Alumni impact: a park for water security, biodiversity and more in Colombia
When urban sprawl in the city of Cali threatened precious land that is key to important aquifers that supplies the city and the region with water, IHE Delft alumnus Daniel Ascúntar Rios knew he had to act. In 2020, as an official in the local administration, he led a team that acquired the land and created a giant park packed with nature-based solutions that protect not only the aquifer, but also biodiversity, culture and heritage.
The park acts as a key natural bridge between the nearby Farallones mountains and the Pance River, with green-roofed infrastructure and facilities that merge with natural areas. This includes a 3,500 square meter pollinator’s garden with a 21,000 native plants, permeable and translucid pathways, lookout spots to admire the landscape, fences that allow reptiles, birds and small mammals to pass through, and many other features that create a healthier environment for water, biodiversity and people.
Ascúntar Rios gained a comprehensive perspective of water when studying at IHE Delft in 2011 as part of studies for a double MSc degree with University de Valle in Cali. More than a decade later, his IHE Delft connection turned out to be key for the park plans: he discovered the importance of nature-based solutions by participating as international collaborator in the IHE Delft-led RECONECT project.
An enormous nature-based solution
This collaboration was key for the park’s design, with Ascúntar Rios asking the design team to ensure that everything – from buildings to little details such as ensuring light can pass through raised pathways to protect the biodiversity below and enable water to flow freely – was done in harmony with the natural characteristics of the area.
“The entire park is an enormous nature-based solution. Every single aspect of the park is created with this focus,” Ascúntar Rios said. “The co-benefits of what we did are enormous, such as an increase of public space, better air, water and soil protection, biodiversity conservation, ecological connectivity and a natural place for people to enjoy responsibly.”
"The entire park is an enormous nature-based solution. Every single aspect of the park is created with this focus”
The park, which is almost complete, was inaugurated as part of the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), held earlier this year in Cali. It will be opened to the public in March 2025.
Water Museum
When researching how to use a building that is planned to be a symbol of the park to engage with the public on water, Ascúntar Rios’ IHE Delft connection came to use once again. He came across the Global Network of Water Museums, chaired by IHE Delft Rector Eddy Moors. While in Delft for a short course in 2022, Ascúntar Rios briefed Moors on the project, a discussion that eventually led to the park being designated a Water Museum.
Moors welcomed the new museum, underlining the importance of such institutions for a caring relationship with water:
“Water museums foster new relationships between humanity and water, raising awareness among visitors about the urgency of adopting more sustainable and visionary practices,” he said. “In addition, by connecting institutions and citizens, they promote collective actions at a global level, facilitating international cooperation to face water challenges effectively and equitably.”
Global impact
Though Ascúntar Rios left the park project in December 2023, he takes pride in the park and its effects, not only in Cali but also beyond: he is meeting with government officials to support the formulation of national guidelines and strategies for environmental education, water management and nature-based solutions. His key message is simple:
“When you are updating the national water plans and other environmental policies – think of it as a strategy to protect water for the future and to protect water as places to enjoy and learn,” he said.
The park’s effect could also stretch across Colombia’s borders: Many international delegations have already visited the park, seeking inspiration for similar initiatives at home.
Ascúntar Rios has several professional appointments: he teaches project management at Universidad del Valle and biotechnologies at Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, a private university. He also researches nature-based solutions for the Ministry of Environment, and he coordinates the regional environmental education programme in Valle del Cauca. The integrated view of water he gained at IHE Delft is key to it all, he said, adding that it is fulfilling to know that he makes a difference for sustainable development: “I really love working on this stuff,” he said.
