Colombia Declares Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta a Permanent Reserve, Banning Fossil Fuel Extraction

Colombia has officially declared the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a vital 1.5 million-hectare ecosystem in the country's north, as a permanent reserve and a zone free from extractive fossil fuel activities. The Ministry of Environment announced the decision on Wednesday, emphasizing the protection of this strategic natural area.

The new designation prohibits the issuance of any new mining titles or licenses for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons within the Sierra Nevada. This measure aims to safeguard the region's biodiversity and natural resources from the impacts of fossil fuel extraction. The government has named this protected area 'Corazón del Mundo,' or 'Heart of the World.'

According to the Ministry, the declaration does not impede traditional economic activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and ecotourism. It also permits ongoing housing construction and improvements, as well as the development and maintenance of educational, health, and community infrastructure. The resolution formally delineates the 'Corazón del Mundo' Renewable Natural Resources Reserve, located on the Caribbean coast and spanning the departments of Magdalena, La Guajira, and Cesar.

Home to indigenous communities like the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuam, the Sierra Nevada's permanent reserve status fulfills a promise made by President Gustavo Petro. Environment Minister Irene Vélez stated that "in the Heart of the World, there will be no mining or hydrocarbon exploitation, because it breaks natural connectivity and the spiritual fabric that sustains the territory." The reserve is intended to support sustainable livelihoods and economies that coexist with nature.

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We are saying that in the Heart of the World, there will be no mining or hydrocarbon exploitation, because it breaks natural connectivity and the spiritual fabric that sustains the territory. The Reserve allows agriculture, tourism, ecotourism and community tourism, economies for life and productive economies.