What We Do | COLDEMAR

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Photo by Lisa Zimmermann

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What do we do?

Joint Research

At COLDEMAR, researchers from the ZMT, the Universidad del Valle, along with partner organizations and communities, are jointly developing pilot research projects to gain a comprehensive understanding of how climate change and human activities affect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Current collaborative research topics at COLDEMAR include:

Joint Research

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Ecosystems

Status, functioning, and ecosystem services

We study the current state of the major marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as their biodiversity, ecological functions, and benefits to people. We also assess how all of this is being affected by extreme weather events.

Connectivity

Land and ocean

We seek to understand the fluxes and exchanges of nutrients, matter, and biomass in marine and coastal ecosystems, and how these cycles are altered by climate change and human activities.

Communities

Governance and adaptation to climate change

We analyze how individuals, institutions, and organizations make decisions regarding the management of marine and coastal resources and ecosystems. We also explore strategies for climate change adaptation and solutions that benefit both communities and nature.

Explore our research lines

We seek to understand the fluxes and exchanges of nutrients, matter, and biomass in marine and coastal ecosystems, and how these cycles are altered by climate change and human activities.

Training for Early-Career Researchers

COLDEMAR offers interdisciplinary training and education opportunities to early-career researchers through specialized courses, academic exchanges, and participation in research projects aimed at strengthening scientific, technical, and analytical skills. These programs foster cross-cultural experiences and promote collaboration between future Colombian and German research leaders.

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Joint Research Initiatives

COLDEMAR promotes the creation and shared use of scientific infrastructure and analytical capabilities among its partner institutions. This includes specialized laboratories and monitoring systems that will enable the ongoing study of biodiversity, water quality, and environmental changes along Colombia’s coastline.

Research with local impact and global relevance

Photo by Sonia Bejarano

Strategic Alliances

COLDEMAR welcomes external partners to collaborate on participatory workshops, researcher exchanges, and the development and implementation of research proposals that will help expand its scientific collaboration networks.

In 2026, our partners include:

COLDEMAR Communications

News LinkedIn ZMT Universidad del Valle

Joint Statement

Through our channels, we seek to connect with the scientific and academic community, government officials, environmental organizations, local coastal communities, and the general public, promoting an open dialogue that brings science closer to local communities and helps generate knowledge that makes a difference.