NTC 6766: A Milestone for Peatlands and Water Security in Colombia

At TECC, we are thrilled to celebrate a crucial achievement for Colombia's strategic ecosystems: the explicit inclusion of peatlands in the Colombian Technical Standard NTC 6766 on Water Security: Benefit in Water Volume (BVA). This milestone represents a giant leap forward for peatland restoration in Colombia and the recognition of their vital environmental role.

Historically overlooked, peatlands are fundamental for water regulation and climate change mitigation in Colombia. Their capacity to store carbon and manage water in our Andean paramo ecosystems is irreplaceable. Acknowledging their benefit in water volume through a national technical standard was a pressing necessity.

Our team at TECC actively participated in the public consultation for NTC 6766. We provided strong technical and scientific arguments, demonstrating the urgency and value of including these distinct ecosystems. Our advocacy was vital in ensuring the standard establishes clear criteria for quantifying how High Andean peatlands restoration and conservation directly impacts water supply and quality.

This standard creates an unprecedented opportunity to mobilize resources, including financing for nature-based solutions, and to prioritize peatland protection in public policies. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and scientific evidence in driving significant change. At TECC, we reaffirm our commitment to conserving strategic ecosystems and developing Colombia climate change mitigation projects that yield tangible benefits for all.

Healthy High Andean Peatlands located in the Cruz Verde paramo, within the Municipality of Choachi - Cundinamarca. Cornerstones for the water regulation in the region,