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Lago de Tota: Destino VerdeSeleccionado en 2017 para el Top-100 de Destinos Sostenibles del mundo.
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Lago de Tota
seleccionado como Destino Verde Top-100 en competencia mundial!
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Seleccionado como parte de la lista Top-100 de Destinos Sostenibles del mundo, por la organización Green Destinations (Holanda).
Enlace oficial: greendestinations.org/2017-top-100/ [ver listado] |
Información General
Información proporcionada por la ONG Fundación Montecito, Coordinadores provisionales del "Destino Verde Lago Tota" y miembros del llamado grupo "Lago de Tota Destino Verde" cuya iniciativa llevó al Lago Tota a ser nominado y seleccionado en un Top-100 GD 2017. Este grupo está formado por dos Embajadores de Destinos Verdes (Felipe Velasco de Fundación Montecito, y Oscar Rojas de Ecolaguna - Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo) junto con un pequeño grupo de otros actores turísticos de la región. Más información en éste blog.
Nota: La información siguiente está en Inglés, por razón del idioma en que fue necesario enviar a concurso todo el contenido de los formularios requeridos. Tarea pendiente poderlo compartir en Español, por supuesto. Entretanto, si desea conocer sobre alguno de estos temas en particular, por favor contáctenos con su inquietud.
Nota: La información siguiente está en Inglés, por razón del idioma en que fue necesario enviar a concurso todo el contenido de los formularios requeridos. Tarea pendiente poderlo compartir en Español, por supuesto. Entretanto, si desea conocer sobre alguno de estos temas en particular, por favor contáctenos con su inquietud.
En relación al galardón recibido en Portugal [Sept, 2017]
Hey! Show me the award!
Sure thing!, happy to show it here:
Award received from Albert Salman (President, Green Destinations -left-) by Oscar Rojas and Felipe Velasco.
Photo source: Green Destinations and courtesy of the Municipality of Cascais, Portugal, 28.9.2017
Photo source: Green Destinations and courtesy of the Municipality of Cascais, Portugal, 28.9.2017
Is there any "PDF" version of the award to be downloaded?
Yes, it's here:
| lake_tota_colombia.pdf |
How the nomination and selection process was made?
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There was a call for nominations opened in March 2017, and it explained the whole process. You can access that document [here]. And a link on the Green Destinations website to provide complementary information, here: greendestinations.org/2017-top100/.
In relation to our own process to participate and nominate Lake Tota for the Top-100, you can learn about it here: visitsugamuxi.com/lake-tota-green-destination |
What presentations were given about Lake Tota in Portugal?
There were two presentations given about Lake Tota on the 29th of september, during the sesion of shared experiences included in the agenda held at Estoril, Portugal. Here they are:
| lake_tota__colombia___ppt_1__felipe_velasco.pdf |
| lake_tota__colombia___ppt_2__oscar_rojas.pdf |
Preguntas Frecuentes [FAQ]
[Actualizado: 27.8.2017]
[Actualizado: 27.8.2017]
General Information
Estimated number of inhabitants:
22.000, in the whole Lake Tota's watershed (210 km2, from which the lake occupies 55 km2).
Estimated size of the destination (in sq km):
210 km2 - size of Lake Tota's watershed (from which 55 km2 is the lake itself).
What the destination offers:
Destination website(s):
1. bit.ly/lt-overview (comprehensive) It offers a short overview about Lake Tota.
2. abctota.org (Wetland Centre for Lake Tota, a multi-topic site about this valuable wetland)
3. bit.ly/t-poster (poster presented in a Living Lakes conference, China 2014)
4. bit.ly/t-flyer (Spanish)
5. bit.ly/laketota (link for regular tourism) Linked at travel guide Visit Sugamuxi, with Lake Tota as a highlight of this province.
6. bit.ly/ltgd-blog (Lake Tota Green Destination blog in regards to a groupal process towards Lake Tota as a Green Destination).
7. bit.ly/ctb-fm (Spanish) Causa Tota -blog-, with posts from 2011 it reveals the governance process on Lake Tota.
22.000, in the whole Lake Tota's watershed (210 km2, from which the lake occupies 55 km2).
Estimated size of the destination (in sq km):
210 km2 - size of Lake Tota's watershed (from which 55 km2 is the lake itself).
What the destination offers:
- Nature based tourism (e.g. ecotourism).
- Culture based tourism.
Destination website(s):
1. bit.ly/lt-overview (comprehensive) It offers a short overview about Lake Tota.
2. abctota.org (Wetland Centre for Lake Tota, a multi-topic site about this valuable wetland)
3. bit.ly/t-poster (poster presented in a Living Lakes conference, China 2014)
4. bit.ly/t-flyer (Spanish)
5. bit.ly/laketota (link for regular tourism) Linked at travel guide Visit Sugamuxi, with Lake Tota as a highlight of this province.
6. bit.ly/ltgd-blog (Lake Tota Green Destination blog in regards to a groupal process towards Lake Tota as a Green Destination).
7. bit.ly/ctb-fm (Spanish) Causa Tota -blog-, with posts from 2011 it reveals the governance process on Lake Tota.
Destination sustainability pitch
Located at 3.015 m high up in the Andes of Colombia, (Lake Tota) Lago de Tota is also known as ‘The Lake in the Clouds’. It is the largest lake of the country, surrounded and fed by páramos - a unique ecosystem that requires a sustainable approach for its persistence (see more about páramos here: bit.ly/vs-paramos). Therefore, sustainability movements were initiated after Lake Tota received in 2012 the international World Wetland Network ‘Grey Globe’ Award for being a wetland of international importance under threat (bit.ly/gg-t). This award was a result from a civil society decission and commitment to find important ways to raise awareness among the society and authorities.
Results from non-governmental actions from 2012 to date include raising awareness, improvement of governance for integrated participation, implementation of a Green Filter for domestic waste water treatment, and establishment of a virtual wetland centre for communication and education on wetlands for this lake (abctota.org). Currently, a physical visitors centre and a hostel integrated to it by Lake Tota's shore are being developed, also linked to a cultural heritage trekking route that aims to provide sustainable, integrated and a small-scale tourism among rural communities.
A later national award in 2016 highlighted the civil society participation and commitment on governance for Lake Tota's territory, in particular on protecting "Playa Blanca" (one of Lake Tota's main spots for visitors) from degradation. That award was so-called a wining experience on citizen's participation (given by the Ministry of Interior in alliance with a social NGO), from a narrative piece called "La entrevista en las nubes" (Interview in the clouds) developed to describe Playa Blanca's situation and two major threats that occured from authoritie's decissions in 2014 and 2015 which were ultimately reversed and stopped (see this short video posted in relation to that award, for more: youtu.be/qEv2ju98CPY).
In addition, more recently (June, 2017) a group of Lake Tota's tourism stakeholders gathered to decide and declare as a group, a public intention to work towards the purpose of having Lake Tota converted and recognized as a Green Destination (see declaration and post from 3rd of June, 2017: bit.ly/ltgd-dec). In fact, a 1st draft of a Strategy and Action Plan (2017-2020) for that intention was also recently completed (see the post and plan here: bit.ly/ltgd-plan-v1).
Although large challenges are still ahead, integrative plans for development linked to tourism, sustainability and education provide this region with amazing opportunities for the near future, to develop as/become a sustainable tourism destination in the near future.
