In spite of decades of deforestation, Colombia still has important fragments of forest and moorland (páramos). These trap and store rain water, so they are vital in ensuring a good supply of clean water for domestic and agricultural use. However, precious stones and minerals, including emeralds and gold, are found in the Andes, and the Colombian government wants to exploit these to boost the country’s economy.This threatens the natural environment.
Emeralds are found in hydrothermal veins and can be mined underground but gold is dispersed and must be extracted by open-cast mining. The rock has to be taken away, ground, washed and treated with toxic chemicals.
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