The Los Nevados National Natural Park is a region of great hydrographic importance, since numerous water sources arise in its territory that supply important basins in Colombia. Its glaciers, lagoons and underground systems contribute to the flow of rivers that feed the basins of the Magdalena "Magdalena (Colombia)") and Cauca "Cauca (Colombia)" rivers, vital for economic development and human consumption in several regions of the country.[5]​.

Water sources.

The melting of the snow-capped mountains generates the first river channels that flow into the Magdalena (to the east) and Cauca (to the west) basins. In addition, an extensive river network originates in high mountain lagoons, some of glacial origin and others, such as the **Laguna del Otún, possibly formed in ancient volcanic craters. Other lagoons function as reservoirs fed by springs or groundwater, gradually releasing their flow to lower areas.

A key factor in water regulation is the presence of volcanic material, which acts as a natural "sponge": it absorbs water during heavy rains and releases it slowly in dry times. Surface runoff waters and underground seepage after precipitation also contribute.[5]​.

Basins and main rivers.

The park is home to seven watersheds:

-Four drain into the Magdalena River: Gualí, Lagunilla, Totare and Coello-Combeima.

-Three flow into the Cauca River: Chinchiná, Otún and La Vieja-Quindío.

Among the 21 most important rivers and streams are the Chinchiná, Azufrado, Lagunilla, Otún, Quindío, Combeima, Recio and others such as the Río Claro and the Barbo.

Socioeconomic importance.

This water network supplies water to nearly three million people in the coffee-growing region and rice-growing and cotton-growing areas of Tolima. Recent studies indicate that, although the park contributes less than 10% of the surface water in basins such as Chinchiná, its underground contribution exceeds 60%, which highlights its role in maintaining aquifers.

The conservation of this ecosystem is crucial, not only because of its biodiversity, but because of its function in regulating the water cycle of one of the most productive regions of Colombia.[5]​.

The Los Nevados National Natural Park is home to three of Colombia's active glaciers: Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima and Nevado de Santa Isabel. These ice masses not only represent relics of the last Andean glaciation, but also fulfill key functions for water regulation and the ecological balance of the paramo ecosystem.

The park's glaciers are an essential source of water for basins such as the Gualí, Otún, Lagunilla and Recio rivers, which supply both natural ecosystems and human populations in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Tolima. During the dry season, glaciers function as regulating reserves, slowly releasing water and mitigating the effects of drought.

However, global warming has caused a drastic reduction in the park's glacier surface. According to IDEAM, between 1850 and 2020 the park lost more than 90% of its original glacial area. The Nevado de Santa Isabel, for example, could disappear in less than a decade if current trends continue.

The loss of these glaciers will not only affect the landscape and biodiversity, but will also compromise the water security of the Andean region. Therefore, its conservation is a priority not only from a natural point of view, but also from a social and economic point of view.

In August 2020, the Labor Cassation Chamber of the Superior Court of the judicial district of Ibagué issued Sentence STL-1716 of 2020, through which it declared the Los Nevados National Natural Park as special subject of rights. This recognition establishes that the park enjoys the rights to life, health and a healthy environment, and that it must receive protection, conservation and restoration as a living entity.[7]​.

The ruling ordered various entities – including natural national parks, the President of the Republic, the departments of Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, and the regional autonomous corporations – to prepare a Joint Recovery, Management, Maintenance and Conservation Plan, with defined deadlines and responsibilities, with the aim of mitigating threats such as livestock farming, mining, unregulated tourism and glacial melt.[8]​.

The Supreme Court of Justice confirmed the ruling in 2023, promoting a judicial approach to comprehensive environmental justice that supports more rigorous controls on access, land use and especially property delimitation and sanitation in the buffer area, as well as constant institutional monitoring.[9]​.

Contenido

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados cuenta con varias **zonas de ingreso autorizadas**, cada una con características específicas y puntos de control para regular el acceso de visitantes.

Control and awareness points

There are active checkpoints in sectors such as Las Perlas, El Palmar, Villa Restrepo, PuertoPerú and Pastales (Tolima), managed jointly by the Government of Tolima, Cortolima, local authorities, National Parks officials, the Public Force and relief agencies. These sites offer induction talks, mandatory registration and environmental guidance.[10]​.

Due to the orange alert of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, these days also verify volcanic activity and restrict entry when necessary.[10]​.

Main access areas - Reservations for entry to the Los Nevados PNN:

"Every national or foreign person has the right to visit the Los Nevados Natural National Park, prior to meeting the following requirements:" Among the requirements is the acquisition of accident and rescue insurance, receiving an induction talk and complying with the established entry hours.[11]​.

• - Northern Sector (Brisas – Valley of the Tombs"): allows visits by vehicle to the paramo area, with loading capacity controlled by spaces reserved day by day.[12]​ Tour from the induction center to the Valley of the Tombs sector. Entry hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.[11]​.

• - Central Sector (Potosí "Potosí (Nariño)") / SantaIsabel "Santa Isabel (Tolima)") – Laguna del Otún): previous reservation required with at least three business days.[12]​ Among the tourist sites available are the Conejeras Trail - Edge of Nevado Santa Isabel Glacier, Ascent to the top or summit of Nevado Santa Isabel, Laguna Verde Trail and Potosí - La Asomadera. The time range for the downtown sector is from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.[11]​.

• - South Sector (Tolima – Nevado del Tolima): guided by routes from Salento "Salento (Quindío)") or Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)"), with a reservation of five business days and entry on foot or in a group accompanied by authorized guides. 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.[11]​.

Operational centers and environmental management

In 2023, a new operational headquarters was inaugurated in Manizales, managed by National Natural Parks, which houses more than 40 park rangers in charge of management, monitoring and attention in the coffee region.[13]​.

There are also authorized shelters, such as El Cisne and El Porvenir, which have basic services (camping, bathrooms, drinking water) and operate through concessions regulated by National Parks.[14]​.

Temporary closures for conservation

With the objective of preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, particularly the moor and the Santa Isabel glacier, temporary annual closures are implemented in accordance with Resolution 207 of 2023, issued by the National Natural Parks of Colombia. These measures allow the natural regeneration of the vegetation and the mitigation of the impact generated by tourism.

Each year, up to four temporary closures of five business days are scheduled, during which entry to most sectors of the park is restricted. Access is maintained only through the Brisas sector, with environmental supervision and visitor limits. For example, the most recent closure took place between April 21 and 25, 2025, affecting trails such as Conejeras, Laguna Verde, La Asomadera and Laguna del Otún, where ecological restoration and scientific monitoring are prioritized.[15]​[16]​.

