The ambivalent results of a socio-environmental struggle: Páramo de Santurbán Regional Natural Park, Colombia

Abstract

The text seeks to address the ambivalent results of the designation of  Páramo de Santurbán as a Regional Natural Park, essentially because of the protests related to environmental preservation. After  an introduction in which the subject of the territory and the global economy is theoretically located, a brief recount is given of the location and relevant characteristics of the Santurbán region, located in the northeastern part of Colombia, as  well as of the gestation and particularities of the social and political mobilization against possible mining exploitation by the Canadian multinational Grey Star —now Eco Oro— in that area. A description is then provided of  the confrontations between the Colombian State and the environmental fighters to denominate this territory the Regional Natural Park. Lastly, the author examines the consequences  and challenges of  this designation are studied in greater depth, where  uncertainty and ambivalence reign where it was thought there would be  generalized well-being.