Systemic Attributes of Climate Finance: Assessing Distributional and Functional Efficiency in Vulnerable Colombian Regions

Published: 2026-07-17

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This study develops an integrated typology and a territorial assessment of the efficacy of climate change adaptation finance mechanisms in Colombia. Employing a multi-method approach, integrating qualitative coding, matrix categorization, geospatial mapping, and data visualization—finance mechanisms were classified into public, private, and market-based instruments. The findings reveal significant territorial disparities regarding financial accessibility and institutional coordination. Results demonstrate that the National Adaptation Fund (Fondo Nacional de Adaptación) and Payments for Environmental Services (PES) yield the highest adaptive impact. Conversely, private and hybrid mechanisms exhibit marginal utilization in high-vulnerability zones. The primary contribution of this research is the proposal of a structural analytical framework based on six systemic attributes: flexibility, territoriality, multi-level governance, risk management, institutional articulation, and absorptive capacity. This framework facilitates a rigorous evaluation of climate finance effectiveness and provides a strategic baseline for resource prioritization in vulnerable territories, serving as a robust decision-making tool for public policy and territorial planning.

Maribel Pinilla Rivera, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia

Business Administrator, Specialist in Public Management, M.Sc. in Economics, and Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management Modeling. She is a Professor and Researcher at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, where she carries out teaching, research, and outreach activities in the field of Environmental Management.

Her academic and research career has focused on sustainable development, with particular emphasis on strategic decision-making, financial and administrative management, and public policy analysis. As the author of numerous scientific publications, her research has contributed to the design and evaluation of strategies aimed at mitigating environmental impacts, strengthening organizational sustainability, and promoting sustainable development across diverse contexts.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with public, private, and academic institutions in the design, evaluation, and management of projects that generate economic, social, and environmental value. Her experience as a professor and researcher has established her as a recognized expert in public management, sustainability, territorial development, and public policy formulation.

Diana Carolina Barreto Reyes, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia

Environmental Administrator with dual Master's degrees in Environmental Management and Auditing and Sustainability, as well as a Specialist degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management. She has a solid professional background in the implementation, auditing, and continuous improvement of integrated management systems, corporate sustainability, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

She has served as a Lead Auditor and consultant in the implementation, evaluation, and improvement of management systems based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards. She has also worked as an Internal Auditor for the Uniform Registry of Contractors (RUC) in the hydrocarbons sector and for standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 39001 (Road Traffic Safety, Decree 1079 of 2015), and ISO 50001 (Energy Management). She has extensive experience in the design and implementation of Risk Management Systems, including SARLAFT, SAGRILAFT, SARAS, internal control, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption management systems, as well as in the preparation of sustainability reports in accordance with the GRI Standards.

Her experience as a lecturer and conference speaker has established her as a recognized expert in management systems, internal auditing, risk management, sustainability, continuous improvement, process control, and organizational compliance, contributing to the professional development of individuals and the strengthening of institutional capabilities.

Throughout her career, she has led projects in occupational health and safety, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and consulting in quality management, environmental management, business management, and organizational development. She has coordinated multidisciplinary teams across sectors including insurance brokerage, pensions, construction, food, transportation, and hydrocarbons, promoting innovative strategies aimed at process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement, always aligned with the strategic objectives and specific needs of each organization.

She has held prominent roles as Lead Auditor and consultant in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, as well as Internal Auditor in RUC (Uniform Registry of Contractors) for the hydrocarbons sector and in standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 39001 (road safety, Decree 1079 of 2015) and ISO 50001 (energy efficiency). She is a specialist in Risk Management Systems (SARLAFT, SAGRILAFT, SARAS, internal control, anti-bribery and anti-corruption management), as well as in the preparation and implementation of sustainability reports under the GRI standard. Her teaching and lecturing experience positions her as a leader in quality management, internal auditing, risk management, continuous improvement, and process control.

Throughout her career, she has led projects in occupational health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and consulting in quality management, environmental management, and business and organizational management. She has coordinated teams in sectors such as insurance brokerage, the pension industry, construction, food, and transportation, promoting innovative strategies to optimize and automate processes in line with each organization's objectives.

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