Sacralisation
The páramo, a unique high-altitude ecosystem in the Andes, is often described by outsiders as a vital “water factory” that supports millions. However, for the indigenous communities and local populations living nearby, the páramo is much more than just a source of water; it is a living, spiritual entity that is deeply woven into their cultural and ethical identity.
For tribes such as the Muisca, the páramo has never been just a landscape. It is, and for many still remains, a sacred space, the home of gods and ancestral spirits. This spiritual connection shapes how they relate to the environment. As one source points out, these communities see the páramo as a “living being,” an entity with which they have a respectful and reverent relationship (Holt, 2024). This view sharply contrasts with the Western perspective, which often treats land as a commodity to be managed or exploited. The páramo is not owned; it is inhabited by spiritual forces that demand respect.
This spirituality is closely tied to the most essential resource of the páramo: water. Indigenous knowledge systems do not see water as just a simple chemical compound but as a vital spiritual essence. The lakes and rivers that originate in the páramo are deemed sacred, often personified as divine feminine entities. For example, the Muisca considered Lake Guatavita the home of a deity, leading to the legend of El Dorado (Holt, 2024). This sanctification of water sources creates a strong ethical framework for conservation. Polluting a stream or harming fragile vegetation (frailejónes) is not just an ecological error; it is a spiritual violation.
The cultural and ethnobotanical importance of the páramo's plants is significant. The frailejón, the most iconic plant, is central to both the ecosystem and local beliefs. These unusual, woolly plants are crucial for capturing water from the clouds and are used in traditional medicine by local communities to treat respiratory issues and other ailments (Schroeder, 2025.). This practical use is rooted in a deeper respect, viewing the plants as ancient guardians of the highlands. Knowledge about which plants to use and how to harvest them sustainably is part of a cultural heritage passed down through generations, a form of practical spirituality that keeps the balance between the people and the páramo.
Tragically, this sacred balance now faces severe threats, creating a serious cultural and ethical crisis. The main conflict stems from large-scale mining and agricultural projects, which are legally allowed in certain areas of the páramo. For local and indigenous populations, extracting minerals from the “body” of this sacred land is a profound act of desecration (Lebastard, 2024). This has resulted in a direct clash of worldviews: one sees the páramo as a source of financial value through its resources, while the other views it as a source of life and spiritual sustenance.
This conflict has sparked a significant form of social resistance, where spirituality merges with activism. Rural communities and environmental advocates are framing their fight not just in terms of environmental rights but as a defense of their cultural and spiritual heritage (Cáceres-Manrique et al., 2023). They are, in essence, protecting their “mother,” a feeling that strengthens their resilience against powerful economic and political interests. Their struggle emphasises a crucial point: preserving the páramo is tied to preserving the cultural and spiritual identities that have safeguarded it for centuries.
In conclusion, reducing the páramo to just its hydrological function misses its true importance. It is a cathedral of biodiversity and a treasure trove of ancient wisdom, where plants like the frailejón serve as both medicine and spiritual symbols. Ongoing destruction of this ecosystem signifies not only an environmental disaster but also an act of cultural and spiritual decline, severing a sacred bond that has defined entire cultures for centuries.
Bibliography
Cáceres-Manrique, F.M., Valderrama-Rincon, J. and Silvestre, M.M. (2023) 'Disputes over the Páramos: A Case Study of Ecological Justice in the High Andes of Colombia', Society & Natural Resources. [online] available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08941920.2023.2258346 [Accessed 20 November 2025].
Holt, C. (2024) 'Earth US: Paramos of Colombia', Medium. [online] available from: https://cathyholt.medium.com/earth-us-paramos-of-colombia-e3266a47ee5c [Accessed 20 November 2025].
Lebastard, J. (2024) 'Ethics and Public Policy: The Crisis of the Paramos in Colombia', Medium. [online] available from:https://medium.com/@jeanne.lebastard/ethics-and-public-policy-the-crisis-of-the-paramos-in-colombia-1f4975c219e7 [Accessed 20 November 2025].
Schroeder, R. (2025) 'Inside the Paramo', Volunteer Latin America. [online] available from: https://www.volunteerlatinamerica.com/blog/posts/inside-the-paramo [Accessed 20 November 2025].