Colombia's Páramos in Peril: Urgent Action Needed to Save Vital Water Source

Cundinamarca's Páramos Under Threat: Mining and Agriculture Jeopardize Water Supply for Millions Bogotá, Colombia – The páramos, high-altitude ecosystems crucial for water resources, are facing severe degradation in Cundinamarca, Colombia. This is according to a recent report by Noticias Caracol, which highlights the devastating impact of uncontrolled mining and agricultural expansion on these fragile environments. Over 10 million people depend on the water originating from these páramos, making their protection paramount. The report features alarming footage of destroyed frailejones (a type of plant unique to páramos) and eroded soil, illustrating the severe consequences of these unsustainable practices. Alfred Ballesteros, director of the Corporación Autónoma de Cundinamarca (CAR), emphasized the long-term nature of the recovery process, stating, "Recovering the vegetation of a frailejón is a task of 50, 60, 70 years." This underscores the urgency of immediate action. The CAR is actively working to address the issue, implementing controls on agricultural expansion and signing conservation agreements with local communities. However, the challenges are significant, with illegal activities continuing in some areas. The report also shows the extent of land transformation in areas like Saboyá, where over 60% of the land has been altered. Despite the challenges, the CAR's efforts and community involvement offer a glimmer of hope for the future of Cundinamarca's páramos and the millions who depend on them for water. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness and implement conservation measures are crucial in safeguarding this vital ecosystem.