Dialogues on a just transition with civil society in fossil fuel and mining areas

Participants in the Barrancabermeja Workshop – NDC 3.0 update process developed with communities in hydrocarbon production areas © Interface Project / GIZ Colombia

The climate crisis represents one of the most urgent challenges of our time, requiring concrete and coordinated actions at both global and local levels. In this context, the active participation of local communities is essential to ensure that the update of Colombia’s NDC in 2025 (NDC 3.0) is inclusive and effective. These communities, especially those in rural areas, are both guardians of traditional knowledge and the most affected by the impacts of climate change. However, their role is even more critical in regions that have historically depended on extractive activities, such as coal mining and hydrocarbon production. For this reason, two dialogues were held in Valledupar (November 27) and Barrancabermeja (December 4), supported by the IKI Interface project, with a total of 80 participants.

Incorporating communities from these regions into the NDC 3.0 is essential to ensure a just transition to low-carbon economies. The Just Energy Transition proposed by the Colombian government must include sustainable economic alternatives and labor conversion strategies that address local realities. Communities in these areas face unique challenges, such as environmental degradation, health impacts from pollution, and economic uncertainty due to the gradual decline in global demand for fossil fuels.

Integrating local knowledge with technical and institutional approaches can significantly contribute to achieving the country’s climate goals. The experience of mining and oil communities should be valued not only as a technical input but also as a tool to build trust and legitimacy in climate policies. This approach ensures that Colombia’s climate action, in addition to fulfilling its international commitments, promotes social equity and sustainable development in territories historically affected by extractive dependence.

Finally, some conclusions were drawn from the sessions:

• In mining and hydrocarbon areas, labor inequality for vulnerable populations requires inclusive policies that promote a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
• It is crucial to halt new extractive projects, especially unconventional ones, and diversify the economy to reduce dependency on these activities.
• The institutional weakness in managing climate and socioeconomic impacts requires strengthening the agencies responsible for environmental and social policies, ensuring the safety of leaders and communities.
• The lack of education on climate change and mining-energy production limits community participation in adaptation and mitigation. Proper management of water resources and biodiversity is essential, and the lack of regulation and transparency in extractivism negatively impacts communities and the environment.