliness, (4) accessibility, (5) interpret- tify the NSOs and government ministries data sets was conducted for the infor- ability, methodological soundness, and that collect data relevant to the National mation that was made available by the transparency, and (6) coherence (Statis- Footprint Accounts. More specifically, Agricultural Ministry and Rural Develop- tics Canada 2009). The National Footprint data were requested for production, im- ment, Corporacion Colombiana Interna- Accounts provide relevant information in port, export, and land cover for cropland, cional, IDEAM, and DANE. Future research a coherent manner that is accessible for grazing land, forest land, fishing grounds, should obtain data from the entities all potential users. However, the timeli- carbon dioxide emissions, infrastructure, listed below to help validate the source ness (three-year lag) and accuracy of the and hydropower. These data were then data for the National Footprint Accounts. National Footprint Accounts could be Data relating to the ‘Crop area and The CO2 emissions obtained from IDEAM production for 165 products’ was include “Energy, Industrial Processes, and obtained from the Agricultural Ministry International Bunkers.� and Rural Development and Corporacion The National Footprint Accounts Colombiana Internacional. Of the utilize population data from FAOSTAT. 165 products requested, the 19 most Comparing this data with the summation important products for the Colombian of population for 1122 municipalities economy were obtained for this analysis. using DANE data for the year 2006 The National Footprint Accounts utilize provides a 5 percent decrease in the carbon dioxide emissions data reported population for the year 2006. by the International Energy Agency. The ‘CO2 Sectoral Approach’ category consists of “total CO2 emissions from fuel combustion as calculated using the IPCC Tier 1 Sectoral Approach and Corresponds to IPCC Source/Sink Category 1A. Emissions calculated using a Sectoral Approach include emission son when the fuel is actually combusted. A vast majority of the data requested Data collection from Colombian and information throughout Colombia. to validate the National Footprint statistical offices required a great deal This is particularly important for tax- Accounts has been formally of time during this project. Despite the funded projects that produce data requested from statistical offices existence of statistical data portals on- that are currently unobtainable for the and government ministries. As data line (e.g. IAvH-SIB, DANE, SI3EA, IDEAM, general public. Ideally, there would becomes available it will be analyzed AGRONET, etc.) future efforts in response be a data warehouse combining the alongside the United Nations data sets to this report should include the creation databases from each statistical source by to identify discrepancies and potential of a comprehensive repository of the following category of statistics: improvements to the National Footprint publicly accessible Colombian statistics Accounts. to promote the free distribution of data Linking Ecological Footprint with Economic Activities One potential application of the National Footprint Accounts is to link the Ecological Footprint with economic input-output tables. These economic data sets are produced by national statistical offices (NSOs) as part of their economic National Accounts. Linking these two data sets can provide Ecological Footprint results for industry sectors, government, gross fixed capital, and household consumption (food, mobility, housing, goods, and services). Calculating the Ecological Footprint of economic activities provides an environmental accounting application for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies. Other al This figure shows the type of results pit that be obtained by linking the Ecological Footprint with a country’s Ca d ixe input-output table (in this case, Japan’s). For Colombia, additional ss F research is required to obtain an Gro input-output table or a supply and use table in basic prices. Food Further disaggregation is possible at both the sector- and spatial- resolution. For instance, input-output tables in many countries—including Colombia—are separated Gov. House into approximately 50 sectors. However, some nations—such as Housing the Australia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States— have input-output tables with hol approximately 500 sectors. Similarly, input-output tables are only available Services Mobility d for approximately 80 countries. However, Co some countries—such as Japan—have ns national and sub-national input-output Goods um tables. Sub-national environmentally extended input-output analyses for the ptio Ecological Footprint are possible by n using sub-national input-output tables or combining the national input-output tables with sub-national household expenditure and energy intensity data. Sub-National Biocapacity Accounts for Colombia The current National Footprint Accounts accounts for yield differences between by collaborating with the Colombian provide biocapacity results for more than countries—and an equivalence statistical offices and environmental 150 countries. However, calculations and factor—that approximates the inherent ministries to obtain land cover maps results at the national level conceal the productivity of the land. produced specifically for Colombia or sub-national variability in land cover and regions within Colombia. The source data for land cover and bioproductivity. administrative areas are available Applications with the sub-national Biocapacity is defined as “[t]he capacity from publicly accessible geographic biocapacity accounts for Colombia of ecosystems to produce useful information system (GIS) data portals. include linking the National Footprint biological materials and to absorb waste This report utilized the Global Land Accounts data with additional GIS data materials generated by humans, using Cover map to create a sub-national sets. such as protected areas, species current management schemes and land cover map for Colombia. National habitats, ecosystems, or land-use extraction technologies.