These operational pauses also allow us to advance maintenance of ecological infrastructure activities, review of accumulated impacts and coordination with local communities for the implementation of sustainable practices. Additionally, they are articulated with environmental education and reforestation campaigns with native species such as frailejones, lupines and polylepis.

Since May 2024, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, together with National Natural Parks, announced the protection of more than 180,000 hectares adjacent to the Park, with the purpose of allocating these areas to conservation and sustainable activities. This plan reinforces the water supply for more than 3 million people in Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda and Tolima.[17]​.

The initiative is framed in compliance with the ruling of the Ibagué Court that recognizes the park as a subject of rights (Sentence STL-1716 of 2020). It is expected that these 180,000ha will have at least 40% of the area already protected, while the remaining 60% will be gradually converted to sustainable modalities, including ecological tourism, moorland restoration and silvopastoral projects.[17]​.

The strategy incorporates a package of technical measures for local communities, which includes training, planning support, and the design of productive alternatives compatible with conservation. In this way, it is sought that in the medium term, the entire polygon will be used under a sustainable approach.

Furthermore, to strengthen territorial management, in May 2025 a regional technical table was established in Pereira, bringing together entities such as CARDER, mayors' offices, tourism operators and control bodies, in order to articulate governance actions, acquire strategic properties (e.g. in Campoalegre) and guarantee the ecological connectivity of the park.

These measures not only expand the protection area, but also comprehensively improve the ecosystem services of the park: water regulation, carbon capture, habitat provision and promotion of sustainable tourism.

In 2002, IDEAM warned about the alleged melting of the ice caps of the snow-capped mountains of this national park. As proof of this, it is worth mentioning the disappearance of the Ice Cathedrals, which were enormous caverns in the lower part of the Nevado del Ruiz glacier cap, which existed until before 1995 and which used to be frequented by climbers.

At the end of the century, six glaciers existed on the summits of El Ruiz, Santa Isabel, Tolima, El Cisne, Quindío and Santa Rosa, and were at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level. The melting phenomenon has worsened during the second half of the century, resulting in the disappearance of the El Cisne, Quindío and Santa Rosa glaciers in the late 1970s.

The phenomenon of thaw has worsened during the second half of the century. Of the previous six glaciers, only three are currently found: El Nevado del Ruiz, Santa Isabel and Tolima. The remaining ones melted completely at the end of the 1970s. However, the surviving glaciers face a constant process of melting, with the situation being critical in Nevado del Tolima and Santa Isabel, whose extension does not exceed two square kilometers. These two glaciers are expected to disappear completely between 2040 and 2050.

According to the most recent monitoring carried out by IDEAM in 2022, the national glacier coverage was reduced to 33.09 ±0.63 km², compared to the 34.20 ±0.67 km² reported at the beginning of 2021. This decrease of 3.2% annually is greater than that recorded the previous year (2.8%) and shows that, despite the increase in precipitation caused by the La Niña phenomenon, "La Niña (phenomenon)"), glacial loss continues. In this context, the Nevado Santa Isabel glacier, one of the most representative of the park, stands out for an alarming reduction of 17% in just one year.

The accelerated melting of the Santa Isabel Glacier is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather reflects a critical trend that has intensified since 2016 due to extreme El Niño events. This situation was recently aggravated by another episode of El Niño that began in 2023, which led to the extinction of the Conejeras sector in 2024 and considerably reduced the last ice remnants such as El Hongo and Laguna Verde. Apart from Santa Isabel, other glaciers that also presented significant area losses were the Sierra Nevada El Cocuy (-0.34 km²), the Nevado del Ruiz (-0.28 km²) and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (-0.27 km²). On the other hand, the Tolima glacier had the smallest absolute reduction (-0.02 km²).

Regarding the volume of ice, a 2022 study estimates that Colombia has a total of 1.68 ±0.24 km³ of glacial ice. The Sierra Nevada El Cocuy represents the largest water reserve with 64 x 10⁷ m³, followed by the Nevado del Ruiz (45 x 10⁷ m³) and the Nevado del Huila (28 x 10⁷ m³). The Nevado Santa Isabel, despite its serious reduction, still retains 3 x 10⁷ m³, which makes it a vital but vulnerable source of water for the region. These figures, obtained through multi-temporal analysis of satellite images and mathematical models, allow us to gauge the severity of glacial retreat in Colombia and the urgent need for conservation actions, especially in protected areas such as the Los Nevados National Natural Park.

Especies de aves como el colibrí, tucanes andinos, el gavilán, el cóndor de los Andes; mamíferos como el chivo, cusumbos, osos de anteojos, pumas y armadillos. La vegetación es paramuna "Páramo (biogeografía)"), encontramos una interesante gama de frailejones, musgos, líquenes, algas de colores en las diversas lagunas, girasoles, y algunas orquídeas que se adaptan a grandes alturas y adornan los horizontes de los nevados que conforman la flora del "superpáramo", páramo "Páramo (biogeografía)") y bosque alto andino. Los suelos de este majestuoso parque nacional natural son bastante rocosos, y es muy común encontrar abundantes depósitos de piedra pómez.

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados alberga una notable diversidad de flora, adaptada a los ecosistemas de páramo, superpáramo y bosques altoandinos que predominan en su territorio. En las zonas de páramo, una de las especies más representativas es el frailejón (Espeletia hartwegiana), planta emblemática que desempeña un papel clave en la regulación hídrica al capturar humedad del ambiente.[18]​ También se encuentra el cacho de venado (Loricaria colombiana), una especie endémica del superpáramo que destaca por su forma particular y resistencia al clima extremo.[19]​.

Un estudio reciente evaluó el comportamiento poblacional de *Espeletia hartwegiana*, un frailejón endémico de alta montaña. Se analizaron más de 900 individuos en tres pisos altitudinales, revelando que factores como ganadería, cercanía a carreteras y erosión afectan su distribución.[20]​.

En los bosques altoandinos, entre los 2.300 y 2.800 metros sobre el nivel del mar, crece la palma de cera (Ceroxylon quindiuense), árbol nacional de Colombia y hábitat del amenazado loro orejiamarillo (Ognorhynchus icterotis).[18]​ Otras especies características de esta zona incluyen el romero de páramo (Diplostephium sp.), el siete cueros (Polylepis sericea), así como el encenillo, el romerón, el pino colombiano, y arbustos como los campanos, velillos (Hypericum sp.), calabazos y guayabos silvestres.[21]​.

Un trabajo académico evaluó 242 especies de plantas del páramo, concluyendo que solo el 12 % han sido categorizadas por la IUCN, y varias se encuentran en estado vulnerable o en peligro, como Baccharis tricuneatay Pentacalia vaccinioides.[22]​.