Results from non-governmental actions from 2012 to date include raising awareness, improvement of governance for integrated participation, implementation of a Green Filter for domestic waste water treatment, and establishment of a virtual wetland centre for communication and education on wetlands for this lake (abctota.org). Currently, a physical visitors centre and a hostel integrated to it by Lake Tota's shore are being developed, also linked to a cultural heritage trekking route that aims to provide sustainable, integrated and a small-scale tourism among rural communities.
A later national award in 2016 highlighted the civil society participation and commitment on governance for Lake Tota's territory, in particular on protecting "Playa Blanca" (one of Lake Tota's main spots for visitors) from degradation. That award was so-called a wining experience on citizen's participation (given by the Ministry of Interior in alliance with a social NGO), from a narrative piece called "La entrevista en las nubes" (Interview in the clouds) developed to describe Playa Blanca's situation and two major threats that occured from authoritie's decissions in 2014 and 2015 which were ultimately reversed and stopped (see this short video posted in relation to that award, for more: youtu.be/qEv2ju98CPY).
In addition, more recently (June, 2017) a group of Lake Tota's tourism stakeholders gathered to decide and declare as a group, a public intention to work towards the purpose of having Lake Tota converted and recognized as a Green Destination (see declaration and post from 3rd of June, 2017: bit.ly/ltgd-dec). In fact, a 1st draft of a Strategy and Action Plan (2017-2020) for that intention was also recently completed (see the post and plan here: bit.ly/ltgd-plan-v1).
Although large challenges are still ahead, integrative plans for development linked to tourism, sustainability and education provide this region with amazing opportunities for the near future, to develop as/become a sustainable tourism destination in the near future.
Destination pictures
Destination description
Lake Tota’s the largest freshwater lake in the Colombian Andes. This 2nd highest navigable lake in South America is fed by páramos, a unique ecosystem found in only 6 countries worldwide. Páramos and Lake Tota have great cultural value for indigenous people and provide extraordinary environments for today’s green travellers.
Is nature well protected? - Nature degradation being addressed
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Unfortunately not. Lake Tota is currently unprotected and still suffers from unwise use and unsustainable practises (in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism and ecosystems that are used for other purposes – e.g. water consumption with minimal retribution, and mining exploration).
National legislation and policies for nature protection do exist in Colombia, but are poorly applied to Lake Tota and its surroundings. For example the páramos, which are regulated by law, but a good monitoring and impact assessment program is missing. One of the goals described in the Action Plan of the newly created LTDV group is to increase visibility of these laws (not only related to nature protection, but in general). This aims to help raise awareness about the existence and the necessity of applying these laws within the tourism sector. Furthermore, by having this group making laws more visible, this shows the legal and formal demand for sustainable use from the private tourism sector and civil society. Two relevant topics are considered relevant to receive some more attention: |
WWN Grey Globe Diploma for Lake Tota, 2012
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1. The designation of Lake Tota as a Ramsar site.
Although Lake Tota easily meets a number of criteria to be designated as a Ramsar site, this is not high on the agenda of the government. For the lake to be officially recognized as a wetland of international importance is a priority for some civil society groups. This will help to fight certain threats (e.g. mining) and to gradually convert unsustainable practises into sustainability within certain activities that form the base for local economy in the destination (e.g. onion agriculture and aquaculture).
NGO Fundación Montecito and the Mocilato movement (with its Causa Tota purpose) lead the process of becoming Lake Tota as a Ramsar site, the progress could be followed on certain blog posts that explain the situation in more detail (54 posts so far - ctb.fundacionmontecito.org/search/label/RAMSAR). The ground to move forward such designation has found blocking issues very much regarded to fears and lack of understanding about the figure (from local to national), but also political interference and apathy to take this as a responsible puspose - which is, by the way, part of our national laws to be respected: Law #357 from 1997. A wider context to understand this can be reviewd here (in this FAQ site about Lake Tota: bit.ly/lt-faq).
Unfortunately, the government (local to national) has been acting poorly to help with the process of becoming a Ramsar site. This was clearly addressed in the WWN Grey Globe award and mentioned before, to highlight nature degradation in our wetland (bit.ly/gg-t).
2. Topics related to the protection and recognition of Lake Tota.
(a) A small percentage of Lake Tota's watershed or catchment area (apart from the lake), is included in an official and protected Regional Natural Reserve called "Reserva Siscunsí-Ocetá". This reserve has an area of 50 sq km (approximately 20% of it is in Lake Tota's watershed higher land) and was designated or declared as such by the regional environmental authority Corpoboyacá in 2008 (bit.ly/rso-2008). Currently the reserve has its own management plan (signed in 04.2012: bit.ly/pm-so).
(b) Lake Tota has internationally been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Bird Life International in 2008 (site No. CO-085 datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/laguna-de-tota-iba-colombia). This clearly highlights the lakes’ importance for birds and their habitat on a global scale, although this recognition does not represent a protection status under Colombian law. A recent short video (June, 2017) with its complementary scientific paper produced by NGO Asociación Ixobrychus, show the importance of Lake Tota in birdlife terms, and it represents an evident asset to keep on searching for a protected status to facilitate sustainability - see it here (English subtitled): vimeo.com/222584167.
Although Lake Tota easily meets a number of criteria to be designated as a Ramsar site, this is not high on the agenda of the government. For the lake to be officially recognized as a wetland of international importance is a priority for some civil society groups. This will help to fight certain threats (e.g. mining) and to gradually convert unsustainable practises into sustainability within certain activities that form the base for local economy in the destination (e.g. onion agriculture and aquaculture).
NGO Fundación Montecito and the Mocilato movement (with its Causa Tota purpose) lead the process of becoming Lake Tota as a Ramsar site, the progress could be followed on certain blog posts that explain the situation in more detail (54 posts so far - ctb.fundacionmontecito.org/search/label/RAMSAR). The ground to move forward such designation has found blocking issues very much regarded to fears and lack of understanding about the figure (from local to national), but also political interference and apathy to take this as a responsible puspose - which is, by the way, part of our national laws to be respected: Law #357 from 1997. A wider context to understand this can be reviewd here (in this FAQ site about Lake Tota: bit.ly/lt-faq).
Unfortunately, the government (local to national) has been acting poorly to help with the process of becoming a Ramsar site. This was clearly addressed in the WWN Grey Globe award and mentioned before, to highlight nature degradation in our wetland (bit.ly/gg-t).
2. Topics related to the protection and recognition of Lake Tota.
(a) A small percentage of Lake Tota's watershed or catchment area (apart from the lake), is included in an official and protected Regional Natural Reserve called "Reserva Siscunsí-Ocetá". This reserve has an area of 50 sq km (approximately 20% of it is in Lake Tota's watershed higher land) and was designated or declared as such by the regional environmental authority Corpoboyacá in 2008 (bit.ly/rso-2008). Currently the reserve has its own management plan (signed in 04.2012: bit.ly/pm-so).
(b) Lake Tota has internationally been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Bird Life International in 2008 (site No. CO-085 datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/laguna-de-tota-iba-colombia). This clearly highlights the lakes’ importance for birds and their habitat on a global scale, although this recognition does not represent a protection status under Colombian law. A recent short video (June, 2017) with its complementary scientific paper produced by NGO Asociación Ixobrychus, show the importance of Lake Tota in birdlife terms, and it represents an evident asset to keep on searching for a protected status to facilitate sustainability - see it here (English subtitled): vimeo.com/222584167.
