Matching Pairs Protecting Andean ecosystems aOnline version Matching exercise (relacionar columnas)about forest destruction in Colombia. by Dora Duque Molina 1 The ethnic and rural communities that rely on these natural resources for their livelihoods are the most susceptible 2 High-altitude wetlands that supply drinking water to 2.2 million Colombians and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. 3 The geographical location and characteristics of páramo ecosystems must be mapped out to establish their legal perimeters 4 AIDA helped to demonstrate that Colombia’s legal obligations as well as international norms. 5 The country ranks second in coal reserves in South America and is home to what could be one of the largest gold mines in the Americas. 6 To endorse a demarcation based on scientific criteria by adopting a new atlas of the páramos drawn up by Colombian officials. 7 Has used political and legal strategies to strengthen and enforce environmental legislation in the country 8 Has set important precedents regarding the need to protect environmentally sensitive areas and the importance of the precautionary principle Prohibit mining in the páramos Colombia AIDA The Constitutional Court To Mining Santurbán páramos, Ministry of Environment Colombian law