1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
La Paz (FUA)
Region
Latin America and the Caribbean
Native title of the NBS intervention
Revitalización del Parque Urbano Central
Short description of the intervention
In 2001, the local municipality of La Paz, in collaboration with the International Union of Architects (UIA), launched a design contest to create a central park within a protected natural area (3). The park's aim was to develop urban infrastructure while connecting nature with the city (3). The winning architectural design envisioned an infrastructure that would harmonize with the existing natural surroundings and minimize interference with the environment (4).
The park's implementation included pedestrian and bike pathways, numerous panoramic viewpoints, facilities for exercise and cultural events, buildings dedicated to science, historically significant monuments, playgrounds, and the rehabilitation and creation of multiple green spaces (1 & 4 to 6).
While most of the project was completed by 2009, the area's exposure to recurrent landslides, droughts, and illegal waste disposal, combined with ongoing degradation, has necessitated afforestation efforts and maintenance actions from the municipality to ensure the protection of the natural area and enhance its benefits (7 & 8). Recently, the park has been part of a national citizen monitoring program for species, which has improved the categorization of wildlife in the area (11 & 12). Additionally, 2,000 trees were planted in the park in 2023 as part of a reforestation campaign, and cleaning and watering maintenance work has been carried out to support their growth (7 & 13). This initiative is part of a larger project to revitalize the park (10 & 13).
Overall, the park aims to protect local wildlife and plant species while acting as a "green lung" for the city, regulating the climate, providing recreational spaces, and improving livability (14).

Implementation area characterization
Address

Parque Urbano Central
La Paz
Bolivia

Area boundary (map-based)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parque+Urbano+Central/@-16.505378,-68.1287005,1560m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x915f2065b8303add:0xc518ef149e5cbcb0!8m2!3d-16.5032519!4d-68.1256282!16s%2Fg%2F11fk1ny3nr?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Website: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwgfkMv5Ec4XWr4CJ1V2J3LYDsD66q6xN7Ux0lRedGSSyXuPmh1ZhrTgsCsd_a9_n3vMHkDy0wdEOgbtQ0gQc765EFy2hGbcYz-ATLpHMor1j4YA-pUiT6Ci-xytPi0Mrw4S0hvYqh74/s1600/PLANIMETRIA+GRAL+copia.jpg
Total area
1125800.00m²
NBS area
390000.00m²
Area description
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2002
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2004
End date of the intervention
2024
Present stage of the intervention
Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
To protect the ecosystem and enhance the aesthetics of the natural area (2, 10, 13, & 14).
To reconnect the city of La Paz with nature (3 & 4).
To maintain the park as a green lung for La Paz to achieve good air quality (3, 4, 7, 10, & 14).
To develop the city center, creating a space for recreation, interaction, exercise, and sports for citizens, while serving as a tourist attraction (4, 5, & 14).
To improve the livability of La Paz inhabitants by protecting the green space represented by the park (5 & 14).
To reduce the risk of landslides and flooding in the area (unstable soil and heavy rains) (8, 10, & 12).
To monitor the flora and fauna within the park including clearance of invasive species (11 & 12).
To absorb carbon dioxide, minimize the effects of global warming, and regulate local temperatures (12 & 13).
To clean and remove waste from the area to support protective efforts and ensure the growth of newly planted trees (7 & 13).
To ensure effective park management through permanent employment, keeping facilities in good condition and accessible (14).
Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Implementation activities and NBS focus
Implementation activities
The initiative involves several key actions aimed at enhancing and protecting a designated area. First, an area of 112.58 hectares has been declared as landscape heritage and officially categorized as a protected area (2 & 11). This designation is essential for safeguarding the ecological and cultural significance of the land. Ongoing afforestation activities are a crucial component of this initiative, with the most recent efforts including the planting of 2,000 native tree species. In addition, continuous cleaning actions are being implemented to improve waste management within the protected area (11 & 13). Monitoring of the species present in this area is being conducted first through public institutions and later with the encouragement of local citizens to participate in identifying and tracking species (11 & 12).