Is there any use of animals in tourism? (in tours and attractions)
Yes, horses are being used for horse-riding tours. We are not aware of any other animal use in tourism, and we don't know about any particular (private or public) control plan for this use. However, a new law in Colombia to protect animals was released in 2016 (January), and it enforces society in general to decrease and avoid the risks of unnecessary suffering, disease, and death for animals (Law #1774 signed 06.1.2016: bit.ly/lan-2016).
This important topic is also included in national tourism policies, standards for sustainability and regulations - e.g. in currently compulsory regulations for accomodation venues (4.1.1 Prevención del tráfico ilícito de flora y fauna - link: bit.ly/nts-ts002).
This important topic is also included in national tourism policies, standards for sustainability and regulations - e.g. in currently compulsory regulations for accomodation venues (4.1.1 Prevención del tráfico ilícito de flora y fauna - link: bit.ly/nts-ts002).
Are landscape and scenery well protected?
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Unfortunately, landscape and scenery are unprotected apart from the Colombian nature legislation and policies as mentioned above.
However, it is important to note that the civil society is convinced to get more recognition, trying to push the government into the importance of designating Lake Tota as an international Ramsar site. This recognition will bring tools to increase sustainable practises that will protect landscape and scenery. Since the landscape is currently dominated by onion farms (specially on the eastern part of the lake), protection of the cultivation of onions is related to more sustainable practises on the field. |
Lake Tota - Overview, integrated landscape
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In addition, civil society is convinced that the higher lands of Lake Tota’s catchment area, that belong to a very unique ecosystem worldwide called páramos, located in the Colombian Andes (visitsugamuxi.com/paramos.html), have a good chance to apply for a Unesco site status. However, this process is in a very early stage so far and thus a lot still needs to be done for such status application.
Is all waste water treated in the destination? And current challenges
No, in fact most of the wastewater in the Lake Tota area is either not or poorly treated. To shift this into a more sustainable and proper wastewater management system is a highly sensible issue and challenge; there is still a lot of work to be done, both in the private sector and the government.
Governmental laws and policies are available, although not well applied. The few wastewater treatment plants are outdated and new solutions for more sustainable treatment are necessary to improve the current situation. The Action Plan from our LTDV group includes raising awarenesss about sustainable wastewater treatment systems and the promotion of these among the local governments.
Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the positive efforts, although still minimal in the destination context (less than 5% of the destination population can be considered as having a proper waste water treatment system or solution).
To emphasize on this topic:
1. A small percentage of tourism operators and lodges have well managed sceptic systems to treat wastewater, or alternative solutions than can be well cited as sustainable solutions - e.g. the case of 'Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo' (link: lagodetota.org/atracciones/pueblito-antiguo), a tourist attraction next to Lake Tota's shore that is using Dry systems for their toilets (no need for water, and a full recycling process with all waste collected).
Governmental laws and policies are available, although not well applied. The few wastewater treatment plants are outdated and new solutions for more sustainable treatment are necessary to improve the current situation. The Action Plan from our LTDV group includes raising awarenesss about sustainable wastewater treatment systems and the promotion of these among the local governments.
Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the positive efforts, although still minimal in the destination context (less than 5% of the destination population can be considered as having a proper waste water treatment system or solution).
To emphasize on this topic:
1. A small percentage of tourism operators and lodges have well managed sceptic systems to treat wastewater, or alternative solutions than can be well cited as sustainable solutions - e.g. the case of 'Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo' (link: lagodetota.org/atracciones/pueblito-antiguo), a tourist attraction next to Lake Tota's shore that is using Dry systems for their toilets (no need for water, and a full recycling process with all waste collected).
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2. Close to Lake Tota’s shore, a Green Filter was built and officially delivered in 2015 for a community of 200 people (1% of Lake Tota's destination inhabitants) of the township of Cuítiva, in the sub-region called Llano de Alarcón.
This is the first domestic wastewater treatment public-plant with good results and it is made out of artificial tanks with plants. The idea of this Green Filter is to simulate the work that wetlands do in nature: to purify water by using plants and sedimentation. This project was possible due to German funds (both public and private: BMZ, Kärcher and Sika), an alliance of NGOs from Germany and Colombia (led by GNF from Germany and the Living Lakes Network, Fundación Humedales from Colombia, and also Fundación Montecito was part of that team), and the support of the local township of Cuítiva who provided the land for this project (1,000 sq m). Details can be seen here: bit.ly/gf-c. 3. NGO Fundación Montecito took the Green Filters from Cuítiva as an example and decided to build small domestic green filters for Hostel Xieti and ABC Tota (for the property where they will be allocated, now an online wetland centre, hopefully soon realised physically). These will be used for the Hostel and visitors of the future wetland centre. Details here: xieti.abctota.org/filtro-verde.html. 4. International help in the form of a PUM-program as Netherlands Senior Experts (link: pum.nl/) has recently provided Dutch consultancy on the current situation of the wastewater treatment plant of Aquitania (largest town near to Lake Tota). This program has initiated some new collaborations between private companies and other townships to improve the treatment of wastewater in a more sustainable way. 5. In addition, NGO Fundación Montecito has begun to promote domestic Green Filters for local farmers in the surrounding territory of Vereda Guáquira (Tota) which belongs to Lake Tota's catchment land, people who live in more remote areas and thus have more difficulty being connected to a communal sewage system. Currently these farmers use mostly sceptic tanks, that are sometimes malfunctioning. |
Regional news in regards to the Green Filter built to benefit 50 families (200 people) close to Lake Tota's shore in the neighbourhood of Llano de Alarcón, municipality of Cuítiva (Dec, 2015)
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Is solid waste separation and management well organised? And current challenges
Although towns in Lake Tota's destination have their waste management plan (Aquitania, Tota, Cuítiva, and Sogamoso), waste management is currently simplified to collection of the waste in urban areas -not in most rural sectors.
Waste collection is fully dependent on third parties, the closest main town Sogamoso has a landfill located 30 km apart from Lake Tota's catchment boundaries and is receiving most of the destination's domestic waste. The waste is not separated during collection and thus possibilities of managing waste by-type do not exist. A short video to explain how solid waste is managed in a landfill can be found here: youtu.be/GIBNhH1nXyQ.
Also organic waste is badly managed, and good examples unfortunately are minimal. Agriculture chemical recipients are more or less well managed by a third party organisation, which collect and manage the chemical waste recipients far from the destination’s area.
Current main challenges are related to:
1. Recovery and/or ecological restauration of prior landfills that were used in the past in the destination's catchment area to dispose mixed waste without any management, especially in the region of Aquitania.
2. The implementation of an organic waste management plan and project, to properly manage organic waste and take advantage of treated waste in re-utilization, e.g. composted fertilizers for agriculture.
NGO Fundación Montecito gave some support on this topic and was involved in a project recently developed with Swiss funds and cooperation (by Sandec* Educational Research Institute, with Environmental Engineer Ms. Adeline Mertenat -former volunteer of our NGO-). This resulted in research and the delivery of a comprehensive report about the organic waste management in the town of Aquitania - Report can be found here (Dec, 2015): bit.ly/eawag-lt, and a post on social media from Sandec (here: bit.ly/sdfb-lt).
*Sandec is the Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and Technology (Eawag).
