Quarterly Report No. 6 (January-March 2015)

The program aims to promote ecosystem-based adaptation in the Magdalena Basin, with a focus on improving freshwater and terrestrial connectivity. The program began on September 30, 2013, and is set to end on September 29, 2016, with a total estimated USAID amount of $1,200,000. During the first year of the program, the team acquired RapidEye satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 5 meters and temporal resolution of 2011-2014. This imagery was used to downscale the Freshwater Conservation Portfolio in the pilot areas of the project, specifically the marshes of Barbacoas and El Sapo. The team also conducted a recognition field trip to the pilot areas with Corantioquia and local community leaders to validate the results of the freshwater and terrestrial connectivity analysis. The analysis involved multi-temporal analysis of flood pulses of 28 time series to determine the expansion and contraction variations of superficial water bodies. Terrestrial connectivity was analyzed using the LULC map to estimate the state of the current connectivity and the role of remaining forest patches in landscape connectivity. The results of the analysis were used to define preliminary conservation strategies to enhance floodplains connectivity in the areas. The geometry of the remaining natural forest allowed identifying forest cover that works as core areas, edges, loops, etc. The team also used morphological analysis to classify natural forest fragments according to their role in landscape connectivity. In November 2014, the team had a field trip to the Magdalena Medio and a meeting with Corantioquia to validate the prioritized areas for freshwater and terrestrial connectivity and discuss possible conservation and management strategies. During this quarter, the team updated the Magdalena Basin Freshwater Conservation Portfolio, which was previously based on available information at 2009-10 and a broader spatial scale (1:500,000). The team used spatial analysis of open water surfaces derived from radar imagery to update the portfolio. However, the spatial analysis took more time than expected due to the amount of information involved. The program has made significant progress in its first year, including the acquisition of equipment, the contracting of experts and interns, and the completion of various activities related to the Work Plan. The team has also made progress in updating the Magdalena Basin Freshwater Conservation Portfolio and has used the results of the analysis to inform conservation and management strategies in the Magdalena Basin. The program has also made progress in its communication and marketing efforts, including the production of a video clip on floodplains importance and the posting of project information on social media. The team has also held workshops and meetings with national and regional authorities to identify critical work routes to promote coordination and improve integrated river basin management. Overall, the Rio Magdalena Watershed Management Program has made significant progress in its first year, with a focus on improving freshwater and terrestrial connectivity in the Magdalena Basin. The program has used a range of tools and techniques, including satellite imagery, GIS analysis, and morphological analysis, to inform conservation and management strategies in the basin.