El parque alberga tres de las seis masas glaciares del país: Nevado del Ruiz, Santa Isabel y Tolima.

Desde 2016 hasta 2018, el glaciar Santa Isabel perdió más del 30 % de su área, y el Ruiz ha reducido un 80 % desde finales del siglo , pasando de ~50 km² a ~8 km² Reddit+12ELESPECTADOR.COM+12ELESPECTADOR.COM+12.

El IDEAM advierte que algunos nevados se extinguirán entre 10 y 15 años, mientras que otros podrían sobrevivir hasta 40–50 años, en función de su altitud y masa actual [2][23]​.

La fauna del Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados es igualmente diversa y se encuentra adaptada a las condiciones extremas de altitud y temperatura. Entre las aves más destacadas se encuentra el periquito de los nevados (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons), especie endémica de la región andina.[19]​ También habita el imponente cóndor de los Andes (Vultur gryphus), una de las aves voladoras más grandes del mundo.[18]​ La cotorra coroniazul (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi) también está presente en el Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, donde habita en altitudes propias del piso térmico frío, entre los 2.600 y 3.800 m. Es común observarla en parejas o en grupos reducidos que no superan los diez individuos.[24]​ En los páramos se pueden observar especies especializadas como el colibrí de páramo (Oxypogon guerinii), el pato andino (Oxyura jamaicensis), el perico paramuno (Leptosittaca branickii) y el terlaque andino (Andigena hypoglauca).[21]​ Por otro lado, entre los anfibios se encuentran 6 especies pertenecientes a un solo género (Pristimantis), familia (Craugastoridae) y un solo orden (Anura).[25]​.

El parque alberga una alta concentración de especies endémicas, como el periquito de los nevados (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons), el ratón Akodon tolimae y el sapo arlequín (Atelopus carauta), considerados bioindicadores de ecosistemas sanos.[26]​.

Entre los mamíferos que habitan el parque destacan especies emblemáticas como la danta de páramo (Tapirus pinchaque), en peligro de extinción, y el oso andino o oso de anteojos (Tremarctos ornatus), el único oso nativo de Sudamérica.[18]​ También se encuentran presentes el tigrillo (Leopardus tigrinus) y el puma (Puma concolor), así como otras especies más pequeñas como el venado conejo (Pudu mephistophiles), el venado colorado (Mazama rufina), la comadreja, y la ardilla enana.[19]​ Además, se ha registrado la presencia de al menos 20 especies de murciélagos, que cumplen funciones ecológicas clave como la dispersión de semillas, polinización y control de insectos.[19]​.

Desde 2017, el Parque ha implementado proyectos de restauración ecológica activa y pasiva en zonas de páramo, como la laguna El Mosquito. Estos incluyen aislamiento con cercas y siembra de especies nativas como frailejones, lupinos y polylepis.[27]​.

• - Los Nevados.

• - Laguna del Otún.

• - Cumbre del nevado del Tolima en 2018.

• - Laguna negra.

• - Nevado del Ruiz.

Otún Lagoon — Ramsar Site

The Laguna del Otún Wetland Complex, located in shared jurisdiction between Risaralda, Caldas and Tolima within the Los Nevados National Natural Park, was declared Ramsar Site of international importance (no. 1781) on June 25, 2008.[28]​ This complex includes the main lagoon, swamps and interconnected peatlands, initially extending over an area of 6579ha, later expanded to 115,883ha to incorporate the microwetland and peat bog basins of the sector.[29]​.

• - It is home to at least 52 species of birds, among which the large diving duck (Oxyura jamaicensis andina) and the Puneño silver maca (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis) stand out, considered vulnerable.[28]​.

• - Emblematic paramo species are also recorded such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the blue-crowned parrot and the yellow-eared parrot. The flora is made up of typical paramo vegetation: frailejones (Espeletia hartwegiana), quenua (Polylepis sericea) and conifers such as Podocarpus oleifolius.[28]​.

Research from IDEAM together with universities from Japan, Austria and the Czech Republic have confirmed microbial life—including phototrophic algae adapted to the cold—in glaciers such as Santa Isabel and El Cocuy LOS40+14ideam.gov.co+14Universidad de la Sabana+14. This discovery is notable because, in addition to demonstrating biodiversity at extreme altitudes, it highlights the role of glaciers as unique habitats, today threatened by melting.[3].

In recent years, regional and national authorities have promoted a sustainable tourism approach in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, aimed at balancing conservation with the responsible enjoyment of the natural environment.[17]​.

For the reopening of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, said government entity has prepared a series of instructions with the essential information that every visitor must know when visiting these protected areas, which include visiting hours (which vary depending on the sector), regulations (which among many things prohibit the entry of single-use plastics, the entry of pets, the use of pack animals and the creation of bonfires), basic equipment (UV protection glasses, bags for garbage, sunscreen, light foods, among others) and instructions for athletes. [4] [5][6 ][30]​.

The Government of Caldas"), in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Villamaría"), has organized awareness days on good tourism practices. These included training of local guides, design of ecotourism routes and environmental education campaigns for communities and visitors.[31]​.

Likewise, the Government of Tolima, together with Cortolima and Fontur, established an agreement for the management and sustainable planning of nature tourism in municipalities with an impact on the park, such as Ibagué, Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)") and Salento "Salento (Quindío)").[32]​.

Within the framework of the management strategies for nature tourism in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, the authorities of Tolima have proposed the implementation of an environmental toll to finance conservation work, as well as a peak and environmental plate system to regulate vehicle flow in sensitive areas. These measures also include mandatory stopping areas where environmental education sessions will be held, aimed at raising awareness among visitors about the fragility of the paramo ecosystem and the need to minimize its ecological footprint.[33]​.

At an institutional level, the national Community Ecotourism program of National Natural Parks promotes the participation of local communities as operators of ecotourism services, regulates concessions, carries out impact control and supports environmental education.[34]​.

Finally, entry and security controls have been implemented in high mountain areas, such as Brisas, La Cueva and Nevado del Tolima, through coordinated support between park rangers, army, police and civil defense.[34]​.

The Los Nevados National Natural Park contemplates a series of behaviors that, if carried out, imply the sanctions established in Law 1333 of 2009, among which we find:[11]​.

1. • Camping within the protected area (except when the Cañón, Arenales and Calvito thermal points are temporarily enabled).

2. • The entry of mules to the Arenales and Calvito camps. Approaching and entering these camps can only be done on foot.

3. • Hunting is prohibited, it can only be carried out for scientific purposes and with its respective environmental authorization.

