Páramos are an alpine tundra ecosystem located above the tree line in South and Central America. Like all tundra ecosystems, they are delicate. Protecting the páramos is just one of the reasons members of Ibagué Christian Mennonite Church in Tolima, Colombia, have taken to the streets multiple times to protest a mining megaproject in their region. They are also concerned about water pollution.
“We firmly believe that the salvation God offers is not only for human beings, but also for all of his creation,” explained José Vaca, in an interview with a Mennonite Central Committee worker. José is the MCCN creation care liaison for his congregation.
The congregation’s youth made the sign in the photograph. “Water is worth more than gold,” it says. Read Mining and Mennonites: The Prophetic Role of the Church in Ibagué on MCC’s website.