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This article describes the cartographic layer construction process of Colombian Caribbean coastal wetlands at a scale of 1:100,000 and the results obtained in terms of their quantification and typing. Two cartographic layers were constructed and subsequently joined, one of the permanent water bodies and another of temporary water bodies and associated coverages. The layers were generated by multitemporal analysis of 45 Landsat 8-OLI satellite images, based on the NDVI index, uncertainty models by superposition of cartographic attributes, and a flood frequency consultation model on ALOS PALSAR 1 images. As a result, 576,279 ha of coastal wetlands were delimited (1.9 % of total wetlands in Colombia), of which 20.4 % are within protected areas. The cartographic legend makes it possible to typify wetlands based on the coverage and temporality of water bodies; discriminates permanent wetlands (42.7 %) with five categories and temporary wetlands (57.3 %) with 15 categories, mostly distributed in seven large complexes. This study is the first description of the colombian Caribbean coastal wetlands based on a cartographic construction, is methodologically replicable, and will support decision-making in the planning of colombian Caribbean coastal areas, especially for risk management and ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. RESUMEN Este estudio describe el proceso de construcción cartográfica de humedales costeros del Caribe colombiano a escala 1:100 000 y los resultados obtenidos en cuanto a su cuantificación y tipificación. Se construyeron dos capas cartográficas que posteriormente se unieron, una de cuerpos de agua permanentes y otra de cuerpos de agua temporales y sus coberturas asociadas. Las capas fueron generadas mediante análisis multitemporal de 45 imágenes de satélite Landsat 8-OLI, a partir del índice de vegetación-NDVI, modelos de incertidumbre por superposición de atributos cartográficos y la consulta de un modelo de frecuencias de inundación basado en imágenes ALOS PALSAR 1. Como resultado se delimitaron 576 627 ha de humedales costeros (1,9 % del total de humedales de Colombia), de los cuales el 20,4 % se encuentra dentro de áreas protegidas. La leyenda cartográfica obtenida permitió tipificar los humedales con base en la cobertura y temporalidad de los cuerpos de agua; discriminando los permanentes (42,7 %) en cinco categorías, y los temporales (57,3 %) con 15 categorías, la mayor parte distribuidos en siete grandes complejos. Este estudio es la primera descripción de los humedales costeros del Caribe colombiano basada en una construcción cartográfica, es metodológicamente replicable y apoyará la toma de decisiones en la planificación de las zonas costeras del Caribe colombiano, especialmente la gestión del riesgo y la adaptación al cambio climático basada en los ecosistemas.

The distribution of carbon in “Blue Carbon” ecosystems such as mangroves is little known, when compared with the highly known terrestrial forests, despite its particular and recognized high productivity and carbon storage capacity. The objective of this study was to analyze the above ground biomass (AGB) of the species Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans from the Marine Protected Area of Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI), Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa, Caribbean Colombian coast. With official authorization, we harvested and studied 30 individuals of each species, and built allometric models in order to estimate AGB. Our AGB results indicated that the studied mangrove forests of the DMI Colombian Caribbean was of 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, equivalent to 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ha. The DMI has an area of 8 570.9 ha in mangrove forests, and we estimated that the total carbon potential stored was about 555 795.93 Mg C. The equations generated in this study can be considered as an alternative for the assessment of carbon stocks in AGB of mangrove forests in Colombia; as other available AGB allometric models do not discriminate mangrove forests, despite being particular ecosystems. They can be used for analysis at a more detailed scale and are considered useful to determine the carbon storage potential of mangrove forests, as a country alternative to support forest conservation and emission reduction strategies. In general, the potential of carbon storage from Colombian Caribbean mangrove forests is important and could promote the country leadership of the “blue carbon” stored.

This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes peer-reviewed, English-language scientific publications ( n =212) to identify relevant research about how E cosystem- B ased A daptation (EBA) is integrated with coastal planning. P referred R eporting I tems for S ystematic reviews and M eta- A nalysis (PRISMA) methodology is applied in this study. Attention was given to studies concerning human-environment interactions as opposed to physical or biological climate change issues alone because the coastal planning and EBA approach addresses the management of human actions in nature. The literature references include the issue of climate change (77%); however, limited evidence of EBA in coastal areas are reported (18%), and it is evident that the issues have become relevant in the scientific literature published in recent years. Broad texts demonstrate that SLR is one of the major long-term impacts (68%), and all of these papers recognize the most affected ecosystems in the tropics would be mangroves. EBA is an emerging option that can offset anticipated ecosystem losses and improve coastal planning to cope with SLR because it provides benefits beyond climate change stressors. There is a need to synthesize a road map for incorporation of mangrove regulations into local planning instruments and for building capacity for their implementation. Application of PRISMA in marine science will enhance future reviews, facilitate the systematic search and adequately document any theme, and also be useful in determining research gaps or information needs.