4. • Make bonfires.

5. • Enter vehicles into the protected area.

6. • Dump solid waste within the protected area.

7. • The use of aerosols or polluting agents.

8. • The entry of domestic animals or pets and plant material.

9. • Produce noise or use equipment that may disturb the natural environment.

10. • Temporarily or permanently introduce animals, seeds, flowers, propagules of any species.

11. • Carry out excavations.

12. • Extract material from the ground, plant or animal.

13. • Cause damage to the facilities.

14. • Take alternative routes to those established by the protected area.

15. • Participate in activities related to sexual tourism.

16. • The entry of tourists under the influence of psychoactive substances.

17. • Take tourist walks on your own without the company of a local interpreter.

18. • Carry out fishing activities.

19. • Make videos or photographs for commercial purposes.

20. • The admission of children under 6 years of age and adults over 70 years of age, pregnant women and people with lung or cardiovascular problems.

21. • Carrying out horseback riding.

El Parque enfrenta múltiples presiones y amenazas que ponen en riesgo sus ecosistemas frágiles, especialmente el páramo y los glaciares.[35]​.

• - Turismo no regulado: cada fin de semana se reportan vertimientos de basura (pañales, plásticos) y un incremento de visitantes que practican acciones nocivas, como pisar frailejones y arrojar objetos en nacimientos de agua.[36]​[37]​[35]​ El ecoturismo, aunque es una estrategia de conservación, también genera problemas ambientales en áreas específicas como el sendero Conejeras, donde la capacidad de carga y las condiciones de humedad se ven alteradas. Además, la presión turística en el área de amortiguamiento del parque puede afectar los recursos hídricos y la conservación del ecosistema si no se maneja adecuadamente.[38]​.

• - Impacto sobre la cubierta vegetal y suelos: el ecoturismo ha causado compactación de suelos, ampliación de senderos, pérdida de cobertura vegetal y contaminación del agua y aire debido a fogatas, residuos y emisiones de vehículos.[39]​[40]​.

• - Infraestructura vial controvertida: la carretera Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)")–Manizales incrementó el flujo vehicular, generando congestión, erosión de zona de páramo y presión por estacionamiento ilegal dentro del área protegida.[39]​[36]​.

• - Ganadería y agricultura en zonas de amortiguamiento: estas actividades han sido identificadas por la Corte como amenazas, junto con incendios, tala, especies invasoras y minería ilegal, y deben ser controlados conforme al fallo que reconoce al parque como sujeto de derechos.[41]​.

• - Retroceso glaciar por cambio climático: los glaciares del Ruiz, Santa Isabel "Santa Isabel (Tolima)") y Tolima han perdido cerca del 90 % de su masa desde 1850. La desaparición del glaciar de Santa Isabel antes de 2030 representaría una disminución crítica en el suministro hídrico del páramo.[42]​.

Estas problemáticas han desencadenado sanciones administrativas y campañas de sensibilización por parte de Parques Nacionales, autoridades ambientales, policía ambiental y concesionarios viales, aunque la magnitud del daño sugiere la necesidad de implementar controles más rigurosos y cumplir plenamente el fallo de tutela.[36]​.

Algunas situaciones observadas incluyen el desgaste de senderos, la presencia ocasional de residuos sólidos y la necesidad de fortalecer la educación ambiental durante las visitas. Para mitigar estos efectos, Parques Nacionales y entidades regionales han puesto en marcha estrategias de control de acceso, campañas de sensibilización, y programas de turismo sostenible en colaboración con comunidades locales.[43]​[44]​.

Asimismo, en las zonas de influencia del parque se han identificado usos del suelo que pueden representar retos para la conectividad ecológica, como la ganadería y la apertura de caminos rurales. En respuesta, se han promovido procesos de reconversión hacia prácticas productivas sostenibles, en el marco de iniciativas de restauración ambiental y acuerdos comunitarios.[45]​.

El parque también es objeto de observación científica continua debido al retroceso de sus glaciares, fenómeno asociado al cambio climático. El monitoreo liderado por el IDEAM y otras entidades permite analizar tendencias y proyectar medidas de adaptación a largo plazo.[46]​.

Glacial retreat in the national context

In the period 2010–2022 glacier coverage fell from 47km² to 33km², which represents a reduction of 30% in just twelve years, with an annual rate of loss between 3% and 5%, and in some years, reaching up to 7.8% annually.[47] Between 2021 and 2022, a decrease of 1.11km² is estimated, equivalent to 156 soccer fields.[48]​.

In the mid-1950s, ice sports were something to talk about in the area in Nevado del Ruiz. Previously, ski championships were held. Along the park's route you can see some photographic records of what was the first ski championship, where more than 40 national and international athletes participated.

During the 1950s, the perpetual snows of Nevado del Ruiz served as a setting for skiing, turning this park into a natural ski slope. In 1955, a championship was held that attracted dozens of national and international athletes, consolidating Nevado del Ruiz as a benchmark for snow sports in the country. This event marked a unique chapter in the history of the region, when the majesty of the glaciers not only offered impressive landscapes, but also perfect terrain for these activities.

However, as the 1960s progressed, the decline in perpetual snowfall, attributed to climate change, and the need to protect this fragile ecosystem led to the decline of these sporting practices.

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados es un caso emblemático de gestión frente al cambio climático, enmarcado en el Plan Nacional de Adaptación al Cambio Climático (PNACC), adoptado en 2012 y actualizado en 2016, con líneas estratégicas para conservar la biodiversidad, los recursos hídricos y la infraestructura en zonas de altura.[49]​.

Hydroclimatic monitoring

Several basins, including the Claro and Otún rivers, are the subject of hydroclimatic studies that evaluate:[49]​.

• - Changes in glacier coverage.

• - Water storage in peat bogs and lagoons.

• - Flows and plant responses to climate change.

Zoning and adaptive management

The Western Andes Territorial Directorate (DTAO) of National Parks implements:

• - Daily load capacity.

• - Quotas to enter high mountain areas.

• - Temporary suspensions due to environmental or safety risks.

Regional governance

The PNN is part of the SIRAP Eje Cafetero"), in coordination with departmental SIDAP (Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, Tolima) and municipal SIMAP, promoting ecological connectivity, joint surveillance and technical exchange.[50]​.

1. • | Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies.

• - National natural parks of Colombia.

• - Paisa Region "Paisa (Colombia)").

• - National natural parks of Colombia - Los Nevados National Natural Park.

• - Get to know the Nevados National Park.

• - The Colombian Government has one year to recover the Los Nevados Park, according to the Court.