Waste collection is fully dependent on third parties, the closest main town Sogamoso has a landfill located 30 km apart from Lake Tota's catchment boundaries and is receiving most of the destination's domestic waste. The waste is not separated during collection and thus possibilities of managing waste by-type do not exist. A short video to explain how solid waste is managed in a landfill can be found here: youtu.be/GIBNhH1nXyQ.
Also organic waste is badly managed, and good examples unfortunately are minimal. Agriculture chemical recipients are more or less well managed by a third party organisation, which collect and manage the chemical waste recipients far from the destination’s area.
Current main challenges are related to:
1. Recovery and/or ecological restauration of prior landfills that were used in the past in the destination's catchment area to dispose mixed waste without any management, especially in the region of Aquitania.
2. The implementation of an organic waste management plan and project, to properly manage organic waste and take advantage of treated waste in re-utilization, e.g. composted fertilizers for agriculture.
NGO Fundación Montecito gave some support on this topic and was involved in a project recently developed with Swiss funds and cooperation (by Sandec* Educational Research Institute, with Environmental Engineer Ms. Adeline Mertenat -former volunteer of our NGO-). This resulted in research and the delivery of a comprehensive report about the organic waste management in the town of Aquitania - Report can be found here (Dec, 2015): bit.ly/eawag-lt, and a post on social media from Sandec (here: bit.ly/sdfb-lt).
*Sandec is the Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and Technology (Eawag).
Image source: Eawag / Sowatt report for organic waste management in Aquitania (2016) - see post here.
3. Research and implementation of sustainable waste management processes, focussed on aquaculture waste from trout fisheries in cages. NGO Fundación Montecito is currently contributing in a team to establish an agreement on that purpose - News report (April, 2016): bit.ly/tw-aq, and although little progress was made on this, it helped to later -and recently- obtain from the environmental authority Corpoboyacá, a serious regulation for the aquaculture sector for their waste management in-and-out of the lake (see it here: bit.ly/aqa-caution).
Is the destination working to reduce reliance on fossil fuels? What measures are taken? And which stakeholder groups are involved/addressed?
No, as far as we are aware. There are a very few small examples of solar energy use, still unnoticeable (e.g. estimated 0.2% of destination inhabitants that use this, in a few houses, and minimal examples to heat water).
We are not informed nor aware of any other type of non-fossil sources of energy being implemented. It is certainly an issue currently unexplored in our destination.
We are not informed nor aware of any other type of non-fossil sources of energy being implemented. It is certainly an issue currently unexplored in our destination.
Is the built heritage well protected? What heritage is at stake, and what is done to protect it? How is degradation addressed?
Built heritage is partially protected. Considering a long standing protection for the main churches in the 3 towns within our destination (Aquitania, Tota and Cuítiva) and an estimated 30% of houses and small constructions built in the colonial Spanish era. Degradation is addressed within local development plans in every town, although a tradition of weak planning groups in these towns is assumed. Poor attention is given to adequate and sustainable urbanism and heritage protection.
Remaining memories from our ancestral indigenous culture (Muisca) are shown in the landscape and ecosystem (mountains, rocks, water, the lake itself, all of them considered sacred). Also rock paintings from the indigenous could be found (e.g. img here: bit.ly/rp-lt). All of is currently unprotected.
So far, degradation and threats are addressed by raising awareness programs, communication, debate and by the search for umbrella designations that may cover protection including all these sites (e.g. Ramsar site).
Remaining memories from our ancestral indigenous culture (Muisca) are shown in the landscape and ecosystem (mountains, rocks, water, the lake itself, all of them considered sacred). Also rock paintings from the indigenous could be found (e.g. img here: bit.ly/rp-lt). All of is currently unprotected.
So far, degradation and threats are addressed by raising awareness programs, communication, debate and by the search for umbrella designations that may cover protection including all these sites (e.g. Ramsar site).
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Furthermore, the NGO Fundación Montecito is working on providing a cultural approach to environmental issues that includes both environment and the values from the local indigenous culture (it is called 'El Muyso', link for more here: muyso.abctota.org - from where we recently produce a 20 min documentary). This program 'El Muyso' is supposed to link culture and nature, hereby providing children with a better understanding of their ancestors and the importance of sustainable use of natural resources.
Ultimately, although reality does not show many significant changes, the situation has surely improved specially over the past 10 years. Processes to increase awareness to the ancestral roots and the value of cultural richness have resulted in a much better ground to implement changes and increase recognition of cultural values. |
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Is intangible heritage (e.g. folklore, traditional dances) well protected? What heritage is at stake, and what is done to protect it?
Unfortunately not, this is currently widely unprotected. Intangible heritage is diverse, and so far the only thing that is done to protect intangible heritage is research (with a report and video, supported by the Colombian government), to highlight a portion of that heritage (see video here: youtu.be/7cJaoRSTibY, and its correspondent report here -2014-: bit.ly/pci-lt).
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Private efforts are seen nowadays mostly from the 'Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo' and their goals to maintain local culture alive and make locals and visitors proud of our heritage. As an example, here a link to their recent and 1st cultural 3-days festival: bit.ly/fes-lt.
In addition, some also-new efforts are being made in film art, a recent example of this was a local independent film festival called 'Feciso' which is inaugurating the iniciative to bring cinema into rural areas (instead of asking rural people to come to theaters in urban places), and that included areas of our Lake Tota, such as Aquitania. Here a link to review it: facebook.com/fecisofest/. All in all can be seen as indicators of an awakening movement in our communities, towards a cultural recovery and conservation. Still it is clearly in an early stage, but has started though and this may facilitate its growth. |
1st cultural festival "Disfrutar la Vida Lagunera" (May, 2017). Source: Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo
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Does the destination protect people effectively against commercial and/or sexual exploitation? How?
We are not aware of something specific that may have been done on the subject, except for inner social and legal responsibilities in every township administration, and in general for society. There has not been any news or reports about these types of exploitation taking place in our destination though, which is a good indicator for the topic.
Migration and Police in Colombia both have this issue incorporated in their controlling and patrolling periodical activities, but again, it is a subject (commercial and/or sexual exploitation) that fortunately does not seem to take place in our destination.
Migration and Police in Colombia both have this issue incorporated in their controlling and patrolling periodical activities, but again, it is a subject (commercial and/or sexual exploitation) that fortunately does not seem to take place in our destination.
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By law, every single tourism operator or service, is enforced to clearly state in their publicity or public information, that they stand for "No exploitation, pornography and sex tourism with children and adolescents (Colombian Law 1336 of 2009)" - e.g. see more in the bottom page of our regional travel guide service: visitsugamuxi.com; and recent regulations on sustainability are incorporating this issue also as a compulsory rule or responsible practise - e.g. new standars for accomodation operators (5.1 to 5.3 from a compulsory rule to all operators in Colombia: bit.ly/nts-ts002).
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Are residents regularly involved in discussions on opportunities, challenges and sustainability of tourism development? How?
Yes, this is especially available for tourism stakeholders. Stakeholders are involved through diverse scenarios, such as the Lake Tota Watershed Council, small tourism associations and a regional (provincial) Tourism Council for Sugamuxi. Furthermore, periodical forums, workshops and meetings are organized by the Chamber of Commerce in Sogamoso, by universities and from NGO initiatives, all of which try to provide participation opportunities for the general public in tourism subjects.