� Biocapacity average yields were utilized for this change. Ideally, sub-national biocapacity is measured for any land-use or fishing analysis. Future analyses could combine a accounts will be analyzed in parallel grounds area as the land cover area higher resolution land cover map with a with sub-national Ecological Footprint of each mutually exclusive land-use spatially explicit yield map. The quality of accounts and other related data sets. type, multiplied by a yield factor—that source data sets could also be improved Links Between the Ecological Footprint and Other Indicators Maintaining ecosystem health provides the foundation for services such as regulating climate, pollution control, water purification, and soil conservation. Healthy ecosystems also serve as the foundation for biodiversity to flourish. There are many benefits of preserving species diversity including cultural, ethical, spiritual, and financial. This notion that the human economy is a sub-set to the surrounding ecology is an integral point to identifying the economic linkages between nature, human activities, and biodiversity. The biological diversity of life on Earth World terrestrial biodiversity hotspots is estimated to be 10-100 million (Conservation International, 2005) species with 1,740,330 species currently described. However, the number of threatened species is increasingly large. Notable groups of organisms with the that are only found in Colombia), 90 bird In 2000 there were 11,167 species largest percentage of species categorized species (including 42 species that are threatened by extinction . This number as threatened include 32 percent of only found in Colombia), 52 mammal has increased annually and in 2010 there gymnosperm species (e.g. coniferous species (including 9 species that are are currently 17,315 species listed as trees), 29 percent of amphibian species, only found in Colombia), 37 fish species, threatened by extinction (IUCN 2010). 21 percent of mammals, 12 percent of and 15 reptile species. Of these 658 birds, 11 percent of corals, 5 percent of species, 112 are categorized as critically fishes, and 5 percent of reptiles. endangered, 220 are categorized as endangered, and 326 are categorized as Within the boundaries of Colombia, 658 vulnerable (IUCN 2010). species are threatened by extinction, including 223 plant species, 211 amphibian species (including 158 species Colombia protected areas Most of the protected areas in Co- (Source: World Database on Protected Areas) lombia are found in the Amazonian forests of southern Colombia. How- ever, the previous map identified the Tropical Andes and Tumbes-Choc- Magdalena biodiversity hotspots are in the northern mountainous region of Colombia. The map on the next page includes a land cover map with protected areas and major roads; most of which are found in unprotected lands where crops are predominantly grown. Preserva- tion of Colombia’s biodiversity rich areas will require a greater emphasis on protecting the land that is most vulnerable to human expansion. In 2006, 8.3% percent of Colombia’s land was protected areas according to the IUCN categories I-V; 24.7% percent was protected areas according to categories I-VI . Preserving land and water areas is integral to maintaining a rich stock of resources and preserving life within Colombia. It is important that the land and water areas that are preserved are those also strategically located where that they can provide the greatest benefits. For instance, Tumbes Choco- Magdalena and Tropical Andes regions of northern Colombia are critical ecoregions where human pressure increases in the mountainous northwest of Colombia. This will become increasingly important more significant as human pressure is expected to expand onto biodiversity- rich and sensitive biomes. Various initiatives are currently underway to analyze the economic benefits of biodiversity and comparing the costs of effective policies in comparison to continued trends in reduced diversity of life on Earth. One of the more ambitious projects is the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in which they categorize three types of ecosystem services: (1) provisioning (e.g. food, fresh water, wood and fiber, fuel, etc.), (2) regulating (e.g. climate regulation, flood regulation, disease regulation, water purification, etc.), and (3) cultural (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, educational, recreational, etc.). In this context, the biocapacity and Ecological Footprint indicators are focused on the biomass-based flows of provisional