The Los Nevados National Natural Park is a region of great hydrographic importance, since numerous water sources arise in its territory that supply important basins in Colombia. Its glaciers, lagoons and underground systems contribute to the flow of rivers that feed the basins of the Magdalena "Magdalena (Colombia)") and Cauca "Cauca (Colombia)" rivers, vital for economic development and human consumption in several regions of the country.[5]​.

Water sources.

The melting of the snow-capped mountains generates the first river channels that flow into the Magdalena (to the east) and Cauca (to the west) basins. In addition, an extensive river network originates in high mountain lagoons, some of glacial origin and others, such as the **Laguna del Otún, possibly formed in ancient volcanic craters. Other lagoons function as reservoirs fed by springs or groundwater, gradually releasing their flow to lower areas.

A key factor in water regulation is the presence of volcanic material, which acts as a natural "sponge": it absorbs water during heavy rains and releases it slowly in dry times. Surface runoff waters and underground seepage after precipitation also contribute.[5]​.

Basins and main rivers.

The park is home to seven watersheds:

-Four drain into the Magdalena River: Gualí, Lagunilla, Totare and Coello-Combeima.

-Three flow into the Cauca River: Chinchiná, Otún and La Vieja-Quindío.

Among the 21 most important rivers and streams are the Chinchiná, Azufrado, Lagunilla, Otún, Quindío, Combeima, Recio and others such as the Río Claro and the Barbo.

Socioeconomic importance.

This water network supplies water to nearly three million people in the coffee-growing region and rice-growing and cotton-growing areas of Tolima. Recent studies indicate that, although the park contributes less than 10% of the surface water in basins such as Chinchiná, its underground contribution exceeds 60%, which highlights its role in maintaining aquifers.

The conservation of this ecosystem is crucial, not only because of its biodiversity, but because of its function in regulating the water cycle of one of the most productive regions of Colombia.[5]​.

The Los Nevados National Natural Park is home to three of Colombia's active glaciers: Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima and Nevado de Santa Isabel. These ice masses not only represent relics of the last Andean glaciation, but also fulfill key functions for water regulation and the ecological balance of the paramo ecosystem.

The park's glaciers are an essential source of water for basins such as the Gualí, Otún, Lagunilla and Recio rivers, which supply both natural ecosystems and human populations in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Tolima. During the dry season, glaciers function as regulating reserves, slowly releasing water and mitigating the effects of drought.

However, global warming has caused a drastic reduction in the park's glacier surface. According to IDEAM, between 1850 and 2020 the park lost more than 90% of its original glacial area. The Nevado de Santa Isabel, for example, could disappear in less than a decade if current trends continue.

The loss of these glaciers will not only affect the landscape and biodiversity, but will also compromise the water security of the Andean region. Therefore, its conservation is a priority not only from a natural point of view, but also from a social and economic point of view.

In August 2020, the Labor Cassation Chamber of the Superior Court of the judicial district of Ibagué issued Sentence STL-1716 of 2020, through which it declared the Los Nevados National Natural Park as special subject of rights. This recognition establishes that the park enjoys the rights to life, health and a healthy environment, and that it must receive protection, conservation and restoration as a living entity.[7]​.

The ruling ordered various entities – including natural national parks, the President of the Republic, the departments of Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, and the regional autonomous corporations – to prepare a Joint Recovery, Management, Maintenance and Conservation Plan, with defined deadlines and responsibilities, with the aim of mitigating threats such as livestock farming, mining, unregulated tourism and glacial melt.[8]​.

The Supreme Court of Justice confirmed the ruling in 2023, promoting a judicial approach to comprehensive environmental justice that supports more rigorous controls on access, land use and especially property delimitation and sanitation in the buffer area, as well as constant institutional monitoring.[9]​.

Contenido

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados cuenta con varias **zonas de ingreso autorizadas**, cada una con características específicas y puntos de control para regular el acceso de visitantes.

Control and awareness points

There are active checkpoints in sectors such as Las Perlas, El Palmar, Villa Restrepo, PuertoPerú and Pastales (Tolima), managed jointly by the Government of Tolima, Cortolima, local authorities, National Parks officials, the Public Force and relief agencies. These sites offer induction talks, mandatory registration and environmental guidance.[10]​.

Due to the orange alert of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, these days also verify volcanic activity and restrict entry when necessary.[10]​.

Main access areas - Reservations for entry to the Los Nevados PNN:

"Every national or foreign person has the right to visit the Los Nevados Natural National Park, prior to meeting the following requirements:" Among the requirements is the acquisition of accident and rescue insurance, receiving an induction talk and complying with the established entry hours.[11]​.

• - Northern Sector (Brisas – Valley of the Tombs"): allows visits by vehicle to the paramo area, with loading capacity controlled by spaces reserved day by day.[12]​ Tour from the induction center to the Valley of the Tombs sector. Entry hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.[11]​.

• - Central Sector (Potosí "Potosí (Nariño)") / SantaIsabel "Santa Isabel (Tolima)") – Laguna del Otún): previous reservation required with at least three business days.[12]​ Among the tourist sites available are the Conejeras Trail - Edge of Nevado Santa Isabel Glacier, Ascent to the top or summit of Nevado Santa Isabel, Laguna Verde Trail and Potosí - La Asomadera. The time range for the downtown sector is from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.[11]​.

• - South Sector (Tolima – Nevado del Tolima): guided by routes from Salento "Salento (Quindío)") or Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)"), with a reservation of five business days and entry on foot or in a group accompanied by authorized guides. 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.[11]​.

Operational centers and environmental management

In 2023, a new operational headquarters was inaugurated in Manizales, managed by National Natural Parks, which houses more than 40 park rangers in charge of management, monitoring and attention in the coffee region.[13]​.

There are also authorized shelters, such as El Cisne and El Porvenir, which have basic services (camping, bathrooms, drinking water) and operate through concessions regulated by National Parks.[14]​.

Temporary closures for conservation

With the objective of preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, particularly the moor and the Santa Isabel glacier, temporary annual closures are implemented in accordance with Resolution 207 of 2023, issued by the National Natural Parks of Colombia. These measures allow the natural regeneration of the vegetation and the mitigation of the impact generated by tourism.

Each year, up to four temporary closures of five business days are scheduled, during which entry to most sectors of the park is restricted. Access is maintained only through the Brisas sector, with environmental supervision and visitor limits. For example, the most recent closure took place between April 21 and 25, 2025, affecting trails such as Conejeras, Laguna Verde, La Asomadera and Laguna del Otún, where ecological restoration and scientific monitoring are prioritized.[15]​[16]​.

