The construction of a seven-star hotel by the multinational Six Senses in the area of Tayrona Park in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, recognized for its ecological potential and for being home to several indigenous communities, sparked a controversy between environmentalists, indigenous authorities and the national government.
The announcement of the construction was made by the President of the Republic, Juan Manuel Santos, but the Minister of Environment of that country, Frank Pearl, said that to date he has no information on the establishment of any project.
Despite this, facebook and other social networks have formed groups that promote the defense of indigenous heritage and natural resources of one of the richest areas in biodiversity in Colombia.
Given the controversy that spread in the local media, the press office of the Presidency of the Republic issued a statement clarifying some points concerning the concession: "The directors came to make the presentation of the project and went to Tayrona Park to talk with the governors of the councils and the indigenous people agreed." the statement said, citing the local president, who also added that "Tayrona Park is a treasure of the environment."
According to President Santos, no concession will be made without the approval of the indigenous councils and the accompaniment of the environmental authorities, although he expressed his satisfaction because he considers that Six Senses is "a company that is famous in the world for ecological tourism, which adapts perfectly to the environment, where the cabins produce their own water, they are incorporated into the culture."
The company involved has not yet pronounced, but it is expected that in the coming days the project will be filed and the discussion can focus on the benefits for the community, investors and the development of an eco-tourism policy in the country.
