David Santiago Rocha Cárdenas

Peatland degradation in Colombia threatens water security, increases carbon emissions, and alters methane dynamics.

When water security in Colombia is discussed, attention often focuses on rivers, reservoirs, or glaciers. However, one of the most important systems regulating water in the country lies in the high mountains, within the páramo ecosystems, and more specifically in a lesser-known but critical component: peatlands. These high-elevation wetlands not only store large amounts of carbon but also play a fundamental role in regulating the water that supplies millions of people, support irrigation...

Learn why peatlands are critical for climate mitigation in Colombia, how they store carbon, and why protecting them prevents large-scale emissions.