The country is fortunate to have these water factories; Colombia is said to be home to more than half of the paramos in the entire world.
News Colombia.
Paramos are unique ecosystems found in mountainous regions above the tree line and at an altitude of between 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level. In Colombia, these ecosystems are especially important, as they are home to rich biodiversity and play a crucial role in water and climate regulation.
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The moors are transition zones between mountain forests and glaciers. They are characterized by a cold and humid climate, as well as by their unique vegetation, which includes plants such as frailejones, mosses and various species of grasses. These ecosystems are capable of retaining large quantities of water, functioning as true natural “sponges” that regulate the flow of water to rivers and streams.
Importance of the paramos in Colombia
According to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Colombia has 37 paramos, which total approximately 3 million hectares of paramos, which represents 50% of the total of these ecosystems in the world.
The paramos are crucial sources of drinking water for millions of Colombians. It is estimated that around 70% of the water consumed in the country comes from these ecosystems. The conservation of the paramos is vital to guarantee access to this essential resource.
These ecosystems are home to a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world. Also, the moors play an important role in regulating the climate.
Despite their importance, the paramos face multiple threats, such as mining, intensive agriculture, climate change and deforestation. These activities put at risk the integrity of these ecosystems and, therefore, the water supply and biodiversity they house.
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