16i3-Heart-of-the-world
The beauty of Sierra Nevada can be explained in its very unique ecosystem. Deserts, wetlands, tropical rain forests, and snow-capped mountain peaks in the same region. No surprise when their ancient habitants – the Arhuacos, Koguis, kankuamos, Wiwas – state that this is the heart of the world. In the Northeastern Colombia, it is located the middle of three departments: La Guajira, Magdalena, and Cesar, where oddly has no geological connection with the Andes even being really close).
ALSO: Nature and Society in Sacred Balance
The pyramid shaped mountain is the highest in the coast with its 5,775 m (18,946 ft) from the sea level and 42 km (26 miles) from the coast. The 30 rivers with pure water from the snowy peaks and several natural springs welcome a very diverse range of plants and animals. With its 17,000 square km of territory, 80% is within two national parks the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Tayrona National Park. It is so unique and rich that the area was declared as a biosphere reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
Known as the sacred lands, Sierra Nevada is considered the heart of the world. According to their beliefs, everything that happens in this region will happen in other parts fo the globe. For this reason, their sacred task is to keep the balance of the spiritual and ecological world. The work of creating ANEI organic coffee is a gift of the ASO ANEI (Productores Agroecologicos Indigenas y Campesinos De La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) to the world.