Regenerated Beach Achievements

Urban Regeneration award recipient Barranquilla, Colombia, was recognized with the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development for its environmentally focused urban renewal initiatives, particularly the restoration of the Ciénaga de Mallorquín and Puerto Mocho Beach.

The award was presented at the World Governments Summit, organized by the Government of the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with UN-Habitat, where projects from multiple countries were evaluated for their sustainability outcomes. Barranquilla was selected in the Urban Regeneration category for its ability to combine ecological restoration, public access, and long-term urban resilience.

The regeneration of the Ciénaga de Mallorquín transformed a polluted wetland into an eco-park that supports biodiversity, climate adaptation, and low-impact recreation. At Puerto Mocho Beach, coastal restoration, improved access, and basic infrastructure were implemented to protect natural systems while enabling inclusive, sustainable tourism. Together, these initiatives reduce environmental degradation, strengthen ecosystem health locally.

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