Working towards sustainable tourism in Colombia
Colombia is a country rich in biodiversity, with multiple ecosystems, including the Paramo, a unique ecosystem in the world. The Paramos are mountainous ecosystems located between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level and known for the diversity of their flora and fauna. They are essential for the water supply of various regions and play an important role in mitigating global warming by controlling carbon dioxide. Sustainable tourism in Colombia is of paramount importance for the country but also for unique ecosystems in the world such as the Amazon rainforest or the Paramo themselves.
Envol Vert : a solution to the threat weighing on the Paramos
The Paramos face different threats such as overgrazing, fires and mining. In 2011, Envol Vert was born as a sustainable initiative aimed at preserving forests and biodiversity in Latin America, promoting conservation projects, economic sustainability and collaboration with local communities.
In 2021, Magelia Colombia agency engaged with sustainable tourism in Colombia and Envol Vert decided to create an alliance to preserve the areas near the Páramo de Socotá in Boyacá, which are also facing problems due to agricultural overexploitation. The Páramo de Socotá is an essential part of the Pisba National Natural Park, which supplies water to the departments of Casanare and Boyacá. It is also home to the only bear in South America, the spectacled bear.
Women’s entrepreneurship in the service of the revival of agricultural life and the natural heritage of Socotá
Magelia Colombia is a company managed and staffed exclusively by women of Colombian nationality. The Envol Vert project in Socotá supports, among other things, initiatives led by women. The partnership between Magelia Colombia and Envol Vert in the framework of sustainable tourism in Colombia also seeks to support women’s leadership. Specifically, the partnership consists of planting 1 tree for each traveler who travels with our company in Colombia. We seek to protect the Páramo, preserving biological and water corridors, as well as supporting new sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative also ensures that tourism not only generates revenue but also promotes the conservation of Colombia’s biodiversity, a value at the heart of sustainable tourism in Colombia.
The revitalization of the Páramos: a key to environmental success
From the launch of the partnership in March 2021 until June 2024:
- 1,647 trees were planted to protect the banks of 3 rivers thanks to donations from Magelia Colombia
- 3 plant nurseries were built and managed each week by an Envol Vert volunteer.
- 69 participants joined the improvement of agricultural practices for honey processing.
- 87 participants joined the improvement of agricultural practices for wheat processing.
- CHINYIA, a registered trademark that seeks to commercialize local wheat, honey and coffee, was created.
- 46 training courses were conducted on plant nursery management, good agricultural practices, product processing, beekeeping, marketing and accounting.
- 18 micro-plots were planted and harvested with 9 local varieties of wheat, which are being monitored.
- 2 traditional mills were restored.
- 1 new wheat thresher was acquired.
In total, 65 people benefited directly from the project’s actions and 260 people benefited indirectly from the partnership between Magelia Colombia and Envol Vert. This project had a positive impact on the ecosystem and local populations around the territory. By the end of 2024, Magelia Colombia will have managed to plant nearly 2,000 trees! !
If you are traveling to Colombia, join our fight against deforestation and help us preserve the Paramo de Socota. Travel to Colombie with us.
