Gestión de proyectos comunitarios para la sostenibilidad urbana: análisis del programa Centinelas Urbanas de la Fundación Fundamb

Abstract

The Urban Sentinels project, led by the Fundamb Foundation, arose in response to the deterioration and neglect of public spaces in Bucaramanga, where low citizen participation and inconsistent environmental policies have generated a negative perception of parks and green areas, with only 49% satisfaction. The project aims to evaluate how applying project management methodologies enhances the effectiveness of community-based urban sustainability initiatives, integrating social and environmental theory and practice. The central problem is the disconnect between institutional strategies and everyday practices, which hinders the consolidation of lasting changes in behavior and the conservation of public spaces. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, is adopted, employing a case study with semi-structured interviews, focus groups, document analysis, surveys, and the measurement of indicators such as the volume of separated waste, the number of parks restored, and community participation. The scope is descriptive and correlational, with an exploratory component, allowing for the characterization of results, the analysis of relationships, and the guidance of future research. It is expected that the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects under project management principles will improve urban sustainability, and that training and community ownership will generate positive changes in environmental habits and strengthen social cohesion. In conclusion, the systematic management of community projects is an effective tool for addressing urban environmental and social problems, providing academic value and practical recommendations for replicating initiatives in other contexts in Colombia.