Tourists are now banned from Colombia's sacred Green Lake as indigenous leaders work to preserve its pristine beauty. Situated in the crater of the half-dormant Azufral volcano in southwestern Colombia, this striking green lake once attracted many visitors, some of whom left behind trash and disturbed the tranquility of the area. Rising to an altitude of 4,070 meters (2.5 miles) in the western Colombian Andes, climbing the volcano is challenging and access is now limited to those who have received approval from the governor of the local Pastos indigenous community. Jorge Arevalo, a 41-year-old member of the lake guard, stressed the importance of respecting the spiritual significance of the site: “The spirits of the lake don’t like to be disturbed. We have to ask their permission." The Pastos indigenous community has taken control of access to the area, seeking to protect its ecological and spiritual value. Last month, several guards led an AFP team on a rare visit to the lake, providing an opportunity to see the community's efforts to keep it clean. The lake stretches for three kilometers, displaying stunning shades of emerald, olive and turquoise, surrounded by sandy beaches and enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere.
Before the two-hour trek to the volcano, guards performed a ritual led by a taita (shaman) in honor of cycle of life. The group asked the spirits for permission to approach the lake, asking forgiveness for any disturbance they may have caused to the flora, fauna and spiritual peace of the area. Their prayers were offered to both Pacha Mama, the goddess of Mother Earth revered by the Andean peoples, and to the Virgin Mary, mixing indigenous and Catholic traditions. The ritual ended with the spraying of perfume for "spiritual cleansing", marking the beginning of their journey.
This decision to restrict access is a response to years of uncontrolled tourism that has left its mark on the sacred place. The leadership of the Pastos community is committed to restoring the lake to its pristine condition and ensuring that it remains a place of reverence and natural beauty. By limiting access, they maintain the delicate balance between nature and spirituality that defines Green Lake's significance.
The ban represents a broader movement among indigenous communities to restore and protect sacred sites from the negative impacts of mass tourism. For Pastos, Green Lake is not just a natural wonder, but a deeply spiritual place that requires respect and care to ensure its serene beauty is preserved for future generations.
Source: timesofindia
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