Colombia declared the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta a temporary reserve. The Colombian government declared on April 6, 2026, a temporary protection of renewable natural resources over more than 942,000 hectares in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the country’s most important ecological and cultural territories.
The measure, formalized through Resolution 0280 of 2026 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, aims to safeguard biodiversity, protect the water sources that supply millions of people, and defend the rights of the Indigenous communities who consider this territory sacred.
Colombia declared a temporary reserve in the Sierra Nevada, a strategic measure to protect biodiversity, water, and ancestral territory
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is globally recognized for its biological diversity and for being the highest coastal mountain system in the world, with peaks surpassing 5,700 meters. This complex ecosystem hosts unique species and plays a vital role as a natural water factory for Colombia’s Caribbean region, serving as the source of key rivers that supply cities, agricultural zones, and strategic wetlands.
The Government highlighted that the new reserve allows conservation to be prioritized in the face of pressures such as deforestation, illegal mining, and the expansion of illicit economies. President Gustavo Petro emphasized that this is one of the largest protected areas created in recent years, and that its importance is not only environmental, but also cultural and spiritual, as it is considered the “heart of the world” by Indigenous peoples.
The measure also recognizes the historic role of the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples in protecting the Sierra, and ensures that any decision regarding its management will be made with active participation from these communities.
Environmental and social challenges in a key territory
The declaration comes amid growing threats to the Sierra Nevada, where illegal activities, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change — such as the accelerated loss of glaciers — converge. Environmental authorities warn that protecting this ecosystem requires strong institutional presence and management strategies that incorporate science, territorial control, and the ancestral knowledge of Indigenous communities.
Environmental organizations welcomed the decision but stressed that protection will only be effective if constant monitoring, investment in restoration programs, and coordination among the departments of Magdalena, La Guajira, and Cesar — which share this mountain system — are ensured.
Why is the reserve temporary and not permanent?
Although the protected area exceeds 942,000 hectares, the reserve was declared temporary due to legal and technical reasons that must be addressed before creating a permanent protection status.
From a legal standpoint, the temporary designation serves as an immediate protection mechanism while the State carries out in-depth studies of the area.
Colombian law requires several mandatory steps before establishing a permanent reserve, including prior consultation with Indigenous peoples, socioeconomic assessments, detailed territorial delimitation, and impact evaluations. This temporary stage allows for adjustments based on technical findings and strengthened dialogue with communities.
Technically, the Sierra Nevada requires a comprehensive analysis of its biodiversity, including ecological corridors and ecosystem services that sustain life in the region.
Additionally, the territory spans three departments and multiple municipalities, making institutional coordination complex. Indigenous participation is also essential to determine how the reserve will be managed permanently, ensuring respect for sacred sites and traditional territorial practices.
In summary, the temporary reserve is a first step to shield the ecosystem from urgent threats while the legal, technical, and social foundations are built to advance toward permanent protection with greater legal certainty and legitimacy.