On Biodiversity Day, the Medellín Mayor’s Office highlights the results of its environmental initiatives as part of the reasons behind the city’s selection as the host of Climate Week Biodiversity 2026, an international event to be held from September 28 to October 10 that will place the city at the center of global discussions on biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable development.
974 plant species and more than 800 animal species have been identified and recorded in Medellín as part of efforts to understand, monitor, and research the region’s biodiversity.
Among the most significant achievements of the capital of Antioquia are the planting of more than 197,000 native trees, the conservation of more than 4,300 hectares of streams that supply the city’s water system, and the expansion of knowledge about the species inhabiting the region.
Biodiversity protection in Medellín is carried out through initiatives that link ecosystem conservation to citizens’ quality of life. These efforts are complemented by the maintenance of 20 green corridors, the installation of wildlife crossings to facilitate the safe movement of different species, and strategies such as Payment for Environmental Services, which help protect ecosystems critical for water regulation and conservation.
Acting Secretary of the Environment Elizabeth Coral noted: “Climate Week Biodiversity 2026 also serves as a recognition of a city that has been translating biodiversity protection into concrete actions.”
“Today we can showcase our achievements in conservation, restoration, understanding of our ecosystems, and wildlife protection, but we also have the opportunity to share these experiences with the world and learn from other cities and regions.”
The city also conducts monitoring and research efforts that have identified more than 800 species of wildlife recorded in 2025, while flora inventories highlight the region’s rich plant life. This information helps guide conservation efforts and provides a better understanding of the urban and rural ecosystems that make up Medellín.
Admission is free, with prior registration required, and is subject to available capacity. The program can be viewed on the official Climate Week Biodiversity 2026 website.
These results contribute to a vision of biodiversity that views environmental management as an opportunity to foster well-being, innovation, and sustainable development. Climate Week Biodiversity 2026 will bring together leaders from governments, multilateral organizations, businesses, academia, and civil society organizations in Medellín to discuss nature, water, sustainable cities, the circular economy, climate and nature finance, as well as the energy transition and solutions for local communities. The main agenda will take place from September 28 to October 1, and the program will run through October 10, featuring more than 240 activities.
The public can view the schedule and register for the various events of Climate Week Biodiversity 2026 through the official website, subject to available capacity. Admission is free with prior registration at: https://www.climateweekmedellin.com/agenda and https://www.climateweekmedellin.com/eventos
The event is organized by the City of Medellín, in partnership with Impact Hub Medellín, Fundación Socya, the Climate Week Network, and ACI Medellín.