Efforts will also be made to plant species that assist in soil stabilization, further enhancing the ecological integrity of the area (12). Lastly, the initiative aims to create management jobs for the park to ensure that facilities remain in good condition and accessible for community use (14).
NBS domain and interventions
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Air quality regulation
Carbon storage/sequestration
Flood regulation
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Cultural services
Tourism
Recreation
Mental and physical health and wellbeing
Social and community interactions
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Demographics in implementation area
The Urban Central Park is located in the district 1 of La Paz. Its surface is 2 km2 long, and has 33.889 inhabitants (17, p. 2). People under 25 years of age in districts 1 represent the 35.0% and district 1 has a higher percentage of people 60 years or older compared to the other municipal districts of the municipality of La Paz (15.0%) (17, p. 4). On average, 85.2% of the homes had 2 or fewer people per bedroom, which reflected low overcrowding; 9.1% had between 2 and 3 people per bedroom, and 5.7% had more than 3 people (high overcrowding) (17, p. 27) . The incidence of income poverty in District 1 is of 32,7%, slighlty less than the municipal average (37,6%) (17, p. 30).
Socio-economic profile of the area
Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts
Unknown
Specify primary beneficiaries
-National-level government: "(...) highlighted the importance that the urban park acquires for La Paz in the Latin American context due to the social significance and international image that it represents for the seat of Government" (3).
-Local government/Municipality: "It will be the space that will revitalize the city of La Paz" (3).
-Citizens or community groups: "spaces for rest, cultural activity, areas for children and other entertainment that will improve the quality of life of the people of La Paz" (5).
Marginalized groups
Governance
Governance arrangements
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The local municipality of La Paz together with the International Union of Architects (UIA, an NGO)) launched the contest design for the park (3 & 16). The general government of Bolivia helped attracting funds for the project and the Inter-American Development Bank funded the project (3 & 15). Different phases of the project were launched for licitation and executed by private companies (5 & 6 & 8). Later, the local government together with volunteers from public services cleaned and afforested the area (7 & 10 & 13). The organization Conservation International (NGO) helped local authorities categorizing the park as a protected area (10). Citizens helped monitoring the flora and the fauna of the area (11 & 12).
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
National government
Citizens or community group
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Financial institution
Level of citizen and community engagement
Uncommon actors ("Missing actors")
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
Plan Natural y Plan de Identidad y Patrimonio // "La Paz en Paz y moderna 2021-2026" (18) // Plan de la Tormenta a la Esperanza (12). - Natural Plan and Identity and Heritage Plan // "La Paz in Peace and modern 2021-2026" (18) // Plan from Storm to Hope (12).
Relevant strategy or plan
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Enablers & Barriers
Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives.
Governance innovation and Support from transnational actors: The general government of La Paz helped attracting funds for the project and the Inter-American Development Bank funded the project (3 & 15). Different phases of the project were launched for licitation and executed by private companies (5 & 6 & 8).
Barriers
It is located in a landslide prone-zone, sometimes areas are closed to the public which affects access and use (9 & 10).
Financing
Please specify total cost (EUR)
17600000 (15).
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown.
Type of fund(s) used
Non-financial contribution
Yes
Who provided the non-financial contribution?
Type of non-financial contribution
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-governance arrangement
Entrepreneurship opportunities
No
Business models
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Impacts, benefits
Description of environmental benefits
-Expected enhanced carbon sequestration: "Each tree we plant has a function, which is basically to absorb CO2 or carbon dioxide, and obviously minimize everything that is global warming" (13).
-Expected improved resilience against landslides: "Tasks are carried out to mitigate possible geological movements, with the care of trees and reforestation" (10).
-Achieved improved air quality: "It is also considered the “lungs of the city” due to the presence of trees" (14).
-Achieved improved waste management: "The cleaning of solid waste and various materials found on both sides of Poeta Avenue will be carried out" (10).
-Achieved increase in protected green space areas; "The need to establish plans and projects for its preservation, conservation and maintenance was defined" (14).