Additionally, they provide opportunities for new networks within the tourism sector. For example, the Chamber of Commerce in Sogamoso in alliance with 'Procolombia' (procolombia.co/en - the institution in charge of the commercial promotion of non-traditional exports, international tourism and foreign investment in Colombia), they have recently provided a free 36-hour course about sustainable tourism for development. These initiatives show the willingness of this region to become a bigger player within tourism in general and a leader on sustainable tourism specifically. Furthermore, the realization of the importance of sustainable tourism and the role it could play in development of the area seem to be increasing.
Additionally, they provide opportunities for new networks within the tourism sector. For example, the Chamber of Commerce in Sogamoso in alliance with 'Procolombia' (procolombia.co/en - the institution in charge of the commercial promotion of non-traditional exports, international tourism and foreign investment in Colombia), they have recently provided a free 36-hour course about sustainable tourism for development. These initiatives show the willingness of this region to become a bigger player within tourism in general and a leader on sustainable tourism specifically. Furthermore, the realization of the importance of sustainable tourism and the role it could play in development of the area seem to be increasing.
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NGO Fundación Montecito, just as other (local) NGOs, has volunteering opportunities which involve cultural interchange and a variety of learning processes with international travellers, and local residents, in which we ourselves are offering that type of debates - e.g. fundacionmontecito.org/volunteering.html
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Sealing a group engagement with a handle (June, 2017)
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Is the position of local artisans and producers supported? And how are local and sustainable products promoted?
Local artisan in the town of Aquitania, where traditional "ruanas" are manufactured and sold.
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Local artisans are part of small local tourism associations, and hereby they do participate in governance scenarios where tourism in Lake Tota is also discussed - e.g. The Lake Tota Watershed Council.
Local and sustainable products from artisans are currently not having any special means of promotion, e.g. as a special origin brand or name, or anything related. And regarding agriculture or aquaculture products, they neither have any special origin brand for promotion. In ragards to the aquaculture sector, only recently the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council, based in NL) agreed to nominate a continental delegate to start a certification consultancy with one of the 7 trout fisheries in the area, and although this may take a long and demanding process before any results are seen, it is of a high value and importance that this sector has made a solid step into sustainability, with international standards. |
In the food & drink business, we are currently aware of only one restaurant willing to promote themselves as a sustainable and environmental responsible business, to highlight their efforts in cultivating food with GPA techniques, and in involving with environmental care by reforestation campaigns - e.g. Restaurante Pueblito Viejo, in Aquitania (here their link with a 2017 Certificate of Excellence received on TripAdvisor: bit.ly/tripad-rpv).
For local artisans and producers: are there local markets held periodically when they can sell their products?
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Yes there are, and it can be explained it in more detail as follows:
1. To start with, every week (1-day a week) there are general open markets held in 3 of the 4 towns in our destination (Aquitania, Tota and Sogamoso; except for Cuítiva), where local artisans and producers exhibit and can sell their products. It is part of our tradition. 2. Every year (once a year) each of our 4 towns in Lake Tota's destination cellebrates their own town festival or 'Fiestas del Pueblo', where again, local artisans and producers exhibit and can sell their products. And there are also complementary festivals in town during the year and from a variety of motivations (religion, culture, art, music), where local artisans and producers can sell their products too. |
Markets of Sugamuxi (#3) from VisitSugamuxi on Vimeo. |
3. Finally, the region of Sugamuxi (where Lake Tota is located) has 3 towns near to Lake Tota which have especialized and have been renowned for decades as permanent artisan markets (the towns of Iza, Nobsa and Tibasosa), and these give local artisans and producers from our destination to sell their products in shops located in those markets, all year round and not only to locals but mainly to visitors. A taste of local markets can be seen here: visitsugamuxi.com/markets.html; a short-video sample of artisans in the region here: vimeo.com/92572866; of our regional characters here: vimeo.com/92572761; and of our quirky towns here: vimeo.com/92572588.
Is there sufficient action to ensure safety, and to prevent and control crime and health risks? How is the situation?
Health risks have been a problematic issue in the area and are mostly related to bad and risky practices in agriculture (e.g. unsafe manipulation of chemical products) and aquaculture, plus a lack of waste water treatment as explained above; also to high levels of alcoholic drinking which unfortunately causes subsequent high levels of domestic violence.
There is no sufficient action to ensure these health-and-safety risks and this is a sensible subject that needs a proper integrated approach.
It is important to point out in this topic though, that recent research and involvement from scientist and local Universities have been shown with a proper support, the consequences into environmental and human health from bad practises in the variety of sectors mentioned before (onion farming, aquaculture, and municipalities management to waste water disposal and treatment). Hence from higher levels of knowledge we are now better prepared to participate and influence in decission making debates, also from regulatory meassures which, together with academic research can enforce better levels of control from authorities. And to contribute in this from the tourism sector is included in our LTDV group and 2017-2020 Action Plan.
There is no sufficient action to ensure these health-and-safety risks and this is a sensible subject that needs a proper integrated approach.
It is important to point out in this topic though, that recent research and involvement from scientist and local Universities have been shown with a proper support, the consequences into environmental and human health from bad practises in the variety of sectors mentioned before (onion farming, aquaculture, and municipalities management to waste water disposal and treatment). Hence from higher levels of knowledge we are now better prepared to participate and influence in decission making debates, also from regulatory meassures which, together with academic research can enforce better levels of control from authorities. And to contribute in this from the tourism sector is included in our LTDV group and 2017-2020 Action Plan.
Is there sufficient access for individuals with disabilities, to tourist sites? Can you give examples?
No, unfortunately not. Officially, national regulations on these matters do exist. However mostly, tourist sites in our destination are not taking into account limitations for people with disabilities.
The LTDV Action Plan intends to provoke positive changes on addressing limitations for people with disabilities in the short/mid term.
The LTDV Action Plan intends to provoke positive changes on addressing limitations for people with disabilities in the short/mid term.
Indicadores complementarios
[Actualizado: 27.8.2017]
[Actualizado: 27.8.2017]
General indicators
- What % of the destination is still a "traditional small scale cultural landscape", managed in the same or similar way as before ca. 1940? E.g. pastures, vegetable gardens (rough estimation): 60%
- How much of the villages, towns and city centre(s) is still in local or traditional architectural style, or rebuilt in a similar occupation type? (rough estimation): 40%
- How much of the destination is nature area (terrestrial)?: 65%
- How much of the destination is designated for nature protection? (estimation): 10%
- How much of the destination is forest (estimation)?: 30%
- How much of the destination is built-up? Urban, industrial, (air)ports, roads (estimation): 10%
- % of solid waste collected separately for recycling (waste from the destination): 5%
- % of the destination's sewage and waste water treated to at least secondary level prior to discharge: 5%
- Local production of renewable energy in the destination (estimated MWh per year) (MWh/yr): 0-
- % of total energy consumption of the destination that is produced by renewable sources: 0.1%
- Number of months in which circa 80% of annual tourists arrive: 5
- What % of the local community's professional population is depending on jobs/income from tourism? (est): 5%
- What % of overnight tourists are from your own country (rough estimation, ignoring day visitors): 90%
- What % of the accommodation capacity (beds) is provided by hotels, pensions, owned by local families? (est): 100%
Which folklore of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity can be experienced by visitors in the destination? https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists
Folklore from this region is not included on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Although, there is plenty of intangible culture heritage, which is described in the row below.
Which other traditional local folklore can be experienced by visitors in the destination?
