Sumapaz

MEET
GÜACHE ZOQUE
(PARAMO GUARDIAN)

As continuos learners, We have studied the legends and stories of the indigenous people of the Andean region, and we have come across a fascinating tale, which we cannot prove nor deny, about a warrior named Güache Zoque. According to the legend, Güache Zoque was born on a cold, misty night in the heart of the paramos. His parents were farmers who lived in a small village near the "Laguna las Garzas". They knew from the moment of his birth that their son was destined for greatness.

Güache Zoque grew up in the shadow of the frailejones, the tall, majestic plants that dotted the landscape of the paramos. These plants were not only beautiful, but they also played a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Güache Zoque learned from his parents and elders that the frailejones were like the guardians of the paramos, protecting the water sources, regulating the temperature, and providing shelter and food for the animals that lived there.

As Güache Zoque grew older, he felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect the paramos and the frailejones. He trained hard to become a warrior, honing his skills in archery, hand-to-hand combat, and survival. He knew that his life's purpose was to guard the paramos, and he would stop at nothing to fulfill it. Güache Zoque became a legendary warrior, feared by his enemies and respected by his people. He fought many battles to defend the paramos from those who would harm it, including loggers, miners, and poachers. He always carried with him a small bag of frailejones seeds, which he would scatter wherever he went, ensuring that the plants would continue to thrive and protect the paramos for generations to come.

As the years passed, Güache Zoque never aged. Some say that he made a pact with the frailejones and the spirits of the paramos, who granted him eternal life as a reward for his service. Others say that his love for the paramos was so strong that it gave him the power to live forever. Whatever the reason, Güache Zoque continues to roam the paramos to this day, protecting it from harm and inspiring others to do the same.

As citizens who knew nothing about paramos and frailejones until recently, but after deep study and interaction with these lands, have grown to appreciate and care deeply about the protection of the paramos, we invite you to join SUMAPAZ INC and Güache Zoque in their mission to guard this precious ecosystem.

Based on our research, here are eight strategies you can follow to become a guardian of the paramos:

  • 1. Learn about the importance of the paramos and the frailejones, and share your knowledge with others.
  • 2. Reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy, reducing waste, and using public transportation.
  • 3. Support organizations that work to protect the paramos, such as conservation groups, indigenous organizations, and local communities.
  • 4. Advocate for policies that protect the paramos, such as laws against mining, logging, and other activities that harm the ecosystem.
  • 5. Participate in reforestation projects, planting native plants, including frailejones, and other vegetation that benefits the paramos.
  • 6. Respect the paramos and its inhabitants by not littering, not hunting or fishing illegally, and not disturbing the ecosystem.
  • 7. Encourage sustainable tourism that respects the fragility of the paramos, and supports the local communities who depend on it.
  • 8. Finally, make your voice heard, by sharing your passion for the paramos with others, and by advocating for its protection whenever possible.

By following these strategies, we can all become guardians of the paramos, like Güache Zoque, and help ensure that this delicate ecosystem continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Entrance to 1500 hectareas of protected Land by you and us.

These are some of the ways you can contribute


Paramo Guardian
$1000 USD /annualy
  • Protect 100 frailejones for one year
Water for generations
$10000 USD /annualy
  • Protect 1000 Frailejones for 1 year
Güache Zoque Clan
$100K USD /annually
  • Protect 1 Hectare for one year
Individual Giving
One frailejon for a year
$15 USD
/annualy
  • Protect 1 frailejon for one year

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Incentives beyond tax deductions

We believe that these incentives go beyond the normal incentive programs and propose incentives that are deeply meaningful, creative, challenging, and beneficial to all. Our goal is to build a long-term partnership between Sumapaz and Our individual, Family and Corporate partners, based on shared values and a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable future.

