Water Restoration in Buturama Creek, Colombia
Restoring a living watershed through ecosystem regeneration and community stewardship
Aguachica, Magdalena Medio, Colombia
The Buturama Creek project is a large-scale water restoration initiative in Colombia’s Magdalena Medio region.
It restores degraded forest ecosystems to recover water systems, strengthen climate resilience, and create long-term economic value for over 128,000 people.
Project Snapshot
128,000
people benefit from improved water systems
7,238
hectars of forest ecosystem restored
8 million
native trees
planted
USD 76M+
local economic value
generated
The Challenge
Across the Buturama Creek watershed, deforestation has reduced natural water regulation, springs are drying up, and dry seasons are lengthening. The result is a growing water crisis for the 128,000 people who depend on this watershed for agriculture, livelihoods, and daily life.
Water Crisis
128,000 people face chronic water shortages as springs dry and dry seasons extend to nine months.
Forest Loss
Between 2001 and 2023, 4,660 hectares of forest were lost, degrading soils and eliminating natural springs.
Climate Impacts
Regional temperatures are projected to increase 0.5–2°C by 2040, while heavier wet-season rains intensify erosion and flooding.
Biodiversity Loss
Fragmented ecosystems are reducing habitat connectivity and accelerating species loss.
The Response
The Buturama Creek Project transforms the public land-use plan into a measurable and bankable restoration program at the watershed scale.
By strategically restoring riparian corridors and high Andean forests, the project regenerates water-regulating ecosystems, reconnects fragmented habitats, and creates long-term economic opportunities for local communities.
Ecosystem Restoration
Restore 7,238 hectares by planting more than 8 million native trees, using diverse species adapted to local conditions.
Water Systems Recovery
Restore water-regulating ecosystems and increase water availability by 15% through strategic forest placement and landscape restoration.
Economic Transformation
Generate more than USD 76 million in local economic value over 20 years, while creating 1,000+ sustainable jobs in restoration and land stewardship.
This project follows our project structuring approach.
Expected Outcomes
The Buturama Creek project restores a degraded water system while strengthening community stewardship. It improves water quality, ecosystem health, and resilience to water-related risks. Local actors gain the capacity and ownership to manage the watershed sustainably. The project generates a replicable model for place-based regeneration and integrated water governance.
Environmental Impact
- 7,238 hectares restored
- Recovering watershed hydrology
- Improved biodiversity connectivity
Climate Resilience
- Increased water retention
- Reduced risk of erosion and flood
- Greater climate stability
Socio-Economic Benefits
- 1,000+ jobs created
- Water security for 128,000 people
- USD 76 M+ economic value
Partners
The Buturama Creek Project is developed through partnerships that align local actors, environmental expertise, and impact finance. The initiative combines watershed restoration expertise, community engagement, and financial structuring to co-create bankable nature-based solutions. Governance includes international certification and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term environmental integrity.
City of Aguachica
ESPA
Why This Project Matters Now
Climate Impact
Increasing drought cycles, more intense rainfall patterns
Water Dependency
Aguachica’s future depends on water availability
Replication Potential
Replication possible in 10+ Colombian watersheds
Developed by a team combining engineering, finance, and systems design expertise.