There is a good number of traditional local folklore and cultural expressions at Lake Tota and near by to be experienced by visitors, here we'll summarize them:
One type of current intangible heritage is the extensive onion cultivation around the lake: Bulb onion (Allium fistulosum). This provides a very typical landscape for this area, as approximately 70% of the countries' consumption of bulb onion is produced here. Also, the farmers' life can be viewed by tourists here, and even with a proper assistance visitors can experience or volunteer a few moments with farmers, that heavy work on the ground, to also understand in first person how this local communities share their roles (men, women, young, old) in a well organized logistics that has been running same way for decades.
Nobsa, a town close to Lake Tota, is famous and best recognized for its artisanes or handicrafts, although is not the only one. The towns of Iza and Tibasosa also close to Lake Tota are equally important for those markets - handmade mugs, jewelry, wool products: ruanas (ponchos), scarfs, hats, gloves and socks and much more. Important for our destination is to know that these handicrafts (mainly those made out of wool) are often produced in rural villages and towns in Lake Tota's watershed and can also be bought in the three areas surrounding the lake, with a more direct positive impact to local producers and artisans, and a better direct experience buyer-producer. However, if visitors look for handicrafts' market centres, then Nobsa, Iza, Tibasosa or even Sogamoso are the towns near to Lake Tota to search in.
Fishing is also part of our traditions at Lake Tota, mainly the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fish type. And it is in tradition for rurals and locals (sport fishing for locals and visitors, and livelihood for a group of local rural people), but also at a productive and semi-industrial scale (trout farming in cages). Thus it is something that can certainly be experienced by visitors, to have a day out fishing, or to learn about trout production and have a closer link to it as an economic activity. But of course, it won't be complete if visitors don't try it in a dish! and for that we have an estimated 1.000 restaurant-chairs' availability around Lake Tota to be explored.
The lake and the páramos were viewed as sacred by the indigenous Muiscas, that inhibited this area circa 3.000 years ago (until the 16th century when Spaniards came into our land and native Muiscas from here were either exterminated or expelled). Many rock paintings can still be found in the surroundings of the lake. Possibilities to experience Muisca culture today are the Muisca museum in Sogamoso, a nearby town, that was viewed as the main centre of the Muisca culture. If you take a tour through the páramos, certain local guides can tell you more about the sacred places for the Muiscas and teach you about how the indigenous used plants in their daily lives.
And a recent 2016 initiative (still under development and not public for visitors but soon-to-be -due to complexity and communitary groups involvement-) to connect nature with Muisca's heritage and more local folklore and culture, is the so-called "Route of Bochica", a trekking route of 88km connecting 8 towns and finalizing at Lake Tota, it promises to become one of the highlights for the region of Sugamuxi, having Lake Tota as a key connection to all of it. The Route of Bochica takes the indigenous legend -or history- related to the Great Master (Bochica) for the Muiscas, and recreates in real the region that he visited along in its time. (More details here: bit.ly/bonka).
Although maybe more applicable to the whole country, dancing is very deeply embedded in Colombian culture. Every region has its own typical rythm with a corresponding dance, which is Carranga for Boyacá. Dancing here is not restricted to age. Children learn how to dance from a very young age, from their family and often also at school. You can find the whole family dancing together at a campfire on a family weekend; cousins and siblings would teach the smaller kids, while dancing next to their grandparents and parents. You could find older people dancing in (salsa) bars, among and with the youngsters. In clubs, dancing on modern reggeaton is mixed with couple dancing on rythms such as salsa, rumba, "carranga" and much more. Dancing is truly an experience you can't and shouldn't escape while visiting Colombia.
In typical music and dancing, "carranga" is the real thing, the typical one, made out of simple and lovely sounds and lyrics, also very much connected to rural life and communities. But not the only one. Mexican influence is noticeable too, with their 'rancheras' and northern 'corridos' which make many locals in our destination feel and have some kind of resonance with it too.
Tejo, a local roustic and basic game very much restricted to Andean regions, is also typical here around Lake Tota. With a steel disc you should throw it with style to the other extreme of the court and explode a 'mecha' carefully placed on a steel ring, surrounded by clay in a sized wooden box ('mechas' are made of gun powder and are paper wrapped), simple but not easy, and great fun to share with friends and groups. It's a kind of must-do here to taste 'the real thing' and folklore, and it's specially attractive for visitors from other countries.
And myths and legends at Lake Tota are still part of a strong oral tradition, and have themselves a book to search in! (in fact, more than one book, with plenty of references), which means that many of them are also part of local folklore and local imaginary. One of those, the serpent-dragon mith of origin of our lake and later converted into a 'monster' figure by Spaniards to provoke fear and domination, is having a recent 'second opportunity' with a proper initiative devoted to use it properly as an environmental culture strategy for governance, and it's called in its ancestral name: "El Muyso", with its own cultural purpose, that may eventually bring a new window to cultural expressions in the destination - to learn more about 'El Muyso' here: muyso.abctota.org.
At Lake Tota, back on 2014 there was a special research project on the cultural intangible patrimony still alive and available there, and it covered topics such us oral tradition and myths, nature knowledge, techniques and traditions for locals, religious events, gastronomy culture, music and poetry, woolen fabrics, and environmental issues. Thus it is and serves to show a nourished example of traditional Lake Tota's folklore as well, being complementary to what has been explained appart. This results were published and can be reviewed in a document (here: bit.ly/pci-doc-lt), and in two videos produced entirely with local people and as part of that project (video1: youtu.be/hZgsEhz4N2E; video2: youtu.be/7cJaoRSTibY).
Finally, the mountainous Boyacá is very famous for biking. Nairo Quintana (the cyclist) was born 90km from Lake Tota, is a big national hero, and every day but especially on weekends, you can find many racing cyclists in the region. To cycle up to Lake Tota has been frequently included by Nairo for his training before competing in the main cycling tours of the world (i.e. Le Tour de France, Vuelta a España, or Giro d'Italia).
One type of current intangible heritage is the extensive onion cultivation around the lake: Bulb onion (Allium fistulosum). This provides a very typical landscape for this area, as approximately 70% of the countries' consumption of bulb onion is produced here. Also, the farmers' life can be viewed by tourists here, and even with a proper assistance visitors can experience or volunteer a few moments with farmers, that heavy work on the ground, to also understand in first person how this local communities share their roles (men, women, young, old) in a well organized logistics that has been running same way for decades.
Nobsa, a town close to Lake Tota, is famous and best recognized for its artisanes or handicrafts, although is not the only one. The towns of Iza and Tibasosa also close to Lake Tota are equally important for those markets - handmade mugs, jewelry, wool products: ruanas (ponchos), scarfs, hats, gloves and socks and much more. Important for our destination is to know that these handicrafts (mainly those made out of wool) are often produced in rural villages and towns in Lake Tota's watershed and can also be bought in the three areas surrounding the lake, with a more direct positive impact to local producers and artisans, and a better direct experience buyer-producer. However, if visitors look for handicrafts' market centres, then Nobsa, Iza, Tibasosa or even Sogamoso are the towns near to Lake Tota to search in.
Fishing is also part of our traditions at Lake Tota, mainly the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fish type. And it is in tradition for rurals and locals (sport fishing for locals and visitors, and livelihood for a group of local rural people), but also at a productive and semi-industrial scale (trout farming in cages). Thus it is something that can certainly be experienced by visitors, to have a day out fishing, or to learn about trout production and have a closer link to it as an economic activity. But of course, it won't be complete if visitors don't try it in a dish! and for that we have an estimated 1.000 restaurant-chairs' availability around Lake Tota to be explored.