ResumenLa distribución de carbono azul en los ecosistemas, entre los que se cuentan los manglares, es poco conocida en comparación con los grandes avances que existen para los ecosistemas forestales terrestres, a pesar de que su alta productividad y capacidad de almacenamiento de carbono es reconocida. Este estudio, tuvo por objetivo, analizar la biomasa aérea de las especies Rhizophora mangle y Avicennia germinans en el ecosistema de manglar localizado en el área marina protegida denominada Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI) Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa en el Caribe colombiano. Para ello, con la debida autorización oficial, se cosecharon 30 individuos de cada especie, con el fin de generar modelos alométricos que permitieran estimaciones de biomasa aérea con bajos niveles de incertidumbre. Los resultados indican que la biomasa aérea de los bosques de manglar del Caribe colombiano en el DMI, es de 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, es decir, que almacenan 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ ha. Teniendo en cuenta que el DMI presenta un área de 8 570.9 ha en bosques de manglar, se estima que el carbono total potencialmente almacenado por este ecosistema es de aproximadamente 555 795.93 MgC. Las ecuaciones generadas en este estudio se pueden considerar como una opción alternativa para la evaluación de las reservas de carbono en la biomasa aérea de los bosques de manglar en del Caribe colombiano, dado que otros modelos disponibles para la estimación de la biomasa aérea no discriminan a los bosques de manglar, a pesar de ser ecosistemas particulares. Los modelos pueden ser empleados como una opción para apoyar las estrategias de conservación de bosques y la reducción de emisiones. En general, el potencial de almacenamiento de carbono en los bosques de manglar del Caribe colombiano, es importante, y podría posesionar al país en la conservación de bosques y la reducción de emisiones a través de la conservación del carbono azul almacenado. AbstractThe distribution of carbon in “Blue Carbon” ecosystems such as mangroves is little known, when compared with the highly known terrestrial forests, despite its particular and recognized high productivity and carbon storage capacity. The objective of this study was to analyze the above ground biomass (AGB) of the species Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans from the Marine Protected Area of Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI), Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa, Caribbean Colombian coast. With official authorization, we harvested and studied 30 individuals of each species, and built allometric models in order to estimate AGB. Our AGB results indicated that the studied mangrove forests of the DMI Colombian Caribbean was of 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, equivalent to 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ha. The DMI has an area of 8 570.9 ha in mangrove forests, and we estimated that the total carbon potential stored was about 555 795.93 Mg C. The equations generated in this study can be considered as an alternative for the assessment of carbon stocks in AGB of mangrove forests in Colombia; as other available AGB allometric models do not discriminate mangrove forests, despite being particular ecosystems. They can be used for analysis at a more detailed scale and are considered useful to determine the carbon storage potential of mangrove forests, as a country alternative to support forest conservation and emission reduction strategies. In general, the potential of carbon storage from Colombian Caribbean mangrove forests is important and could promote the country leadership of the “blue carbon” stored. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 913-926. Epub 2016 June 01.

Although the importance of mangroves is clearly recognized around the world, these ecosystems are being strongly altered by the logging of their forests for multiple purposes. The Colombian Pacific coast is not an exception to this situation, and apart from the traditional logging of wood, the hunting of the Neotropical Cormorant or Pato-cuervo (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), an activity largely unknown but widespread in the region, is also causing the logging of great extensions of mangroves. The aim of this research was to determine if the assemblages of mollusks and crustaceans of these mangroves are being affected by the hunting of the cormorant. To answer this question, quantitative samplings were realized in four transects in logged and unlogged mangrove areas on the southwestern coast of the Colombian Pacific and diversity, equitability and dominance of macrofaunal assemblages of mangroves were calculated. The data show that although significant differences between diversity indices were not found, there were important differences in equitability (total J’: 0.55 in T1, 0.77 in T2, 0.46 in T3 and 0.65 in T4), specific dominance, and composition of species (T1: 11 species, T2: 13, T3: 9 and T4: 11) between logged and unlogged areas. Based on these results, although forest structure and interstitial salinity were different among transects, we conclude that the present practice of exploitation of the Neotropical Cormorant is affecting the epifaunal populations of mangroves, causing changes in the composition and dominance of species.

Never before have the needs for climate adaptation been so urgent, in response to the change that takes place nowadays at an unprecedented pace. As the world coastal areas impacts increase, mainly due to the accelerated sea level rise (SLR), so the pressure on the administrations will grow to reach a coastal development allowing the reduction of its vulnerability, dependent on the basis of a correct integrated climate. The creation of an institutional dimension capable of withstanding this demanding development has been identifid as a key element to meet current climate variability, such as the future climate changes. This paper analyzes the regulatory and institutional landscape (domestic laws and policies) on which the managers of Colombia’s coastal areas count on by 2012, for the incorporation of the adaptation policies against SLR, being the Colombian Caribbean coastal area the special emphasis of this context. The results of the relationship between the management systems and the articles of domestic laws and policies are presented, accompanied by an institutional, intersectoral mapping, which has identifid the institutions responsible for carrying out the public policy-making aiming at the Colombian coastal area integrated climate policy. The analysis shows that, despite the existence of clearly defied management systems in the policy instruments, their practical application falls short of incorporating the sea level rise in the planning instruments, requiring an effective implementation in the short term and the optimization of the human, logistic, and fiancial resources.

