Colombia can be divided into five regions, each with its own type of environment. Click on the map to find out features of the main ecosystem in each region, and how people are using these different environments.
The climate of each region determines the ecosystem of plants and animals that live there. Use the clues on the map to match the five climate graphs to the different regions.
In spite of the civil war, the Colombian government has taken action to protect the country's rich natural environment - nearly a tenth of Colombia is protected as a national park or a nature reserve.
On Colombia's Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park protects both land and marine ecosystems. Much of the park is covered by untouched tropical dry forest, home to over 100 species of animals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. A fifth of the park covers the beaches, bays and coral reefs offshore.
Thanks to its beautiful scenery, Tayrona is one of the most visited parks in Colombia. Money made from tourism is used to maintain and protect the environment. The park is divided into zones depending on the pressure from people. Trails, lodges, campsites and information centres have been built for ecotourists in some areas, managed by the Amerindian groups for whom environmental protection is a way of life. There are also plans to develop alternative energy in the park thanks to aid from the Indian government.
On the slopes of the Andes Colombian coffee farmers plant coffee bushes alongside other crops and trees. This way, they protect the environment so that it lasts. But today many 'cafeteleros' are struggling to make a living. Go to the next page to find out more.
