The city of Bello has long struggled with structural hurdles in its waste system, including outdated infrastructure and missing data for better planning. When Nataly Cubillos returned to Colombia, this is where she stepped in. After moving to Germany in 2015, Nataly Cubillos deepened her expertise in environmental policy, circular economy, and monitoring tools for climate projects. As a diaspora expert, she went to her country of origin to translate this knowledge into practical solutions for the city. 

Nataly stressed the importance of a circular approach built on technology, innovation, and social inclusion. Waste pickers, for example, play a vital role in recycling, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. Working with the waste department, the local waste pickers association, the collection company, and the Environmental Secretary’s staff, she carried out a full characterisation of Bello’s solid waste. She then processed the results and developed a digital dashboard which now guides planning by highlighting priority waste streams and showing where interventions can have the most impact. Nataly also co-developed a Zero Waste booklet with guidelines, practical steps and recommendations tailored to local conditions.  

Her mission strengthened local capacity and equipped the municipality with the tools and data needed to advance a circular waste system.

Further information on the offers available to the Colombian diaspora can be found below.