En el marco del Manejo Integrado de Zonas Costeras, el desarrollo de la zonificación ambiental se constituye como una herramienta para el ordenamiento y manejo del territorio, la cual se basa en la definición e integración de criterios que consideran aspectos biofísicos, socioeconómicos y de gobernabilidad. A fin de aplicar esta herramienta como parte del proceso de ordenamiento ambiental de la zona costera del departamento del Atlántico, en el Caribe colombiano, se definieron criterios relacionados con: representatividad, grado de intervención y función de los ecosistemas, estado actual de la fauna asociada, presencia de riesgos naturales, alteración del equilibrio hídrico, intensidad, aptitud y conflictos de uso. El análisis integral de los criterios permitió la definición de áreas de manejo de ecosistemas estratégicos, recuperación, aprovechamiento sostenible, producción sostenible y zonas urbanas y suburbanas, las cuales dieron las pautas para la definición de las orientaciones de manejo integrado del área. La definición y análisis integral de los criterios de zonificación se realizó a partir de técnicas participativas (talleres técnicos interdisciplinarios y procesos participativos con actores locales) y Sistemas de Información Geográfica; estos últimos permitieron el análisis espacial de los criterios en las Unidades Ecológicas del Paisaje. Se concluye que la zonificación ambiental es una herramienta para el ordenamiento ambiental que requiere de la definición e integración de criterios biofísicos, socioeconómicos y de gobernabilidad, que atiende a una problemática planteada en el área y que permiten orientar las pautas de manejo. Se espera que en futuros trabajos se estudie la incorporación de modelos que apoyen la selección y calificación de criterios de manera cuantitativa y que en los procesos participativos se involucren diferentes sectores que como el económico, tienen menor participación en estos procesos de planificación. Environmental zoning criteria using participative and information techniques: study case of the coastal zone of the Atlantic department. In the Integrated Coastal Zone Management frame, environmental zoning is considered a tool for land planning and management. It is based on definition and integration of biophysical, socioeconomic and governability criteria. With the aim for using this tool as part of the coastal zone environmental planning in the Atlántico province (Colombian Caribbean) the following criteria were defined: representative level, stage of ecosystem intervention, ecosystem function, current state of associated fauna, natural risks, water balance alteration, land use intensity, land use aptitude and land use conflicts. The integral analysis of criteria allowed the definition of management areas such as strategic ecosystems, recovery zones, sustainable use, sustainable production and urban-suburban areas. These areas were the base for further definition of integrated coastal zone management guidelines. The definition and integral analysis of zoning criteria were based on participatory techniques, interdisciplinary technical workshops and local community participatory process. As well, Geographic Information System supported the spatial analysis criteria over ecological landscape units. The environmental zoning is a tool for environmental planning which requires definition and integration of biophysical, socioeconomic and governability criteria for facing the conflicts and problems found in the area in order to lead management actions. It is hoped that future work will study the incorporation of models to support the selection and qualification criteria in a quantitative way; also it is expected that participatory processes will involve different sectors such as the economic, since they have less participation in these planning processes. INVEMAR Published Environmental zoning; Criteria

The implementation of the United Nations strategy for “Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)” as a mitigation measure to the effects of climate change on forest areas of Colombia, finds support for implementation of international conventions of which the country is part. The methodology applied in REDD projects has conflicts with current regulatory framework, related to the collective ownership of indigenous and afro communities. This paper focus on communities property rights vs. potential REDD forests and their good and environmental services. Conclusions show that the law on coastal areas against forest resource use is limited in Colombia and requires to improve scientific research on normative and regulatory processes focus on economic instruments for biodiversity uses, in order to reduce or take into account the impacts on communities property rights.

In Colombia, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has been implemented through the “National Environmental Policy of the Oceanic Spaces and Coastal and Insular Areas of Colombia-PNAOCI” (Acronyms in Spanish), whose guidelines have considered the need to include marine and coastal ecosystems in land use planning. ICZM, as a special planning approach, can contribute to territorial land use planning of the municipalities located in coastal areas, because it can provide guidelines for the conservation and use of ecosystems in these areas. In this work, the Colombian Pacific coastal area municipalities, which are part of the “Tropical Eastern Pacific Region” and are located between the 01°30´ and the 07°10´ latitude North and between the 77°40´ and the 82°00´ longitude West were taken as a study case. The review of their territorial land use plans was made for each one of the municipalities by means of the descriptive analysis of the biophysical, socio-economical and institutional components, seeking to explain, through the different criteria and particular and critical parameters of the coastal-marine areas, the aspects these municipalities must consider and adjust in their territorial land use planning. The criteria selected are related with aspects such as: existence of the territorial land use plan, demarcation of the coastal area, diagnosis (those aspects such as the identification of strategic marine and coastal ecosystems, high impact natural phenomenon i.e. Tsunamis, coastal erosion, oceanographic process, uses, conflicts, risk and governability aspects), zoning and prospecting. The analysis concludes that the ICZM´s principles incorporated to the territorial land use planning processes in the Colombian Pacific could be the opportunity to minimize impacts from land to sea, and generate space.