Colombia is a country with a high vulnerability to climate change, due to its physical, geographical, economic, social, and biodiversity characteristics. In addition, climate change has a direct effect on the hydrological cycle, generating a negative impact on the availability and quality of water resources throughout the national territory. The productive business sector has been directly affected by these impacts of climate variability and climate change. It is estimated that the risks associated with climate change represent one trillion dollars for companies worldwide in terms of impacts that may occur in the next 5 years. These impacts are manifested through different dimensions: direct economic losses, interruption of operations, impact on supply chains, macroeconomic effects, among others. 

This proposal is based on a participatory diagnosis of barriers and opportunities in the business sector in order to propose specific actions for the management of climate risks associated with water resource management, as a measure of efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. The project will be based primarily on food and beverage companies, and pulp, paper, and cardboard whose water use is significant (water-intensive sectors). Improving the capabilities of these companies would have a major impact on Colombia's strategies for coping with climate risks.