Blue-Green Infrastructure for Flood Management in Data-Scarce Regions: A Case Study from Colombia

Colombia, a tropical developing country, frequently experiences unpredictable flooding. Conventional adaptation strategies have often failed, sometimes exacerbating community vulnerabilities under a changing climate. This study examines the Guarapas River catchment as a case study, assessing Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) as an alternative flood mitigation approach. Using the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM), the research demonstrates BGI’s potential to reduce peak flows, even in regions with limited data availability. Results underscore the feasibility of implementing BGI in data-scarce environments and highlight innovative validation methods such as the use of social media. By acknowledging data constraints and showcasing practical alternatives, this study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and disaster management stakeholders seeking cost-effective and resilient flood mitigation solutions.