These operational pauses also allow us to advance maintenance of ecological infrastructure activities, review of accumulated impacts and coordination with local communities for the implementation of sustainable practices. Additionally, they are articulated with environmental education and reforestation campaigns with native species such as frailejones, lupines and polylepis.

Since May 2024, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, together with National Natural Parks, announced the protection of more than 180,000 hectares adjacent to the Park, with the purpose of allocating these areas to conservation and sustainable activities. This plan reinforces the water supply for more than 3 million people in Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda and Tolima.[17]​.

The initiative is framed in compliance with the ruling of the Ibagué Court that recognizes the park as a subject of rights (Sentence STL-1716 of 2020). It is expected that these 180,000ha will have at least 40% of the area already protected, while the remaining 60% will be gradually converted to sustainable modalities, including ecological tourism, moorland restoration and silvopastoral projects.[17]​.

The strategy incorporates a package of technical measures for local communities, which includes training, planning support, and the design of productive alternatives compatible with conservation. In this way, it is sought that in the medium term, the entire polygon will be used under a sustainable approach.

Furthermore, to strengthen territorial management, in May 2025 a regional technical table was established in Pereira, bringing together entities such as CARDER, mayors' offices, tourism operators and control bodies, in order to articulate governance actions, acquire strategic properties (e.g. in Campoalegre) and guarantee the ecological connectivity of the park.

These measures not only expand the protection area, but also comprehensively improve the ecosystem services of the park: water regulation, carbon capture, habitat provision and promotion of sustainable tourism.

In 2002, IDEAM warned about the alleged melting of the ice caps of the snow-capped mountains of this national park. As proof of this, it is worth mentioning the disappearance of the Ice Cathedrals, which were enormous caverns in the lower part of the Nevado del Ruiz glacier cap, which existed until before 1995 and which used to be frequented by climbers.

At the end of the century, six glaciers existed on the summits of El Ruiz, Santa Isabel, Tolima, El Cisne, Quindío and Santa Rosa, and were at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level. The melting phenomenon has worsened during the second half of the century, resulting in the disappearance of the El Cisne, Quindío and Santa Rosa glaciers in the late 1970s.

The phenomenon of thaw has worsened during the second half of the century. Of the previous six glaciers, only three are currently found: El Nevado del Ruiz, Santa Isabel and Tolima. The remaining ones melted completely at the end of the 1970s. However, the surviving glaciers face a constant process of melting, with the situation being critical in Nevado del Tolima and Santa Isabel, whose extension does not exceed two square kilometers. These two glaciers are expected to disappear completely between 2040 and 2050.

According to the most recent monitoring carried out by IDEAM in 2022, the national glacier coverage was reduced to 33.09 ±0.63 km², compared to the 34.20 ±0.67 km² reported at the beginning of 2021. This decrease of 3.2% annually is greater than that recorded the previous year (2.8%) and shows that, despite the increase in precipitation caused by the La Niña phenomenon, "La Niña (phenomenon)"), glacial loss continues. In this context, the Nevado Santa Isabel glacier, one of the most representative of the park, stands out for an alarming reduction of 17% in just one year.

The accelerated melting of the Santa Isabel Glacier is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather reflects a critical trend that has intensified since 2016 due to extreme El Niño events. This situation was recently aggravated by another episode of El Niño that began in 2023, which led to the extinction of the Conejeras sector in 2024 and considerably reduced the last ice remnants such as El Hongo and Laguna Verde. Apart from Santa Isabel, other glaciers that also presented significant area losses were the Sierra Nevada El Cocuy (-0.34 km²), the Nevado del Ruiz (-0.28 km²) and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (-0.27 km²). On the other hand, the Tolima glacier had the smallest absolute reduction (-0.02 km²).

Regarding the volume of ice, a 2022 study estimates that Colombia has a total of 1.68 ±0.24 km³ of glacial ice. The Sierra Nevada El Cocuy represents the largest water reserve with 64 x 10⁷ m³, followed by the Nevado del Ruiz (45 x 10⁷ m³) and the Nevado del Huila (28 x 10⁷ m³). The Nevado Santa Isabel, despite its serious reduction, still retains 3 x 10⁷ m³, which makes it a vital but vulnerable source of water for the region. These figures, obtained through multi-temporal analysis of satellite images and mathematical models, allow us to gauge the severity of glacial retreat in Colombia and the urgent need for conservation actions, especially in protected areas such as the Los Nevados National Natural Park.

Especies de aves como el colibrí, tucanes andinos, el gavilán, el cóndor de los Andes; mamíferos como el chivo, cusumbos, osos de anteojos, pumas y armadillos. La vegetación es paramuna "Páramo (biogeografía)"), encontramos una interesante gama de frailejones, musgos, líquenes, algas de colores en las diversas lagunas, girasoles, y algunas orquídeas que se adaptan a grandes alturas y adornan los horizontes de los nevados que conforman la flora del "superpáramo", páramo "Páramo (biogeografía)") y bosque alto andino. Los suelos de este majestuoso parque nacional natural son bastante rocosos, y es muy común encontrar abundantes depósitos de piedra pómez.

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados alberga una notable diversidad de flora, adaptada a los ecosistemas de páramo, superpáramo y bosques altoandinos que predominan en su territorio. En las zonas de páramo, una de las especies más representativas es el frailejón (Espeletia hartwegiana), planta emblemática que desempeña un papel clave en la regulación hídrica al capturar humedad del ambiente.[18]​ También se encuentra el cacho de venado (Loricaria colombiana), una especie endémica del superpáramo que destaca por su forma particular y resistencia al clima extremo.[19]​.

Un estudio reciente evaluó el comportamiento poblacional de *Espeletia hartwegiana*, un frailejón endémico de alta montaña. Se analizaron más de 900 individuos en tres pisos altitudinales, revelando que factores como ganadería, cercanía a carreteras y erosión afectan su distribución.[20]​.

En los bosques altoandinos, entre los 2.300 y 2.800 metros sobre el nivel del mar, crece la palma de cera (Ceroxylon quindiuense), árbol nacional de Colombia y hábitat del amenazado loro orejiamarillo (Ognorhynchus icterotis).[18]​ Otras especies características de esta zona incluyen el romero de páramo (Diplostephium sp.), el siete cueros (Polylepis sericea), así como el encenillo, el romerón, el pino colombiano, y arbustos como los campanos, velillos (Hypericum sp.), calabazos y guayabos silvestres.[21]​.

Un trabajo académico evaluó 242 especies de plantas del páramo, concluyendo que solo el 12 % han sido categorizadas por la IUCN, y varias se encuentran en estado vulnerable o en peligro, como Baccharis tricuneatay Pentacalia vaccinioides.[22]​.

