ABSTRACT
Due to the paramo’s high biodiversity, the originality of plant adaptations, the numerous medicinal plants, its importance for water availability in the lowlands, and the great potential for recreational and touristic activities, paramo qualifies as a high priority area for conservation. To evaluate the possibilities and challenges for the conservation of the high regional and local biodiversity in the paramo regions, it is essential to understand the social and economic importance of the human activities. A biodiversity comparable to that of the natural ecosystem can be maintained with a long fallow system, using the spatial coexistence of several successional stages, forming a mosaic landscape. The analysis of local biodiversity of the entire valley did not confirm the initial idea that the spatial coexistence of different successional stages would enhance plant biodiversity compared to the natural vegetation. Therefore, the highest local biodiversity would be achieved with the whole valley under paramo vegetation.
