Paramo Snacks and NGO Cumbres Blancas announce a strategic partnership to restore Colombia’s Paramos, critical ecosystems for freshwater supply and biodiversity. The initiative will establish nurseries for endangered frailejones (genus Espeletia) and launch the "Adopt a Frailejon" program, inviting public involvement in protecting these endemic plants along with other native species, which play a key role in regulating water cycles and preserving the Paramo’s biodiversity.
The alliance will be announced at the “Salón Baudó, Casa Humboldt” (COP16) in Cali, Colombia on October 28, 2024 at 5:30pm.
The Paramo ecosystems play a key role in water production and distribution, with frailejones and soils capturing moisture from fog and rain to form streams, rivers, and lakes. These unique and biodiverse ecosystems, exclusive to the high mountain regions of the tropics, are facing significant threats. Despite their vital role as primary water sources and important carbon sinks in Colombia, they are rapidly deteriorating and receive far less attention than other vulnerable ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest. Climate change, the expansion of agricultural frontiers with unsustainable productive practices, and extensive livestock farming have significantly contributed to soil degradation and the deforestation of cloud forests in the Colombian Paramos. It is estimated that the Guerrero Paramo, the initial focus for the intervention of this alliance, has lost approximately 60% of its native vegetation, which has been largely replaced mainly by crops and pastures.
At the booth, the parties will offer attendees "Adopt a Frailejon" vouchers valued at COP 40,000 (USD 10) to help promote the urgent need for restoring the ecosystems. The growth of a frailejon from seed can take up to two years before it is ready for planting, highlighting the lengthy and delicate care process involved, which also has a high mortality rate. To further engage the community in this crucial initiative, Paramo Snacks and Cumbres Blancas will distribute a limited number of a special edition book featuring the frailejones, with contributions from 55 experts. This highlights the urgent need for immediate action to ensure the survival of these vital plants and the paramo ecosystems they support.
“This alliance unites two organizations led by Colombian women, inspired by the preservation of water and the protection of these unique ecosystems,” said Margarita Cabal, CEO and Founder of Paramo Snacks. “We aim to raise international awareness of the critical issues facing the paramos and highlight the urgent need for decisive restoration actions. By collaborating with local communities and government agencies, we offer an innovative approach that empowers individuals worldwide to be part of the solution in a different way.”
"In the last century, 8 of our glaciers in Colombia became extinct, and the remaining 6 will likely follow suit during this century. If we do not take swift action to restore our high mountain ecosystems, the next to face extinction will be the Paramos. This alliance helps us amplify our restoration efforts and spread our message to different corners of the world”, said Marcela Fernández, founder of Cumbres Blancas. “These unique ecosystems play a crucial role in water regulation, biodiversity, and carbon storage, making them vital not only for Colombia but also for the global environmental health”
About Paramo Snacks
Paramo Snacks is a women-owned company internationally recognized for its innovation and social & environmental impact. The company produces healthy, baked chips made from real fruits and vegetables, marketed under the brand GOOD CHIPS by Paramo Snacks in the United States, Colombia, Venezuela, Canada, and Romania.
Paramo Snacks ensures fair prices for smallholder farmers and invests 2% of all sales in the restoration of endangered ecosystems—the paramos—that produce the most valuable resource on Earth: WATER!
Learn more at website: www.paramosnacks.us
About Cumbres Blancas
Cumbres Blancas is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of mountain ecosystems, including glaciers and paramos. The organization focuses on raising awareness about the melting of Colombian glaciers, fostering changes in how we care for ecosystems, and promoting the adoption of frailejones. As an interdisciplinary corporation, Cumbres Blancas strives to make a significant impact on the conservation of high mountain ecosystems and the Colombian Paramos.
Learn more at website: www.cumbresblancas.co
For more information (press only):
Andres Reyes
[email protected]
Phone: +1 (832) 270 9838