  • 1. Sumapaz Guardians (Güache Zoque) Biennial Ball: We will host an exclusive biennial ball to celebrate the success of our corporate donors and supporters. The Güache Zoque Ball will be a glamorous and inspiring evening of music, dance, and entertainment with Sumapaz beneficiaries and project leaders as special guests.
  • 2. VIP Tours of Sumapaz: Corporate donors who contribute a significant amount will be invited to take a VIP tour of Sumapaz to witness the impact of their donation firsthand. The tour will be led by local guides and Sumapaz project leaders.
  • 3. Hovercraft Race: We will organize an annual Hovercraft race in Santa Marta , with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of sustainable transport and environmental conservation. Corporate donors can sponsor a team, and the race will be broadcasted internationally through social media.
  • 4. Frailejones Naming Rights: Corporate donors can have the naming rights of a Frailejon plant, which is one of the iconic species in Sumapaz. The naming rights will be displayed on a plaque next to the plant, with recognition in Sumapaz's publications.
  • 5. Customized Volunteer Opportunities: We will offer customized volunteer opportunities for corporate donors to participate in Sumapaz's projects. Donors can choose from a range of activities, such as tree planting, monitoring, and education programs.
  • 6. Eco-friendly Office Makeover: Corporate donors can participate in an eco-friendly office makeover competition, where Sumapaz will help transform their office into a more sustainable and inspiring workspace. The winners will receive a plaque recognizing their commitment to sustainability.
  • 7. Sumapaz Adventure Trip: Corporate donors can embark on a Sumapaz adventure trip, where they will explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sumapaz's communities. The trip will be led by local guides and Sumapaz project leaders.
  • 8. Biodiversity Expedition: Corporate donors can sponsor a biodiversity expedition to discover new species in Sumapaz's pristine ecosystems. The expedition will be led by experienced scientists and conservationists, with recognition in Sumapaz's publications.
  • 9. Philanthropy Masterclass: Sumapaz will offer a philanthropy masterclass for corporate donors to learn about the latest trends and best practices in effective giving. The masterclass will be led by renowned philanthropy experts.
  • 10. Artist Residency: Sumapaz will offer an artist residency for corporate donors who want to inspire creativity and innovation in their team. The residency will take place in Sumapaz's natural landscapes, with accommodation and logistical support provided.
  • 11. Sustainable Tourism Promotion: Sumapaz will collaborate with corporate donors to promote sustainable tourism in Sumapaz's communities and projects. The promotion will showcase Sumapaz's unique attractions, cultural richness, and environmental conservation efforts.
  • 12. Board of Advisors: As a major donor, you will be invited to join Sumapaz's board of advisors. This is an opportunity to provide input on the organization's strategy and direction, and to work alongside other leaders in the conservation community.
  • 13. Donor Advised Fund: Sumapaz can set up a donor-advised fund for corporate donors, providing them with a tax-efficient way to support Sumapaz's mission and choose the projects they want to fund.
  • 14. Cultural Exchange: Sumapaz can organize a cultural exchange program for corporate donors, providing them with an opportunity to learn about Colombia's culture, history, and biodiversity, and to engage with local communities and organizations.
  • 15. Executive Training: Sumapaz can provide executive training to corporate donors' senior management, covering topics such as personal leadership.
  • 16. Speaking Opportunities: Corporate donors can be invited to speak at Sumapaz's events, conferences, or webinars to share their expertise, promote their brand, and engage with Sumapaz's stakeholders.
  • 17. A tailored volunteer program that allows your employees to make a meaningful impact on the ground, working alongside Sumapaz's conservation team on projects such as reforestation or ecological restoration.
  • 18. A unique opportunity to participate in Sumapaz's research and monitoring efforts, including bird watching, water quality testing, and other scientific activities.
  • 19. Virtual Leadership Summit: As part of our donor incentives program, we will host an annual leadership summit that brings together corporate leaders, policymakers, and nonprofit organisations to discuss and strategize ways to address environmental challenges.
  • 20. Customized recognition: We'll work with your company to design a personalized recognition program that showcases your commitment to environmental protection. This could include press releases, social media shoutouts, and other forms of public recognition.
  • DISCLAIMER: SUMAPAZ INC reserves the right to choose which incentives it offers according to availability, contribution and geographic location.We endeavour to communicate and co-create our offerings based on our partners goals and giving strategies. SUMAPAZ INC will not be held accountable for any unavailabilty or inability to provide all incentives at any given time.