Rural communities in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador are mobilizing to protect fragile high-altitude wetlands, known as paramos, as both countries experience severe water and energy rationing due to a strong El Niño weather pattern. This phenomenon has led to drought conditions, worsened by climate change and human activity.
Colombia and Ecuador rely heavily on hydroelectric dams for their energy needs. The ongoing drought has resulted in rotating water rationing in Bogotá, Colombia's capital, while Ecuador's energy grid faces significant strain, prompting power cuts to conserve water in dams. In response to the crisis, Colombia has suspended electricity exports to Ecuador.
Grassroots activists, supported by international organizations like Conservation International, are working to restore native plant species to these wetlands. In Paluguillo, Ecuador, a community nursery has been established to rear paper trees, which are crucial for capturing and storing water. This initiative has resulted in the planting of 40,000 trees, with plans to grow an additional 100,000.
In Colombia, local activists are developing conservation plans for the Vista Hermosa de Monquentiva area within the Chingaza paramo. This protected area, which has been safeguarded since 2018, is vital for maintaining water supplies and hydroelectric reservoirs. The restoration of this ecosystem is seen as essential for combating the effects of climate change.