| Densely populated Bogotá depends on the shallow subsurface and [[31|surface water]] of the Páramo as a main source for human consumption, industrial uses and hydropower generation, using the high altitude of the Páramo and gravity to work as a ‘natural water tower’ [CITE]. The land is used for livelihood, wellbeing, and holds immense spiritual significance, however intensive [[livestock]] grazing, [[cultivation]] and forest plantations including anthropic introduction of [[fire]], have negatively affected the water availability and quality, and biodiversity. These factors have increased [[26|soil]] density and reduced [[26|soil]] porosity, resulting in increased evaporation, reduced hydrological regulation capacity and subsequent reduced yield. The functional mechanisms of the Páramo are not fully understood and they remain distinctly under researched, leading to sustainability interventions which have been ineffective or detrimental. Citizen science and participatory monitoring has been found to be an effective tool for generating locally relevant knowledge on the function, use, degradation and management of the Páramo [CITE], as well as remote sensing. | Densely populated Bogotá depends on the shallow subsurface and [[31|surface water]] of the Páramo as a main source for human consumption, industrial uses and hydropower generation, using the high altitude of the Páramo and gravity to work as a ‘natural water tower’ [CITE]. The land is used for livelihood, wellbeing, and holds immense spiritual significance, however intensive [[livestock]] grazing, [[cultivation]] and forest plantations including anthropic introduction of [[fire]], have negatively affected the water availability and quality, and biodiversity. These factors have increased [[26|soil]] density and reduced [[26|soil]] porosity, resulting in increased evaporation, reduced hydrological regulation capacity and subsequent reduced yield. The functional mechanisms of the Páramo are not fully understood and they remain distinctly under researched, leading to sustainability interventions which have been ineffective or detrimental. Citizen science and participatory monitoring has been found to be an effective tool for generating locally relevant knowledge on the function, use, degradation and management of the Páramo (Condensan, 2012), as well as remote sensing [CITE]. |