The lake and the páramos were viewed as sacred by the indigenous Muiscas, that inhibited this area circa 3.000 years ago (until the 16th century when Spaniards came into our land and native Muiscas from here were either exterminated or expelled). Many rock paintings can still be found in the surroundings of the lake. Possibilities to experience Muisca culture today are the Muisca museum in Sogamoso, a nearby town, that was viewed as the main centre of the Muisca culture. If you take a tour through the páramos, certain local guides can tell you more about the sacred places for the Muiscas and teach you about how the indigenous used plants in their daily lives.
And a recent 2016 initiative (still under development and not public for visitors but soon-to-be -due to complexity and communitary groups involvement-) to connect nature with Muisca's heritage and more local folklore and culture, is the so-called "Route of Bochica", a trekking route of 88km connecting 8 towns and finalizing at Lake Tota, it promises to become one of the highlights for the region of Sugamuxi, having Lake Tota as a key connection to all of it. The Route of Bochica takes the indigenous legend -or history- related to the Great Master (Bochica) for the Muiscas, and recreates in real the region that he visited along in its time. (More details here: bit.ly/bonka).
Although maybe more applicable to the whole country, dancing is very deeply embedded in Colombian culture. Every region has its own typical rythm with a corresponding dance, which is Carranga for Boyacá. Dancing here is not restricted to age. Children learn how to dance from a very young age, from their family and often also at school. You can find the whole family dancing together at a campfire on a family weekend; cousins and siblings would teach the smaller kids, while dancing next to their grandparents and parents. You could find older people dancing in (salsa) bars, among and with the youngsters. In clubs, dancing on modern reggeaton is mixed with couple dancing on rythms such as salsa, rumba, "carranga" and much more. Dancing is truly an experience you can't and shouldn't escape while visiting Colombia.
In typical music and dancing, "carranga" is the real thing, the typical one, made out of simple and lovely sounds and lyrics, also very much connected to rural life and communities. But not the only one. Mexican influence is noticeable too, with their 'rancheras' and northern 'corridos' which make many locals in our destination feel and have some kind of resonance with it too.
Tejo, a local roustic and basic game very much restricted to Andean regions, is also typical here around Lake Tota. With a steel disc you should throw it with style to the other extreme of the court and explode a 'mecha' carefully placed on a steel ring, surrounded by clay in a sized wooden box ('mechas' are made of gun powder and are paper wrapped), simple but not easy, and great fun to share with friends and groups. It's a kind of must-do here to taste 'the real thing' and folklore, and it's specially attractive for visitors from other countries.
And myths and legends at Lake Tota are still part of a strong oral tradition, and have themselves a book to search in! (in fact, more than one book, with plenty of references), which means that many of them are also part of local folklore and local imaginary. One of those, the serpent-dragon mith of origin of our lake and later converted into a 'monster' figure by Spaniards to provoke fear and domination, is having a recent 'second opportunity' with a proper initiative devoted to use it properly as an environmental culture strategy for governance, and it's called in its ancestral name: "El Muyso", with its own cultural purpose, that may eventually bring a new window to cultural expressions in the destination - to learn more about 'El Muyso' here: muyso.abctota.org.
At Lake Tota, back on 2014 there was a special research project on the cultural intangible patrimony still alive and available there, and it covered topics such us oral tradition and myths, nature knowledge, techniques and traditions for locals, religious events, gastronomy culture, music and poetry, woolen fabrics, and environmental issues. Thus it is and serves to show a nourished example of traditional Lake Tota's folklore as well, being complementary to what has been explained appart. This results were published and can be reviewed in a document (here: bit.ly/pci-doc-lt), and in two videos produced entirely with local people and as part of that project (video1: youtu.be/hZgsEhz4N2E; video2: youtu.be/7cJaoRSTibY).
Finally, the mountainous Boyacá is very famous for biking. Nairo Quintana (the cyclist) was born 90km from Lake Tota, is a big national hero, and every day but especially on weekends, you can find many racing cyclists in the region. To cycle up to Lake Tota has been frequently included by Nairo for his training before competing in the main cycling tours of the world (i.e. Le Tour de France, Vuelta a España, or Giro d'Italia).
What opportunities exist to observe terrestrial wildlife? What species would a visitor see during one week?
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The lake itself is a valuable spot for birdwatching, with a great potential still to be developed on this. It is an IBA site (Important Bird Area #CO-085, registered as such before Bird Life International) under international standards, since it offers a habitat to a wide range of bird species (168 bird species is the latest registration number after years of research, which includes local, migratory, and endemic species).
And a recent document and video provide a fresh and comprehensive source of information for this: [video (Eng subs)= vimeo.com/222584167; scientific doc= bit.ly/avi-lt]. |
The condor is the national animal of Colombia, but has been close to extinct. Therefore, condors have been reintroduced through a reintegration program in this area, which is their natural habitat (highlands in the Andes). Although unfortunetely numbers are still very low (est. 200 individuals, in the whole country), it is possible to spot the condor in this region. Certain hikes through the páramos where reintegration programs have been taken place are organised, here chances to see a condor are higher. Other terrestial wildlife that could be spotted in the highlands are deer, andean bear (also called Oso de Anteojos).
There's a world of micro wildlife (micro-organisms) that might also be of interest for a more scientific profile-type of visitor, on Lake Tota and surroundings.
Chances for a visitor to see during one week would then be, a good number of bird species; possibly deers in the páramos; and barely (but possible) to spot a condor during a proper 1-2 days expedition. Other wildlife can be spotted but not something to assure for a traveller to see during a week visit.
A comprehensive source for birds of Lake Tota, photos, description and sounds, can be found here: abctota.org/aves.
There's a world of micro wildlife (micro-organisms) that might also be of interest for a more scientific profile-type of visitor, on Lake Tota and surroundings.
Chances for a visitor to see during one week would then be, a good number of bird species; possibly deers in the páramos; and barely (but possible) to spot a condor during a proper 1-2 days expedition. Other wildlife can be spotted but not something to assure for a traveller to see during a week visit.
A comprehensive source for birds of Lake Tota, photos, description and sounds, can be found here: abctota.org/aves.
What opportunities exist to observe marine wildlife? What species would a visitor see during one week?
Almost none, Lake Tota is a highland freshwater source and located far from the sea. Although, some marine migratory birds have been spotted on Lake Tota, since it serves as a good location on flyways for a stop-by, both from the North and the South.
Beaches and bathing points where swimming is absolutely safe (no bacteria from sewage water)
In the area near-by, a few natural thermal water sources can be found. Pools have been built where the water quality is monitored and facilities are available, here it is completely safe for visitors to swim and enjoy the hot water. These places include "El Batán" and "Piscinas Erika" (in Iza and Cuítiva, close towns that share Lake Tota's watershed influence).
In the lake, you can swim at Playa Blanca (southern part of the lake), cold water, a beautiful white-sand beach considered a highlight for average visitors, although sewage water treatment facilities in and near-by are not monitored or data is not of public information -therefore a question mark on this is to be addressed-.
A bit distant from Lake Tota (20 km), in the city of Sogamoso, there is also a safe and monitored swimming pool for the public, plus one more in a private complex (Comfaboy) that may accept visitors under some criteria, which both are safe for bathing.
Besides it all, our lake is a big freshwater source, with hundreds of safe places to swim at. Just be aware of the surrounding environment, take notice and do ask locals if a possible sewage water is located near-by and the possible treatment received.