services and waste uptake of regulating service from the ecosystem. Examples of the services that are quantified in the National Footprint Accounts include food, fiber, timber, and carbon dioxide uptake by forests and oceans. Colombia land cover, protected areas , and major road (Source: GlobCover and World Database on Protected Areas) The Economics of Ecosystems and services: including food, fiber, and due to legally binding avoidance, Biodiversity (TEEB) is another ambitious timber. compensation or, restoration obligations; project that reviewed the science (2) expenditure voluntarily undertaken Land explicitly set-aside to uptake and economics of ecosystems and to avoid or limit damage; (3) people’s carbon dioxide emissions can also biodiversity, including a valuation “revealed� preferences for obtaining be measured within the National framework to improve policy decision- specified environmental services or Footprint Accounts and serves as a making. Within this report, five amenities; and (4) people’s “stated� or regulating ecosystem service. Human important dimensions of biodiversity hypothetical preferences as elicited well-being requires, in part, the material were identified in the context of the through contingent valuation (that consumption of provisioning services supporting, regulating, provisioning, is,willingness to pay or willingness to provided by the ecosystem. These flows and cultural ecosystem services they accept enquiries).� from the ecosystem to the economy are provide for human well-being: (1) species measured as the Ecological Footprint for The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, richness, (2) species rarity, (3) biomass that nation or region. TEEB, and SEEA provide a framework density, (4) primary productivity, and (5) to measure the value of ecosystem genetic diversity. Future research related to this project services. Additional research could could focus on the valuation techniques The figure below provides an overview utilize these frameworks along with of ecosystem services in Colombia of the biodiversity supported ecosystem data from Colombian statistical offices utilizing the TEEB framework or the services that improve human well-being. and government ministries to analyze System of Integrated Environmental The biocapacity indicator within the the environmental and economic and Economic Accounting (SEEA). The National Footprint Accounts quantifies benefits and costs associated with land SEEA categorizes valuation methods some of the flows within the provisioning management policies in Colombia. into four types: “(1) real costs incurred Human well-being Security, material needs, health, social relations, etc. Provisioning Ecosystem Services Food, ber, timber, medicines, water, air, etc. Cultural Ecotourism, spiritual, ethics, etc. Regulating Climate, ood protection, etc. Supporting Habitat provision, ecosystem processes, etc. Biodiversity Species richness, species rarity, biomass density, primary productivity, and genetic diversity Adapted from TEEB, 2009 Appendix A Sample list of external reviews of the National Footprint Accounts • Switzerland - http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/themen/21/03/blank/blank/01.html (both the technical and the descriptive report). • Germany - http://www.umweltdaten.de/publikationen/fpdf-l/3489.pdf • France - Stiglitz commission (http://www.stiglitz-sen-fitoussi.fr/documents/Issues_paper.pdf ); • France - SOeS of the French Ministry of Sustainable Development. The study “Une expertise de l’empreinte écologique (May 2009, No 4)� examined the transparency and reproducibility of the National Footprint Accounts and found reproducibility of time trends within 1-3 percent. The initial report is available at http://www.ifen.fr/uploads/media/etudes_documentsN4.pdf or see http://www.ifen.fr/publications/nos-publications/etudes-documents/2009/une-expertise-de-l-empreinte-ecologique-version- provisoire.html • France - Conseil économique, social et environnemental. «Les indicateurs du développement durable et l’empreinte écologique » - le 11 mai 2009. Projet d’avis présenté au nom de la Commission “ad hoc� par M. Philippe Le Clézio, rapporteur. http://www. conseil-economique-et-social.fr/presidence/publication/PU09-338.pdf • European Union’s Beyond GDP conference (www.beyond-gdp.eu) a strong endorsement arose from the European Economic and Social Committee. • Ireland – http://erc.epa.ie/safer/iso19115/displayISO19115.jsp?isoID=56#files • Belgium - www.wwf.be/_media/04-lies-janssen-ecologische-voetafdrukrekeningen_236536.pdf • DG Environment – June 2008: “Potential of the Ecological Footprint for monitoring environmental impact from natural resource use� available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/natres/studies.htm • Eurostat – http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-AU-06-001/EN/KS-AU-06-001-EN.PDF • United Arab Emirates – Al Basama Al Beeiya Initiative http://www.agedi.ae/ecofootprintuae/default.aspx • Directorate General for Research, Division Industry, Research, Energy, Environment, and Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA), 2001, Ecological Footprinting http://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/publications/studies/20000903_en.pdf References: Social and Environmental Standards. 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