-Achieved increased number of protection areas: "On April 6 we were finally able to obtain a categorization for the protected areas, among which are our Central Urban Park" (10).
-Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "It is a refuge for birds adapted to urban areas, as it is considered a recreation space and urban attraction for ecotourism purposes" (12).
-Expected reduced biodiversity loss: "It is a refuge for birds adapted to urban areas, as it is considered a recreation space and urban attraction for ecotourism purposes" (12).
Environmental impact indicators
Total number of bird species re-introduced, rediscovered or monitored
20
Total area of protected or secured natural areas (in ha)
1125800
Description of economic benefits
-Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions): "The Administrator of the Central Urban Park, Mariela Ross, points out that permanent maintenance is carried out to receive visitors in the best conditions" (14).
-Expected more sustainable tourism: "It is a refuge for birds adapted to urban areas, as it is considered a recreation space and urban attraction for ecotourism purposes" (12).
-Achieved attraction of business and investment: "highlighted the importance that the urban park acquires for La Paz in the Latin American context due to the social significance and international image that it represents for the seat of Government" (3).
Social and cultural impact indicators
Total area of recreational green space created or restored (in ha)
390000
Description of social and cultural benefits
-Achieved improved social cohesion: "with recreational activities that help to better learn social values" (14).
-Achieved improved liveability: "spaces for rest, cultural activity, areas for children and other entertainment that will improve the quality of life of the people of La Paz” (5).
-Achieved improved access to urban green space: "The park will be equipped with drinking fountains and public bathrooms, as well as connectors such as walkways, pedestrian crossings and corridors" (4).
-Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "For sports enthusiasts, there's the Zapata field and a dedicated cycle path" (1).
-Expected protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure: "The memory and future of the city of La Paz will be two vital topics that will be expressed in a space in the park in order to value the historical area of ​​the city" (4).
-Expected increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: "The memory and future of the city of La Paz will be two vital topics that will be expressed in a space in the park in order to value the historical area of ​​the city" (4).
-Achieved increased appreciation for natural spaces: "It is also considered the “lungs of the city” due to the presence of trees that encourage the preservation and care of the environment" (14).
-Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "La Paz we have a special responsibility, we are guardians of some impressive and biodiverse landscapes that are also paradigms in the world. From our mountains, our valleys, our rivers, to our pure air, every element of this city and its natural environment is invaluable” (13).
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Type of indicators
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown.
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Cost-benefit analysis
Unknown
Justice
Community satisfaction
Trade-offs & Negative impacts
Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement
High-quality & Transformative NBS
Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community)
Yes
Goal setting and impacts delivery
Yes, from the planning phase the project aimed to address issues in these three key priority areas and it also delivered benefits across these three areas.
Reaching original project goals
Please specify the achievements of the project goals
Climate action and Biodiversity:
-Expected enhanced carbon sequestration: "Each tree we plant has a function, which is basically to absorb CO2 or carbon dioxide, and obviously minimize everything that is global warming" (13).
-Expected improved resilience against landslides: "Tasks are carried out to mitigate possible geological movements, with the care of trees and reforestation" (10).
-Achieved improved air quality: "It is also considered the “lungs of the city” due to the presence of trees" (14).
-Achieved improved waste management: "The cleaning of solid waste and various materials found on both sides of Poeta Avenue will be carried out" (10).
-Achieved increase in protected green space areas; "The need to establish plans and projects for its preservation, conservation and maintenance was defined" (14).
-Achieved increased number of protection areas: "On April 6 we were finally able to obtain a categorization for the protected areas, among which are our Central Urban Park" (10).
-Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "It is a refuge for birds adapted to urban areas, as it is considered a recreation space and urban attraction for ecotourism purposes" (12).
-Expected reduced biodiversity loss: "It is a refuge for birds adapted to urban areas, as it is considered a recreation space and urban attraction for ecotourism purposes" (12).
Social justice and community:
"-Achieved improved social cohesion: "with recreational activities that help to better learn social values" (14).
-Achieved improved liveability: "spaces for rest, cultural activity, areas for children and other entertainment that will improve the quality of life of the people of La Paz” (5).
