Natalia Burgos Cuevas

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Natalia Burgos Cuevas

MA (Disasters, Adaptation and Development)
BS (Political Science and Urban Management and Development)

Researcher
Coordinator International Development

Team
Topics

Natalia Burgos Cuevas is a Researcher and International Development Coordinator at Ecologic Institute, where she leads initiatives on environmental policy analysis focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and Nature-positive interventions with a special focus at the city level. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, and with basic German, Natalia brings a multilingual, intercultural approach to her work in international development.

Natalia's work emphasizes the advancement of governance and policy frameworks for sustainable urban development and ecosystem restoration, contributing to European-funded research projects aimed at urban ecosystem resilience, co-creation processes, and integrating nature-based strategies into urban planning. Natalia is dedicated to fostering impactful collaborations beyond Europe, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, and driving institutional strategies that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion in research.

Before joining Ecologic Institute, Natalia worked as a Regional Development Advisor at Colombia's National Planning Department (Departamento Nacional de Planeación), where she designed and implemented the Colombian Regional Integration Strategy as part of the National Development Plan (2018-2022). She also expanded Colombia’s portfolio of projects on sustainable land use and climate change. Previously, as a Sustainable Urban Development Advisor, she supported policy implementation around urban planning, with a focus on adapting cities to climate-related challenges.

Natalia holds a Master's degree in Disasters, Adaptation, and Development from King's College London (United Kingdom). Her research explored governance and community participation in risk reduction, focusing on vulnerable communities in Bogota (Colombia). 

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Selected projects by Natalia Burgos Cuevas
ProjectSupporting an EU-LAC Policy Dialogue on Nature-Based Solutions
 

© Ecologic Institute 2024

Scaling up nature-based solutions (NbS) to deliver their full range of potential benefits requires coordinated efforts to enhance technical skills, devise innovative financing mechanisms, and improve governance. The ‘EU-LAC Policy Dialogue on Nature-based Solutions’ –... Read more

Supporting an EU-LAC Policy Dialogue on Nature-Based Solutions

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon EuropeGoNaturePositive!
 

by Felicidad & Growfish 

Nature-Positive Economy – a Challenge and an OpportunityThe world’s economic systems do not adequately acknowledge the valuable role nature plays in planetary and human health. The degradation of land, freshwater and marine ecosystems undermines the well-being of... Read more

GoNaturePositive!

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectMainstreaming Climate and Environmental Objectives in EU Funding Programmes in the Post-2027 Period
 

Bild von Gerd Altmann auf Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/de/illustrations/europa-wiese-gr%C3%BCn-green-deal-4689510/

The EU is deeply committed to combatting climate change and protecting biodiversity. As the impacts of these environmental challenges become more pronounced, the EU is increasing efforts to address them through its policies and actions. One of the EU's key strategies to... Read more

Mainstreaming Climate and Environmental Objectives in EU Funding Programmes in the Post-2027 Period

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Resilience in Europe through Activating City Hubs Reaching out to Users with Triple-A Climate Adaptation Tools (REACHOUT)
 
project logo with the project's titel

© REACHOUT project

The formulation and implementation of climate adaptation plans in cities worldwide needs to speed up rapidly to keep in pace with projections of climate risks. The research project: "Resilience in Europe through Activating City Hubs reaching Out to Users with Triple-A... Read more

Resilience in Europe through Activating City Hubs Reaching out to Users with Triple-A Climate Adaptation Tools (REACHOUT)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectCapacity Development for Long-term Climate Neutrality Strategies in Towns and Cities (Ready4NetZero)
 

© Sandra Naumann

Ready4NetZero aims to support small- and medium-sized cities in Poland, Romania, Hungary and Croatia in the development and implementation of local strategies to reach climate neutrality. To do so, the project creates knowledge resources (written guidance) and provides... Read more

Capacity Development for Long-term Climate Neutrality Strategies in Towns and Cities (Ready4NetZero)

Duration
-
Funding
Selected publications by Natalia Burgos Cuevas
PublicationReportBridging Continents – Exploring the State-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC
 
Cover page of the report titled 'Bridging continents: Exploring the state-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a foundation for collaboration.' The report is an Independent Expert Report commissioned by the European Commission. The design includes a large globe with two location markers connecting Europe and Latin America. In the foreground, people are seated at a table labeled 'Research and Innovation,' symbolizing collaboration across continents.

© European Commission 2024

The Publications Office of the European Union has just released an Independent Expert Report titled "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration", which was co-authored by Natalia... Read more

Burgos, N., Rizzi, D., & Davis, M. (2024). Bridging Continents. Exploring the state-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a foundation for collaboration. European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Publications Office of the European Union.

PublicationArticleTransforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions
 
Screenshot of a scientific article titled 'Transforming ambition into action to catalyse nature-based solutions: Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments' by McKenna Davis, Natalia B. Cuevas, and Maren H. Gvein. The article is published in the journal Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 2024. The abstract highlights the challenges and potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

© 2024 Elsevier

Despite a growing consensus around the potential benefits of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address diverse global challenges, ambition has not translated into sufficient actionable progress in practice. Cities, increasingly recognized as centres of transformative... Read more

Davis, M.; Cuevas, N.B; Gvein, M.H. (2024). Transforming ambition into action to catalyse nature-based solutions: Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments, Nature-Based Solutions, 6, 100171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2024.100171

PublicationReportDeveloping Ambitious Local Long-term Climate Neutrality Strategies
 
Cover of the guidance "Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies', part of the Ready4NetZero initiative. The graphic depicts a stylized green landscape transitioning from rural areas with wind turbines and solar panels to an urban setting with green buildings. A car emits a green cloud, symbolizing eco-friendly transportation. The lower part of the poster includes logos of supporting organizations like Energie Cities, Eco Logic, and EnergiaKlub.

© Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités", Kraków 2024

In the face of the European Union's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral continent, the role of cities is undeniably crucial. Local governments of all sizes are at the forefront of this transformative journey. The path to climate neutrality is complex,... Read more

Burgos Cuevas, N. et al. 2024: Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies. Charting the course: Crafting forward-thinking local climate neutrality strategies. Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités" and Ecologic Institute, Berlin-Kraków.

PublicationPolicy BriefAddressing Human Mobility in National Climate Policy
 
screenshot of the policy brief's first page

© German Development Institute

This briefing paper, co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Natalia Burgos Cuevas, provides an overview of how the climate change–human mobility nexus has been addressed in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted thus far by South American countries and... Read more

Serraglio, Diogo Andreola; Benjamin Schraven; Natalia Burgos Cuevas 2022: Addressing human mobility in national climate policy: insights from updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in South America. Briefing Paper 4/2022. Bonn: German Development Institute.

PublicationWeb ApplicationUrban Governance Atlas
 
Graphic presenting the key figures of the Urban Governance Atlas at the time of launch.

© Ecologic Institute

The INTERLACE Urban Governance Atlas was officially launched on 11 May 2023 at the INTERLACE Cities Talk Nature Conference in Chemnitz. The first of its kind, the online database showcases 250 policy instruments from 41 countries supporting nature-based solutions and... Read more

INTERLACE project consortium 2023: Urban Governance Atlas. Interactive database. Published on 11 May 2023. Online: https://interlace-hub.com/urban-governance-atlas.

PublicationReportSustainable Solutions for the Global South in a Post-Pandemic World
 
Cover of the IASS study "Sustainable Solutions for the Global South in a Post-Pandemic World"

© IASS, 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted profound inequalities and vulnerabilities across the Global South, particularly in areas such as energy access, urban resilience, and environmental governance. Contributors to the IASS study analyzed challenges and potential... Read more

Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) (2021): Sustainable Solutions for the Global South in a Post-Pandemic World. Potsdam, Germany: IASS Study.

PublicationBookDe la ciudad a la región
 
over of the book De la ciudad a la región by Natalia Andrea Burgos Cuevas, analyzing the regional integration process between Bogotá and Cundinamarca. Published by Editorial Académica Española.

© Editorial Academica Espanola, 2012

In the context of an increasingly globalized and urbanized world, regions are becoming more and more important as territorial organizational units. The book "De la ciudad a la región" examines the change from traditional nation-state dominance to more flexible regional... Read more

Burgos Cuevas, Natalia 2012: De la ciudad a la región: Análisis del proceso de integración regional Bogotá-Cundinamarca. London: Editorial Academica Espanola.

Selected events by Natalia Burgos Cuevas
Selected presentations by Natalia Burgos Cuevas
PresentationPanel discussionThe Importance of Participatory Processes in Deploying Nature-based Solutions
 

One noteworthy panel discussion included Natalia Burgos, representing the INTERLACE project, alongside representatives from the European Commission, the European Environmental Bureau, and the German Environment Agency.

|

© Ecologic Institute

At the NetworkNature Annual Event held on 8 June 2023 at the Flagey Building in Brussels (Belgium) participants gathered to explore the transformative potential of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) across sectors and communities. The event featured interviews,... Read more

Panel discussion:The Importance of Participatory Processes in Deploying Nature-based Solutions

Date
Location
Brussels, Belgium
PresentationSpeechPolicy Frameworks to Foster the Implementation of Nature-based Solutions
 

© Natalia Burgos

A key objective of the Interlace project is strengthening cooperation, learning, and peer-to-peer interactions between regions and projects. As part of this process, Natalia Burgos from the Interlace team was invited to take part in a knowledge exchange Task Force... Read more

Speech:Policy Frameworks to Foster the Implementation of Nature-based Solutions

Date
Location
Bogotá, Colombia
PresentationSpeechNature-based Solutions in Latin America
 

© Natalia Burgos Cuevas

On 16 and 17 August 2022, the 3rd International Forum on Urbanism – Portoviejo Vision 2035, for urban development and design of cities on a human scale with a focus on climate change, was held in the Las Vegas Park in the city of Portoviejo. The event was organised by... Read more