In the lake, you can swim at Playa Blanca (southern part of the lake), cold water, a beautiful white-sand beach considered a highlight for average visitors, although sewage water treatment facilities in and near-by are not monitored or data is not of public information -therefore a question mark on this is to be addressed-.
A bit distant from Lake Tota (20 km), in the city of Sogamoso, there is also a safe and monitored swimming pool for the public, plus one more in a private complex (Comfaboy) that may accept visitors under some criteria, which both are safe for bathing.
Besides it all, our lake is a big freshwater source, with hundreds of safe places to swim at. Just be aware of the surrounding environment, take notice and do ask locals if a possible sewage water is located near-by and the possible treatment received.
Summarize the noise, pollution and nuisance from the five aspects below, and what is done to minimize it?
In this and the other indicators, we want to remark the relevance of our Strategy & Action Plan 2017-2020 recently completed (first draft: bit.ly/ltgd-plan-v1), because although we feel we have good indicators in some areas, we also have the oposite in others that may affect the visitor perspective for a Green Destination, thus we need to work on this by encouraging our authorities and communities for a change, with a relevant source of information available to provide (regulations, and more).
We also at "Lago de Tota Destino Verde" LTDV base group had a debate about this and have understood that bad indicators can be oriented in a positive way, meaning that visitors to our destination should know also about them in a good way, by recognizing reality but also the efforts from us civilians, groups and organizations to reach sustainability. We do not want to hide reality, on the contrary we are willing to show this also as an experience in a more educational way for visitors to understand and be sensible about the process in which we are.
Our destination is beutiful and outstanding in a number of ways, Lake Tota is a wetland of international importance with 4 or 5 Ramsar criteria easily fulfilled; but it suffers from threats, unwise use, a group of low-grade indicators, lack of protection, and weakness in gobernability and governance -among other factors-. Our challenge for a sustainable tourism is to put all that in a respectful and experience-wise meaning for visitors, with a clear goal from us to keep up the work towards sustainability.
We also at "Lago de Tota Destino Verde" LTDV base group had a debate about this and have understood that bad indicators can be oriented in a positive way, meaning that visitors to our destination should know also about them in a good way, by recognizing reality but also the efforts from us civilians, groups and organizations to reach sustainability. We do not want to hide reality, on the contrary we are willing to show this also as an experience in a more educational way for visitors to understand and be sensible about the process in which we are.
Our destination is beutiful and outstanding in a number of ways, Lake Tota is a wetland of international importance with 4 or 5 Ramsar criteria easily fulfilled; but it suffers from threats, unwise use, a group of low-grade indicators, lack of protection, and weakness in gobernability and governance -among other factors-. Our challenge for a sustainable tourism is to put all that in a respectful and experience-wise meaning for visitors, with a clear goal from us to keep up the work towards sustainability.
Five aspects:
- Big events (noise, litter): As part of the dancing culture, Colombian events usually have music. Due to the size of the lake and the rural areas around, distubance is usually minimal.
In addition, big events are not very common, except for township yearly festivals and religious cellebrations (twice a year aprx., per towm), further minimizing disturbance.
Although, from those festivals and local cellebrations, little is done to minimize any noise -which is concentrated in urban boundaries-, mainly because are considered a popular-type of events that involve "all" the people. - Cruise ship arrivals: None (n/a). It doesn't apply for our destination.
- Power boating and jet skiing: Little, on Playa Blanca it is possible to rent power boats and jet skis. However, these are small businesses and the boats leave from piers, thus not directly causing much disruption for visitors of the beach. Power boats used by aquacultural farmers might be a bigger source of pollution, though their use is minimal (short distances, and 10 times a day -estimated-), in the group of 7 trout farmers that are operating in the lake.
- Off-road motorised vehicles in natural habitats: Busses and trucks travel around the lake for transport of people and agricultural products respectively, but roads are generally not too busy. However, as an example, on the eastern side of the lake where onion is transported daily, an average number of 80 trucks transporting onion is something to be aware of.
Finally, roads are usually located in between the lake and the fields, thus not causing great levels of noise. However, cars (especially big ones, such as trucks and busses) result in a sensible source of pollution: busses and trucks passing by cause an important cloud of black smoke and an awful smell. In some moments of the day (early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, where trucks are transporting supplies to the farms or are travelling with harvested products) if tourists are close to the perimetral road of the lake may be viewed covering their mouth with a scarf or piece of clothing after busses and trucks pass by. This is definitely something that should be improved in the coming years.
Appart from it, off-road motorised vehicles are extremely rare in natural habitats, but is has happened and thus is a sign of permanent alert. There is a case in a different destination of Colombia but also with páramos -like ours at Lake Tota- where the peace process of our country opened new spaces for visitors, but there were crowds coming in a wrong way such as exploring the fragile páramos in their 4x4 cars or off-road motorcicles, in addition leaving waste unattended, all in all causing a big damage to those delicate areas -it's been on the news recently: bit.ly/sum-tur and it's clearly a bad example in our country to be aware of and prepared ourselves locally to avoid it in our Lake Tota's destination-. - Airborne motorised touring (incl. ultra lights): Very low to none, Lake Tota is not located on a common flight route. Ultra lights have been seen rarely in the destination (e.g. once in a while like every 2 years, or so). Therefore, this is not a noise or pollution/nuisance source for our case.
Nominación
La nominación del Lago Tota para la competencia Top-100 de los Destinos Verdes - Sostenibles 2017 por la ONG Holandesa Green Destinations, fue el resultado de una decisión del llamado grupo "Lago de Tota Destino Verde", establecido en junio de 2017, detalles de lo cual pueden verse aquí: (ENG: visitsugamuxi.com/lake-tota-green-destination) - (ESP: visitsugamuxi.com/lago-de-tota-destino-verde).
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Iniciativa:
Originalmente fue una iniciativa desarrollada por dos Embajadores de Destinos Verdes para la región de Sugamuxi: Felipe Velasco de la Fundación Montecito, y Oscar Rojas de Ecolaguna - Reserva Natural Pueblito Antiguo. Para ello tuvimos el valioso apoyo de una voluntaria holandesa que hizo una pasantía con la Fundación Montecito: Martine Boersen (ver más aquí). |
Felipe - Martine - Oscar
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Lista de colaboradores:
Ésta lista de colaboradores para el propósito mencionado arriba, puede verse aquí.
Ésta lista de colaboradores para el propósito mencionado arriba, puede verse aquí.
Registro de Uso
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Éste espacio es para los establecimientos, usuarios o prestadores de servicios de turismo en el destino Lago de Tota que deseen dar uso al sello y galardón Top-100 obtenido para el Lago de Tota, y a su vez brindar compromiso en los objetivos de sostenibilidad y en las tareas del Grupo Coordinador.
Para ello se ha previsto un procedimiento sencillo, a través de unos Términos y Condiciones y un Formulario de solicitud para registro del uso:
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Sello y Galardón Top100, Lago de Tota
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Formulario de Registro
Sitio Web - Lago de Tota Destino Verde
Se ha creado un sitio web independiente, dedicado exclusivamente a todos los fines del Lago de Tota como Destino Verde.
Puede visitarlo aquí » Enlace corto: bit.ly/dv-w
Puede visitarlo aquí » Enlace corto: bit.ly/dv-w
Sitio web - Lago de Tota Destino Verde
