Tayrona, with its extensive tropical rainforest and mangroves, significantly contributes to oxygen production and maintaining air quality in the region, although there are no exact specific figures on the amount of oxygen it produces.
Here are some general facts to understand its role in oxygen production:
- Tropical Forests: The forest areas in Tayrona contribute to oxygen production through photosynthesis. Plants and trees in this ecosystem absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen, in addition to storing carbon, which is fundamental for climate regulation.
- Mangroves and Marine Ecosystems: Tayrona also features mangroves, which are highly efficient in oxygen production. The mangroves and marine meadows in the region play a dual role by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Additionally, these ecosystems protect the coasts and maintain marine biodiversity.
- Area and Biodiversity: Covering approximately 150 km², Tayrona produces a significant amount of oxygen, especially considering its forest density and variety of species. The oxygen production rate of a tropical rainforest is variable but can reach between 7 and 10 tons of oxygen per hectare each year on average. This figure depends on factors such as vegetation type, altitude, and climate.
- Contribution to the Region and the Planet: Although an exact figure cannot be established without detailed studies, the wide variety of plant species and dense forest coverage make Tayrona National Park an important green lung for Colombia’s Caribbean region. Being part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it works in conjunction with other natural parks in oxygen production and local climate regulation.
Tayrona National Park, along with other protected areas in Colombia, is key to biodiversity and oxygen production in the country and is part of ecosystems that help mitigate the effects of climate change.