Colombia to close popular Caribbean Park for natural protection

(Photo from Wikipedia)

BOGOTA—The Colombian authorities decided to temporarily close Tayrona National Nature Park, one of its most popular tourist destinations in the northern Caribbean region, in response to an indigenous community petition to protect nature.

The tourists ban takes effect on Nov. 1 and lasts one month.

The closure came after the indigenous community of Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta asked the authorities to close the park to revitalize the environment of Tayrona, a protected area with a diverse and rare biodiversity.

Tayrona Park, located a few kilometers east of Santa Marta city, covers approximately 30 square kilometers of maritime area in the Caribbean sea and approximately 150 square kilometers of land.

It boasts a variety of climate and geographical features, housing an extensive classification of animal species.