Speech:Nature-based Solutions in Latin America

Date
Location
Portoviejo, Ecuador

Recent content by Natalia Burgos Cuevas

Publication:Article
 
Screenshot of a scientific article titled 'Transforming ambition into action to catalyse nature-based solutions: Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments' by McKenna Davis, Natalia B. Cuevas, and Maren H. Gvein. The article is published in the journal Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 2024. The abstract highlights the challenges and potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) hold immense potential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss – but how can ambitious goals finally be translated into action? This article provides valuable insights into 250 practical policy instruments from 41 countries that successfully promote NbS. For the first time, a systematic evaluation of good practice examples is presented, aimed at helping cities and communities implement NbS effectively. From innovative approaches to long-term sustainable solutions, the authors highlight how policy design around NbS can be optimized globally. The article provides concrete recommendations and inspiring success stories to advance the implementation of NbS in your region!

Transforming Ambition into Action to Catalyse Nature-based Solutions

Insights from 250 good practice policy instruments

Year

Read more
News
 
COP16, held in Cali, Colombia, marked an important moment in the global effort to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Two years after its adoption, COP16 underscored the need for decisive action, particularly in the realm of biodiversity finance. Negotiations under the banner of "Peace with Nature" centered on closing the $200 billion annual biodiversity financing gap, with mixed outcomes.
 

COP16: A Call to Action for Biodiversity Finance and Implementation

Read more
Publication:Report
 
The cover page of a report titled From ideas to action: INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities. The header features the INTERLACE logo and tagline, "Restoring Urban Ecosystems / Recuperando Ecosistemas Urbanos." The INTERLACE city impulse papers, authored by Gutiérrez Miranda, Marcela, et al. The design includes a vibrant, multicolored abstract swirl, framing an image of a person riding a bicycle through a tree-lined, sunny urban park.
The report ‘From Ideas to Action’ presents the strategy papers of the seven INTERLACE partner cities, which were developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders in Europe and Latin America. These papers highlight tailor-made strategies for nature-based solutions (NbS), including the revitalisation of urban parks in Chemnitz and the development of a search engine for green infrastructure projects in Kraków. The aim is to effectively address the unique challenges of each city, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality.

From Ideas to Action

INTERLACE impulses for successfully implementing NbS in cities

Year

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Event:Visitors Program
 
On 21 October 2024, Ecologic Institute hosted a delegation from Beijing, accompanied by representatives from GIZ. This visit took place in the context of the project "Analyses of German and European Climate Law Structure," and underscores the Institute's commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange on climate action.

Analyses of the Structure of German and European Climate Protection Law


Berlin, Germany

Read more
News
 
As the global community prepares for the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Colombia, the Ecologic Institute will actively participate in promoting nature-based solutions (NbS), restoration initiatives, and biodiversity finance. With a central theme of "Peace with Nature," this COP is set against Colombia's unique biodiversity and a commitment to amplifying local and indigenous voices.
 

Ecologic Institute at CBD COP16: Driving NbS, Restoration and Biodiversity Finance

Read more
Event:Digital Event
 
Promotional image for the Interlace Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) launch webinar. The background shows a scenic cityscape during sunset, with a hot air balloon in the sky and church spires visible. The text invites users to 'Join the launch webinar' and learn more about the course, with the Interlace logo and tagline 'Restoring Urban Ecosystems' at the top left.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges, including urban sprawl, pollution, and the increasing impacts of climate change. To help address these pressing issues, the INTERLACE project is pleased to announce the launch of a new, free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled: "Nature-based solutions: How nature restoration can make more livable, biodiverse, and climate resilient neighbourhoods". The course was introduced in a launch webinar on 8 October 2024.

Creating More Livable, Biodiverse and Climate Resilient Cities with Nature-based Solutions

MOOC Launch Event


online

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the report titled 'Bridging continents: Exploring the state-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a foundation for collaboration.' The report is an Independent Expert Report commissioned by the European Commission. The design includes a large globe with two location markers connecting Europe and Latin America. In the foreground, people are seated at a table labeled 'Research and Innovation,' symbolizing collaboration across continents.
The Publications Office of the European Union has just released an Independent Expert Report titled "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC: Building a Foundation for Collaboration", which was co-authored by Natalia Burgos and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute and Daniela Rizzi. This report delves into the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) across the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Bridging Continents – Exploring the State-of-play of Nature-based Solutions in the EU and LAC

Building a foundation for collaboration

Year

Read more
Publication:Web Application
 
Screenshot from an online course platform for a course titled 'Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change.' The image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood with the course title overlaid. On the right, it states 'All lessons have been completed,' and a progress bar shows 100% completion. Below, a section for reviewing an introduction module is visible along with the Interlace project logo.
Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges – pollution, climate change, urban sprawl – and traditional solutions are falling short. Join the Interlace project's free online course to discover how nature-based solutions offer a promising approach to help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Nature-based Solutions: How to regenerate nature to make neighborhoods more livable, biodiverse, and resilient to climate change

MOOC

Year

Read more