El parque alberga tres de las seis masas glaciares del país: Nevado del Ruiz, Santa Isabel y Tolima.

Desde 2016 hasta 2018, el glaciar Santa Isabel perdió más del 30 % de su área, y el Ruiz ha reducido un 80 % desde finales del siglo , pasando de ~50 km² a ~8 km² Reddit+12ELESPECTADOR.COM+12ELESPECTADOR.COM+12.

El IDEAM advierte que algunos nevados se extinguirán entre 10 y 15 años, mientras que otros podrían sobrevivir hasta 40–50 años, en función de su altitud y masa actual [2][23]​.

La fauna del Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados es igualmente diversa y se encuentra adaptada a las condiciones extremas de altitud y temperatura. Entre las aves más destacadas se encuentra el periquito de los nevados (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons), especie endémica de la región andina.[19]​ También habita el imponente cóndor de los Andes (Vultur gryphus), una de las aves voladoras más grandes del mundo.[18]​ La cotorra coroniazul (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi) también está presente en el Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, donde habita en altitudes propias del piso térmico frío, entre los 2.600 y 3.800 m. Es común observarla en parejas o en grupos reducidos que no superan los diez individuos.[24]​ En los páramos se pueden observar especies especializadas como el colibrí de páramo (Oxypogon guerinii), el pato andino (Oxyura jamaicensis), el perico paramuno (Leptosittaca branickii) y el terlaque andino (Andigena hypoglauca).[21]​ Por otro lado, entre los anfibios se encuentran 6 especies pertenecientes a un solo género (Pristimantis), familia (Craugastoridae) y un solo orden (Anura).[25]​.

El parque alberga una alta concentración de especies endémicas, como el periquito de los nevados (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons), el ratón Akodon tolimae y el sapo arlequín (Atelopus carauta), considerados bioindicadores de ecosistemas sanos.[26]​.

Entre los mamíferos que habitan el parque destacan especies emblemáticas como la danta de páramo (Tapirus pinchaque), en peligro de extinción, y el oso andino o oso de anteojos (Tremarctos ornatus), el único oso nativo de Sudamérica.[18]​ También se encuentran presentes el tigrillo (Leopardus tigrinus) y el puma (Puma concolor), así como otras especies más pequeñas como el venado conejo (Pudu mephistophiles), el venado colorado (Mazama rufina), la comadreja, y la ardilla enana.[19]​ Además, se ha registrado la presencia de al menos 20 especies de murciélagos, que cumplen funciones ecológicas clave como la dispersión de semillas, polinización y control de insectos.[19]​.

Desde 2017, el Parque ha implementado proyectos de restauración ecológica activa y pasiva en zonas de páramo, como la laguna El Mosquito. Estos incluyen aislamiento con cercas y siembra de especies nativas como frailejones, lupinos y polylepis.[27]​.

• - Los Nevados.

• - Laguna del Otún.

• - Cumbre del nevado del Tolima en 2018.

• - Laguna negra.

• - Nevado del Ruiz.

Otún Lagoon — Ramsar Site

The Laguna del Otún Wetland Complex, located in shared jurisdiction between Risaralda, Caldas and Tolima within the Los Nevados National Natural Park, was declared Ramsar Site of international importance (no. 1781) on June 25, 2008.[28]​ This complex includes the main lagoon, swamps and interconnected peatlands, initially extending over an area of 6579ha, later expanded to 115,883ha to incorporate the microwetland and peat bog basins of the sector.[29]​.

• - It is home to at least 52 species of birds, among which the large diving duck (Oxyura jamaicensis andina) and the Puneño silver maca (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis) stand out, considered vulnerable.[28]​.

• - Emblematic paramo species are also recorded such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the blue-crowned parrot and the yellow-eared parrot. The flora is made up of typical paramo vegetation: frailejones (Espeletia hartwegiana), quenua (Polylepis sericea) and conifers such as Podocarpus oleifolius.[28]​.

Research from IDEAM together with universities from Japan, Austria and the Czech Republic have confirmed microbial life—including phototrophic algae adapted to the cold—in glaciers such as Santa Isabel and El Cocuy LOS40+14ideam.gov.co+14Universidad de la Sabana+14. This discovery is notable because, in addition to demonstrating biodiversity at extreme altitudes, it highlights the role of glaciers as unique habitats, today threatened by melting.[3].

In recent years, regional and national authorities have promoted a sustainable tourism approach in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, aimed at balancing conservation with the responsible enjoyment of the natural environment.[17]​.

For the reopening of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, said government entity has prepared a series of instructions with the essential information that every visitor must know when visiting these protected areas, which include visiting hours (which vary depending on the sector), regulations (which among many things prohibit the entry of single-use plastics, the entry of pets, the use of pack animals and the creation of bonfires), basic equipment (UV protection glasses, bags for garbage, sunscreen, light foods, among others) and instructions for athletes. [4] [5][6 ][30]​.

The Government of Caldas"), in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Villamaría"), has organized awareness days on good tourism practices. These included training of local guides, design of ecotourism routes and environmental education campaigns for communities and visitors.[31]​.

Likewise, the Government of Tolima, together with Cortolima and Fontur, established an agreement for the management and sustainable planning of nature tourism in municipalities with an impact on the park, such as Ibagué, Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)") and Salento "Salento (Quindío)").[32]​.

Within the framework of the management strategies for nature tourism in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, the authorities of Tolima have proposed the implementation of an environmental toll to finance conservation work, as well as a peak and environmental plate system to regulate vehicle flow in sensitive areas. These measures also include mandatory stopping areas where environmental education sessions will be held, aimed at raising awareness among visitors about the fragility of the paramo ecosystem and the need to minimize its ecological footprint.[33]​.

At an institutional level, the national Community Ecotourism program of National Natural Parks promotes the participation of local communities as operators of ecotourism services, regulates concessions, carries out impact control and supports environmental education.[34]​.

Finally, entry and security controls have been implemented in high mountain areas, such as Brisas, La Cueva and Nevado del Tolima, through coordinated support between park rangers, army, police and civil defense.[34]​.

The Los Nevados National Natural Park contemplates a series of behaviors that, if carried out, imply the sanctions established in Law 1333 of 2009, among which we find:[11]​.

1. • Camping within the protected area (except when the Cañón, Arenales and Calvito thermal points are temporarily enabled).

2. • The entry of mules to the Arenales and Calvito camps. Approaching and entering these camps can only be done on foot.

3. • Hunting is prohibited, it can only be carried out for scientific purposes and with its respective environmental authorization.

