Madidi Amazon Travel |
![]() |
Home |
MINISTRY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
NATIONAL SERVICE OF PROTECTED AREAS (SERNAP)
BIOSPHERE RESERVE
AND
ORIGINAL INDIGENOUS LAND PILÓN LAJAS
WHAT ARE PROTECTED AREAS?
Protected areas are land belonging to the Bolivian state, dedicated especially to the protection and conservation of all varieties of life that exists within them: plants, trees, wildlife, air, soil, water and in some cases indigenous and non-indigenous people of significant historical and social value. The management of these areas is achieved through various effective measures, such as legal remedies and the management plan of the protected area.
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CREATION OF A PROTECTED AREA?
Protect the living heritage of the country (cultural and social elements that are common to a community), especially threatened and endangered species of vegetation and wildlife,
Preserve natural areas where whole ecosystems have not been altered, that is where the hand of man has not been felt or hardly at all,
Protect the natural variety of landscapes,
Contribute to conservation measures so as to maintain the quality of the environment that surrounds us,
Conserve natural resources,
Conserve flora (vegetation),
Conserve fauna (wildlife),
Protect river basins (watercourse),
Control soil erosion (regulate and avoid soil damage due to lack of vegetation cover),
Maintain water quality (so that water remains pure and uncontaminated),
Maintain air quality (so that air remains pure and uncontaminated).
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF PROTECTED AREAS?
To conserve plants, trees, water, soil, natural resources and all living beings that exist within such areas, so that the children of our children and their future children can also enjoy these resources.
However, conservation is not only to conserve; it also involves managing various activities through norms and rules attached to the area. These activities can generate permanent work for the populations of the area and a secure income for the families; for example: employment as park warden, technician, tourist guide, participant in ecotourism and artisan projects and wildlife management.
FURTHERMORE...
They bring possibilities of:
Education,
Investigation,
Protection of infrastructure investments,
Protection of populations and, in some cases, of indigenous people,
Medicinal uses,
Recreation through tourism,
Maintain genetic resources (correspond to the variety of plants and animals that exist in the area) for future use,
Guarantee the continuity of natural cycles.
HOW DOES A PROTECTED AREA OPERATE AND HOW IS IT DECLARED?
Protected areas function under the cover of a legal base of the Bolivian state.
First, a study of the characteristics of the area is established,
Secondly, the legal norms,
If law is used for the creation of a protected area, the approval of the legislative power, which is represented by the members of the national congress is necessary,
In such a case, the law no.1333 of the environment act is applied, which states that protected areas are part of the national heritage and constitute a public and social interest. They are to be administered depending upon their category, zonification and regulation, as established in the management plan, with the aims of protection and conservation of their natural resources, scientific research, as well as recreation, education and promotion of ecotourism,
A supreme court decree can alternatively be used for the creation of a protected area, which will be dictated by the executive power, represented by the president of the republic and his ministers,
In such a case, the supreme decree no.2478 for the general regulation of protected areas will be applied,
The document used as a legal base for the protected area is then established,
Finally, the category of special management of the protected area is declared.
WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS?
Protected areas have the following categories of management (in accordance with art.62 and 63 of the law no.1333, and art.19 of the supreme decree no.2478), which can be of national or departmental level:
National or departmental park,
Wildlife reserve,
Natural area of integral management,
National monument,
Sanctuary,
Reserve.
WHAT IS A NATIONAL PARK?
It is an important area of land, where the protection of flora, fauna, landscapes and all natural resources that exist within is of national interest.
WHAT IS A WILDLIFE RESERVE?
It is an area of land with an aim of protection, management and sustainable use of wildlife, under vigilant control.
WHAT IS A NATURAL AREA OF INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT?
It is an area of land where projects of sustainable development by the populations can be established, while maintaining a balance with existing wildlife.
WHAT IS A NATIONAL MONUMENT?
It is a small area of land, whose primary objective is the preservation of remarkable natural resources of flora, fauna, landscape or geological formations, and paleontological sites (remains of prehistoric animals and plants).
WHAT IS A SANCTUARY?
It is an area of land, in which the protection of threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna is protected.
WHAT IS A RESERVE?
It is an area of land where all forms of life are conserved and maintained, such as plants, trees, wildlife, air, water and populations that live within it, constituting a development area.
WHO ADMINISTERS THESE AREAS?
The Bolivian state administers these areas, regulating the use of their natural resources.
WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE PROTECTED AREAS IN BOLIVIA?
The National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) which depends upon the Minister of Sustainable Development and Planning.
Home |
Getting Here Jungle Lodge Savannas Our Programs Biosphere / Park Special Expeditions Rurrenabaque Hotel Links About Us