SWITCH city papers
A series of papers based upon joint assessments undertaken in SWITCH cities.
In 2008 and 2010 a series of 'city assessments' were undertaken to help document the processes followed by SWITCH in its focus cities and the project outcomes. Specifically, these assessments aimed to: 1) reflect on the effectiveness of the intervention logic followed, 2) identify recommendations for activities to be undertaken and 3) identify mechanisms to ensure sustainability and scaling up of the work done. The assessments were undertaken by teams made up of the local city coordinator (and team) and a peer from outside (IRC or another consortium partner). The assessments were followed by reflection workshops that aimed to draw out and synthesise key lessons.
Starting at the top: preventing pollution from tanneries and cleaning up the Rio Bogotá
29 Jul 11
The dispute between the authorities and the tanners in the upper reaches of the Bogotá River was at first seen to be about unacceptable pollution of the river. On closer inspection it was clear that it was also about land rights and to some extent, the social exclusion of a community from the decision making processes. Efforts to prevent the tanners from polluting the river had been largely coercive and had failed to engage effectively with their interests. Intermediaries acting “on behalf” of the tanners had not always acted in their best interests. The only solutions on offer were about treatment plants.
