Empowering Communities: New Colombia Land Offices Aim to Simplify Property Ownership
Across three Colombian municipalities—Aguachica, Agustín Codazzi, and Pueblo Bello—citizens can now access crucial information and services related to land ownership, marking a significant stride towards land security and economic empowerment. The National Land Agency, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local authorities, has established dedicated Municipal Land Offices (OMTs) to simplify land-related procedures and promote a culture of formal land tenure.
Alexandra Pineda Ortiz, consultant to the National Land Agency’s general management, highlighted the initiative’s reach: "There are 60 of these offices in the country, distributed in 27 regions."
This decentralized approach brings land administration services closer to the people, empowering communities to navigate complex processes with ease.
"Municipal Land Offices are examples of territorial organizations at municipal level, composed of legal, cadastral and social professionals, which allow the districts to carry out processes, activities and procedures to formalize ownership, manage resources, to optimize the administration of the area. and to serve the community in all matters related to public land policies," explained the Agency.
These offices offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:
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Information on Available Properties: Providing citizens with access to data on land for sale, promoting transparency in land markets.
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Formalization & Regularization: Assisting individuals in securing legal titles for their land, safeguarding their property rights and facilitating access to credit and investment opportunities.
- Education & Outreach: Raising awareness about the importance of formal land ownership and the benefits it brings to individuals and communities.
The new offices complement existing services offered by the National Land Agency’s regional headquarters in Valledupar, creating a robust network of support for land tenure security throughout the region.
The locations of the new offices are strategically chosen for easy accessibility:
- Aguachica: Carrera 17 number 6-80, Olaya Herrera neighborhood
- Agustín Codazzi: Casa de la Mujer, Carrera 23 #10A–45, Martínez Barbosa
- Pueblo Bello: City Administration Center, street 9 #10-25
This initiative reflects Colombia’s commitment to strengthening land governance and promoting equitable access to land resources, ensuring that land ownership empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth.
This Colombian project highlights a global trend towards decentralization and community-based approaches to land administration, recognizing that local knowledge and involvement are crucial for sustainable land management and development.
