Bolivia – Four municipal governments recently created expansive protected areas totaling 907,244 hectares of Amazon lowlands and Andean highlands, linking Indigenous territories to national parks for stronger ecological connectivity.
Grassroots Momentum Amid Deforestation Pressures
Grassroots Momentum Amid Deforestation Pressures (Image Credits: Imgs.mongabay.com)
Municipal leaders in remote Bolivian towns took decisive action against the nation’s high per-capita deforestation rates. These communities, supported by Conservation International-Bolivia and local partners, passed laws to designate the new zones. The effort builds on a growing “conservation mosaic” where municipalities and Indigenous groups protect interconnected landscapes. Eduardo Forno, vice president of Conservation International-Bolivia, highlighted how these areas stretch from Andean cloud forests to Amazon lowlands.
The designations emerged from extensive consultations with residents, Indigenous leaders, and producers. This local approach ensures protections endure beyond political terms. Municipalities like Mapiri, Villa Nueva, Santos Mercado, and Palos Blancos now conserve large portions of their territories – up to 82 percent in some cases.
Mapping the Four New Protected Areas
Each area targets unique ecosystems while forming bridges between existing reserves. The Gran Paitití Municipal Park in Mapiri spans 83,825 hectares and serves as a migration route between Madidi and Cotapata national parks. Los Palmares de Villa Nueva covers 191,310 hectares of intact Amazon forest in northern Bolivia. Guardián Amazónico Pacahuara, honoring the Pacahuara people, protects 544,103 hectares of untouched forests and river plains in Santos Mercado. Serranías y Cuencas de Palos Blancos adds 88,006 hectares in the Alto Beni region, connecting directly to the Mosetén Indigenous Territory.
| Protected Area | Hectares | Municipality | Conservation Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Paitití | 83,825 | Mapiri | 56% |
| Los Palmares de Villa Nueva | 191,310 | Villa Nueva | 68% |
| Guardián Amazónico Pacahuara | 544,103 | Santos Mercado | 82% |
| Serranías y Cuencas de Palos Blancos | 88,006 | Palos Blancos | 26% |
Critical Corridors for Endangered Wildlife
These zones create continuous pathways that allow animals to roam freely, far outperforming isolated reserves. In Gran Paitití, gold-rich soils once lured miners but now shelter critically endangered frogs like Telmatobius verrucosus and glass frogs. Los Palmares supports giant otters and spider monkeys amid Brazil nut groves. Guardián Amazónico safeguards Amazon river dolphins in river plains, while Serranías protects harlequin frogs and spectacled bears in montane forests.
Broader benefits include jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles, and giant anteaters traversing the landscape. Watersheds supply fresh water to dozens of communities, filtering rains into rivers like the Alto Beni. Such connectivity sustains over 2,400 species in some areas, bolstering resilience against climate shifts.
- Amazon river dolphin (Inia boliviensis): Thrives in protected river systems.
- Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis): Relies on intact forest waterways.
- Spider monkey (Ateles chamek): Moves through connected canopies.
- Harlequin frog (Atelopus tricolor): Endemic to Andean foothills.
- Spectacled bear: Navigates ridges and valleys.
Sustaining Livelihoods and Futures
Beyond wildlife, the areas underpin local economies. Brazil nut harvesting provides up to 91 percent of income for Villa Nueva families, with potential for açaí and cacao. Community leaders emphasized water security. Ericka Cortez, president of the Santos Mercado Municipal Council, stated the zones conserve rivers for future generations: “The past was deforestation; the present is conservation.” Mirtha Vaca, a Villa Nueva council member, noted the collective process benefits communities long-term.
Conservation International has aided over 6.4 million hectares of protections since 1997, including Madidi National Park. Funding from groups like the Andes Amazon Fund and Rainforest Trust supported these efforts. Municipal assemblies drove the legal frameworks, blending Indigenous knowledge with modern safeguards.
Key Takeaways
- Four areas total 907,244 hectares, equivalent to Yellowstone National Park’s size.
- Linkages boost wildlife migration between Amazon and Andes.
- Local governments now protect over half their lands in three municipalities.
Bolivia’s model proves local action can scale national conservation, preserving biodiversity hotspots while empowering communities. As these corridors mature, they promise enduring havens for species and people alike. What steps should your community take to protect local ecosystems? Share in the comments.
