Andes Mountains

The American Cordillera and the Continental Divide: A Geographical Backbone Shaping the Americas

The Continental Divide of the Americas is a geographic feature that divides watersheds draining into the Pacific Ocean from those flowing into the Atlantic. It stretches from North America's northernmost point to South America's southernmost tip. It is connected to the creation and evolution of the American Cordillera, a vast chain of mountain ranges forming the western backbone of the continent.

Tropical Andes - Biodiversity Hotspot: Preserving the Ecological Jewel

The Tropical Andes region spans from northern Venezuela to Bolivia and includes the northernmost Andes mountain ranges. This region is home to the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot, the most biologically diverse of all known hotspots and harbors around one-sixth of all plant life on the planet. However, the Tropical Andes are encountering significant challenges that threaten their ecological significance.