No water no life, take care of the unique life provider.

A unique and rare ecosystem, that every day produces water and provides a natural service to all the world, is called a “Paramo”. The “paramos” possess the greatest botanical biodiversity of all high-altitude ecosystems, it means that more than  60% of their plant species are endemic, only found in this extraordinary location. Moreover, the “páramo” is a geographical paradox, a frosty ecosystem found in a tropical zone with incredible beauty. Here we can find the frailejon, the famous plant found in the “paramo” that captures water from low-hanging clouds and releases it back into the soil, ensuring cities like Bogota have a continuous water supply. 

On the other hand, here in Colombia many years ago the indigenous inhabitants incorporated the “páramo” in traditional ceremonies as it was considered to be a sacred area, making us realize the importance of the preservation of this rich and incomparable place. 

Now we are going to talk about the “paramo” Chingaza, a very interesting place that everyone should visit at least one time in life. This magnificent location is a moorland, a type of habitat located in the highest areas. This biome is recognized for its acid soil and its few varieties of vegetation; nevertheless, this is the home of more than 420 species. Chingaza “paramo” has an area of 76,000 hectáreas which supplies water for the 8 million inhabitants of the capital. This makes the moor such an important landscape for this population, because without it the capital will not survive. 

Moreover, this area has a rich wildlife, since animals such as the spectacled bear, the red deer, the páramo tapir, squirrels, the puma, the condor of the Andes, eagles, the cock-of-the-rock, the jaguar, turkeys, the churuco monkey, the night monkey, the tigrillo, the chucha and the toucan, can be found -  all important species for the biodiversity of the world that every one must take care off. 

Furthermore in the “paramo” Chingaza, we can find the flora, which as we said before, is responsible for the high quality of water that gets to Bogota`s houses. In the high Andean forests the encenillo (Weinmannia sp.), The gaque (Clusia multiflora) and the tibar (Escallonia myrtilloides) predominate, and in the “páramo” areas the frailejones (Espeletia grandiflora), the pajonales (Calamagrostis sp.), The senecios (Senecio niveoaureus), the chusque (Chusquea tessellata) and peat bog communities in swampy areas. 

So why does the world not appreciate what the world offers and not care of the “paramos” in Colombia?

Here we give you five tips that everyone could do, and remember that every small action counts, and if we join together, we can change the world.

• Use the water wisely and rationally. Try to take a shower in less than 3 minutes.

• Collect the water in a bucket while it is getting hot.

• Reduce, reuse and recycle, we should do these three actions day by day in our lives 

• Try to buy food without so many chemicals or fertilizers in order to protect this biome.   

Be aware and spread your knowledge, If more people know about the importance of the biodiversity of the world, more people will try to preserve it!.

We have to be responsible and take care of the “Paramos”. It is never late to start the change.