4. • Make bonfires.

5. • Enter vehicles into the protected area.

6. • Dump solid waste within the protected area.

7. • The use of aerosols or polluting agents.

8. • The entry of domestic animals or pets and plant material.

9. • Produce noise or use equipment that may disturb the natural environment.

10. • Temporarily or permanently introduce animals, seeds, flowers, propagules of any species.

11. • Carry out excavations.

12. • Extract material from the ground, plant or animal.

13. • Cause damage to the facilities.

14. • Take alternative routes to those established by the protected area.

15. • Participate in activities related to sexual tourism.

16. • The entry of tourists under the influence of psychoactive substances.

17. • Take tourist walks on your own without the company of a local interpreter.

18. • Carry out fishing activities.

19. • Make videos or photographs for commercial purposes.

20. • The admission of children under 6 years of age and adults over 70 years of age, pregnant women and people with lung or cardiovascular problems.

21. • Carrying out horseback riding.

El Parque enfrenta múltiples presiones y amenazas que ponen en riesgo sus ecosistemas frágiles, especialmente el páramo y los glaciares.[35]​.

• - Turismo no regulado: cada fin de semana se reportan vertimientos de basura (pañales, plásticos) y un incremento de visitantes que practican acciones nocivas, como pisar frailejones y arrojar objetos en nacimientos de agua.[36]​[37]​[35]​ El ecoturismo, aunque es una estrategia de conservación, también genera problemas ambientales en áreas específicas como el sendero Conejeras, donde la capacidad de carga y las condiciones de humedad se ven alteradas. Además, la presión turística en el área de amortiguamiento del parque puede afectar los recursos hídricos y la conservación del ecosistema si no se maneja adecuadamente.[38]​.

• - Impacto sobre la cubierta vegetal y suelos: el ecoturismo ha causado compactación de suelos, ampliación de senderos, pérdida de cobertura vegetal y contaminación del agua y aire debido a fogatas, residuos y emisiones de vehículos.[39]​[40]​.

• - Infraestructura vial controvertida: la carretera Murillo "Murillo (Tolima)")–Manizales incrementó el flujo vehicular, generando congestión, erosión de zona de páramo y presión por estacionamiento ilegal dentro del área protegida.[39]​[36]​.

• - Ganadería y agricultura en zonas de amortiguamiento: estas actividades han sido identificadas por la Corte como amenazas, junto con incendios, tala, especies invasoras y minería ilegal, y deben ser controlados conforme al fallo que reconoce al parque como sujeto de derechos.[41]​.

• - Retroceso glaciar por cambio climático: los glaciares del Ruiz, Santa Isabel "Santa Isabel (Tolima)") y Tolima han perdido cerca del 90 % de su masa desde 1850. La desaparición del glaciar de Santa Isabel antes de 2030 representaría una disminución crítica en el suministro hídrico del páramo.[42]​.

Estas problemáticas han desencadenado sanciones administrativas y campañas de sensibilización por parte de Parques Nacionales, autoridades ambientales, policía ambiental y concesionarios viales, aunque la magnitud del daño sugiere la necesidad de implementar controles más rigurosos y cumplir plenamente el fallo de tutela.[36]​.

Algunas situaciones observadas incluyen el desgaste de senderos, la presencia ocasional de residuos sólidos y la necesidad de fortalecer la educación ambiental durante las visitas. Para mitigar estos efectos, Parques Nacionales y entidades regionales han puesto en marcha estrategias de control de acceso, campañas de sensibilización, y programas de turismo sostenible en colaboración con comunidades locales.[43]​[44]​.

Asimismo, en las zonas de influencia del parque se han identificado usos del suelo que pueden representar retos para la conectividad ecológica, como la ganadería y la apertura de caminos rurales. En respuesta, se han promovido procesos de reconversión hacia prácticas productivas sostenibles, en el marco de iniciativas de restauración ambiental y acuerdos comunitarios.[45]​.

El parque también es objeto de observación científica continua debido al retroceso de sus glaciares, fenómeno asociado al cambio climático. El monitoreo liderado por el IDEAM y otras entidades permite analizar tendencias y proyectar medidas de adaptación a largo plazo.[46]​.

Glacial retreat in the national context

In the period 2010–2022 glacier coverage fell from 47km² to 33km², which represents a reduction of 30% in just twelve years, with an annual rate of loss between 3% and 5%, and in some years, reaching up to 7.8% annually.[47] Between 2021 and 2022, a decrease of 1.11km² is estimated, equivalent to 156 soccer fields.[48]​.

In the mid-1950s, ice sports were something to talk about in the area in Nevado del Ruiz. Previously, ski championships were held. Along the park's route you can see some photographic records of what was the first ski championship, where more than 40 national and international athletes participated.

During the 1950s, the perpetual snows of Nevado del Ruiz served as a setting for skiing, turning this park into a natural ski slope. In 1955, a championship was held that attracted dozens of national and international athletes, consolidating Nevado del Ruiz as a benchmark for snow sports in the country. This event marked a unique chapter in the history of the region, when the majesty of the glaciers not only offered impressive landscapes, but also perfect terrain for these activities.

However, as the 1960s progressed, the decline in perpetual snowfall, attributed to climate change, and the need to protect this fragile ecosystem led to the decline of these sporting practices.

El Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados es un caso emblemático de gestión frente al cambio climático, enmarcado en el Plan Nacional de Adaptación al Cambio Climático (PNACC), adoptado en 2012 y actualizado en 2016, con líneas estratégicas para conservar la biodiversidad, los recursos hídricos y la infraestructura en zonas de altura.[49]​.

Hydroclimatic monitoring

Several basins, including the Claro and Otún rivers, are the subject of hydroclimatic studies that evaluate:[49]​.

• - Changes in glacier coverage.

• - Water storage in peat bogs and lagoons.

• - Flows and plant responses to climate change.

Zoning and adaptive management

The Western Andes Territorial Directorate (DTAO) of National Parks implements:

• - Daily load capacity.

• - Quotas to enter high mountain areas.

• - Temporary suspensions due to environmental or safety risks.

Regional governance

The PNN is part of the SIRAP Eje Cafetero"), in coordination with departmental SIDAP (Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, Tolima) and municipal SIMAP, promoting ecological connectivity, joint surveillance and technical exchange.[50]​.

1. • | Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies.

• - National natural parks of Colombia.

• - Paisa Region "Paisa (Colombia)").

• - National natural parks of Colombia - Los Nevados National Natural Park.

• - Get to know the Nevados National Park.

• - The Colombian Government has one year to recover the Los Nevados Park, according to the Court.