OUR PURPOSE IN SUMAPAZ is:
In Paramo de Sumapaz we have 1500 hectareas of privately owned land on which you will find seven streams, a lake - Las Garzas, and millions of frailejones, mosses, grasses, and fauna endemic to the region. This gives us the privilige and responsibility of protecting and preserving these lands for generations. It also gives our partners piece of mind that their investment is safe and secure as we will continue to protect, conserve and multiply the seed we were given.
It is for this reason that our purpose is clear:
"Let us build a world where the majesty of the paramos, the purity of the rivers, and the abundance of life in the streams are preserved for generations to come. Let us honor the wisdom of the frailejones, which have thrived in these ecosystems for thousands of years, and learn from their resilience in the face of adversity. Let us not be content with the status quo, but let us push the boundaries of what is possible, using innovation and creativity to find new solutions to the challenges that threaten these vital ecosystems.
At SUMAPAZ, we believe that the preservation and conservation of the paramos, rivers, streams, and frailejones are not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity. These ecosystems provide essential services to society, such as clean water, carbon storage, and biodiversity. By protecting these ecosystems, we are protecting our own well-being and the well-being of future generations. To achieve our vision, we must work together as a global community, bridging the divides that separate us and finding common ground in our shared commitment to the environment. We must be bold and audacious in our goals, yet humble and empathetic in our approach. We must listen to the voices of those who are most affected by the threats to these ecosystems, and work with them as partners in conservation.
At SUMAPAZ, we are leaders in conservation, not followers. We will use our sales and marketing to inspire others to join us in our mission, to create a movement that transcends borders and unites us in our common purpose. We will not rest until the paramos, rivers, streams, and frailejones are protected for all time, and the natural worlds within them is restored to its full glory. This is our vision, our dream, our calling."
Carlos y Angela (Founders)
Here you can see Laguna Las Garzas, one of many within our land.
What on earth are frailejones?
Frailejones (Espeletia) are a type of plant species found in the high-altitude ecosystems of the Andes Mountains in South America. These plants belong to the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and are characterized by their large, woolly leaves and tall, branched stems that can grow up to 10 meters in height. Frailejones are adapted to the harsh conditions of high-altitude environments, where they play a critical role in regulating water and nutrient cycles, as well as providing habitat for a variety of animal species. They are also an important cultural symbol and have been used by indigenous communities for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Frailejones are considered an important plant species for conservation efforts due to their ecological and cultural significance, as well as their vulnerability to climate change and other threats.
