Colombia's tourist jewel, Sierra Nevada, plagued by armed groups and extortion

Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and a crown jewel of its tourism industry, is unfortunately overshadowed by the sinister reality of armed groups extorting local businesses and terrorizing Indigenous communities. The signing of the 2016 peace deal, which ended decades of conflict with the FARC, had ushered in an era of hope and a surge in tourism. Thousands of visitors now flock to the park, drawn by its pristine jungles, white-sand beaches, and the ancient Lost City, a historical marvel predating Machu Picchu.

However, beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape, a more dangerous element persists. Members of the Self-Defence Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), a group composed of former paramilitaries, exert control over vital cocaine trafficking routes and engage in illegal gold mining. Their illicit activities extend to extortion, where they demand a share of profits from hotels, tour operators, and even the Indigenous communities whose traditional crafts are popular with tourists. The fear and anxiety among these communities, like the Kogui and Arhuaco people, are palpable as they struggle to maintain their way of life amidst this ongoing threat.

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We are afraid and anxious about the future.

The government's recent closure of Tayrona National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Sierra Nevada, due to threats against park rangers allegedly by the ACSN, highlights the severity of the situation. The park authorities have also accused the group of pressuring Indigenous residents to resist a crackdown on illegal activities like logging. This precarious situation underscores the challenges faced by the administration of President Gustavo Petro, whose "Paz Total" (total peace) initiative aims to negotiate the disarmament of all armed groups. Despite these efforts, the ACSN continues to wield significant influence in the region, even as Colombia's largest drug cartel, the Gulf Clan, attempts to muscle in, leading to further clashes.

From our perspective in Colombia, this is not just a story about tourism or security; it is about the very fabric of our society and the protection of our natural and cultural heritage. While international media may focus on the broader implications of peace processes and drug trafficking, we are acutely aware of the daily struggles faced by local communities, particularly Indigenous groups who are often caught in the crossfire. Their traditional knowledge and connection to the land are invaluable, and their voices must be heard in any lasting peace settlement. The challenge lies in balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the urgent need to ensure the safety and well-being of all who inhabit this extraordinary region.

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who don’t speak Spanish, and who live off their crops and their traditional knowledge