Páramo de Santurbán: the announcements of Irene Vélez, days to leave the post, and Fabio Arjona, days to assume it, after the images revealed

Colombian Environment Minister Irene Vélez announced a new regulatory framework for the Páramo de Santurbán, a critical ecosystem in northern Colombia, just days before leaving her post. The announcement comes amid controversy after local media revealed images showing illegal gold mining activities taking place in the area despite existing legal restrictions. Vélez emphasized that the proposed measures aim to protect both the páramo and the surrounding water systems while acknowledging ongoing community-based mining processes. The resolution, known as Resolution 863 of 2026, introduces a progressive methodology for defining boundaries within the páramo without compromising environmental standards or governance terms outlined in the 2017 Supreme Court Sentence T 361. This approach seeks to balance ecological protection with the realities of traditional mining practices in the region. Vélez highlighted three key components of the proposed framework: a progressive boundary definition covering 29,199 hectares across 19 municipalities, a definitive reserve of 1,500 hectares in the La Baja stream in the municipality of California, and an updated temporary reservation on the western side of the mountain range extending its validity until March 2029. Vélez stressed the importance of protecting the water resources of the Santurbán massif, which supplies water to approximately 2.5 million people in Santander and Norte de Santander. She argued that safeguarding these water sources is not a political issue but a collective responsibility. The minister noted that scientific studies conducted by institutions such as the Colombian Geological Service and the National Environmental Authority have confirmed that the páramo, high Andean forest, and surface and groundwater systems form a single hydrological system. Any activity in this area could affect the entire system, reinforcing the need for comprehensive protection. In addition to the new regulations, Vélez mentioned that the government would continue supporting the formalization of existing mining operations. However, she clarified that the proposed measures do not condone illegal mining activities. Instead, they seek to differentiate between legally established situations, ongoing formalization processes, and small-scale mining. The focus remains on ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem and maintaining the integrity of the water supply. As Vélez prepares to step down, the incoming Environment Minister, Fabio Arjona, has indicated that the possibility of mining in the area will depend on future environmental assessments. His statements suggest a potential shift in policy, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluations before making decisions regarding resource extraction. This stance contrasts with Vélez’s emphasis on immediate protective measures based on existing scientific evidence. The situation highlights the complex interplay between environmental conservation and economic interests in the region. Local communities reliant on traditional mining practices face uncertainty as the government moves forward with its regulatory proposals. Meanwhile, environmental groups and scientists advocate for stricter protections to prevent further degradation of the páramo, which plays a crucial role in regional water security. The upcoming months will see increased scrutiny of the proposed regulations and their implementation. With Arjona set to assume his role shortly, the transition period will be pivotal in determining the future direction of environmental policies in the region. The effectiveness of the new measures will hinge on collaboration between government agencies, local stakeholders, and scientific experts to ensure sustainable management of the Páramo de Santurbán.