-Achieved improved access to urban green space: "The park will be equipped with drinking fountains and public bathrooms, as well as connectors such as walkways, pedestrian crossings and corridors" (4).
-Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "For sports enthusiasts, there's the Zapata field and a dedicated cycle path" (1).
-Expected protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure: "The memory and future of the city of La Paz will be two vital topics that will be expressed in a space in the park in order to value the historical area of ​​the city" (4).
-Expected increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: "The memory and future of the city of La Paz will be two vital topics that will be expressed in a space in the park in order to value the historical area of ​​the city" (4).
-Achieved increased appreciation for natural spaces: "It is also considered the “lungs of the city” due to the presence of trees that encourage the preservation and care of the environment" (14).
-Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "La Paz we have a special responsibility, we are guardians of some impressive and biodiverse landscapes that are also paradigms in the world. From our mountains, our valleys, our rivers, to our pure air, every element of this city and its natural environment is invaluable” (13). "
Long-term perspective
Unknown: No information about the project's long-term sustainability.
Cost-effective solutions
Unknown
Application of lessons learned
Perception of Environmental Change
Unknown
References
1.
GPSMyCity (n.d.). Parque Urbano Central (Central Urban Park), La Paz. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
2.
Municipalidad de la Paz (2000). Ordenanza-municipal-2000-ch. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
3.
ANF Agencia de Noticias Fides Bolivia (2002). PUC fue adjudicado al proyecto del alemán Alex Loher. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
4.
Miranda, J.M. (2002). Parque Urbano de La Paz_ El proyecto se expone en la Oficialía Mayor de Culturas. Bolivia.com, Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
5.
Bolivia.com (2005). El Parque Urbano Central de La Paz ya es realidad. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
6.
ANF Agencia de Noticias Fides Bolivia (2005). Trotadores y bici senda_ el Parque Urbano Central da su tercer paso este año. . Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
7.
El Diario (2019). Realizarán mantenimiento del Parque Urbano Central. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
8.
ANF Agencia de Noticias Fides Bolivia (2005). La Vía Balcón del Parque Urbano cobra forma en el sector del cerro Laikacota. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
9.
Red Uno de Bolivia (2023). Cierran el playón A del Parque Urbano de La Paz y perjudica a feriantes de la Alasita. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
10.
El Diario (2024). Alcaldía impulsa revitalización del Parque Urbano Central . Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
11.
Ciencia Ciudadana (2022). Reto Ciudad Naturaleza - Ciencia Ciudadana. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
12.
Agencia Municipal de Noticias La Paz (2024). Inician tareas de limpieza y riego del Parque Urbano Central en el Día Mundial de la Madre Tierra. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
13.
Agencia Municipal de Noticias (2022). El Parque Urbano Central, un espacio natural con una variada flora y fauna . Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
14.
El Diario (2012). Doce años del Parque Urbano Central se festejan con juegos y actividades. Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
15.
ANF Agencia de Noticias Fides Bolivia (2003). BID aprobará SUS.20 millones para el Parque Urbano Central. Accessed on September 16, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
16.
Mauricio Manzoni (2012). Concurso Internacional Parque Urbano La Paz . Accessed on September 15, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
17.
Secretaría Municipal de Planificación (2018). Cartillas Macrodistritales - Centro. Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La Paz, p. 2 & 4 & 27 & 30. Accessed on September 16, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
18.
Gobierno Municipal de La Paz (2022). Plan de gobierno la paz en paz y moderna 2021-2026. Accessed on September 16, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
Comments and notes
Public Images
Image
One of the viewpoints of the park
One of the viewpoints of the park
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=parque+urbano+central+la+paz#lpg=ik:CAoSLEFGMVFpcE1vMmlsNGtIUml2MXdaQlNSamdadnhhTWE2RlJidy1pOHdxRkRX
Image
Volunteers cleaning and planting
Volunteers cleaning and planting
https://www.eldiario.net/portal/2024/04/22/alcaldia-impulsa-revitalizacion-del-parque-urbano-central/