Protected Areas in South America

One of the first protected areas to be established in Bolivia, the Beni Biosphere Reserve is located at the convergence of three biogeographical zones: the Amazon, the Chaco, and the Cerrado. The reserve is home to important indigenous Amazonian groups.

Bernardo O'Higgins National Park protects a remote area of southern Chile. It is currently the country's largest protected area, covering a vast area within the Aysén and Magallanes and Antártica Chilena regions, including part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

In the heart of Peru's Central Andes lies the Bicentenario-Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by a breathtaking collage of mountains and valleys. This protected wilderness sanctuary is of tremendous ecological and cultural importance, enriched with historical, religious, and social values. It has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unparalleled environmental and cultural significance.

The Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte Biosphere Reserve comprises a mosaic of different ecosystems, including a primary forest with a subtropical jungle: the quebradas, which represents the southernmost vestige of the Atlantic Forest environment.

Nestled amidst the arid landscapes of the Atacama Desert, Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park emerges as a verdant oasis of biodiversity and natural beauty within the Cordillera de Talinay, part of the Chilean Coastal Range. Situated approximately 100 kilometers south of La Serena on the Pacific Ocean, this national park is a testament to the resilience of life in the face of challenging environmental conditions.

The Bosque Seco Biosphere Reserve is a biodiverse haven with diverse landscapes, from mountains to plains, providing vital climate regulation and water services. Home to Ecuador's best-preserved dry forests, the reserve boasts rich flora and fauna. Collaborating with Peru, it became part of the Bosques de Paz Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, showcasing the nexus of nature and culture.

The Bosques de Neblina - Selva Central Biosphere Reserve is located in the Amazon basin of central Peru, in a transition zone between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the Amazon. Harboring four emblematic Peruvian ecosystems, it is home to a high biological and cultural diversity level.

The Bosques Templados Lluviosos de Los Andes Australes Biosphere Reserve comprises eight national protected areas in southern Chile. It hosts extraordinary biodiversity and is classified as one of Earth's largest and most ecologically intact forest remnants.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves consist of a Marine National Park and a Biological Reserve off the coast of Brazil. These protected areas are home to many tropical seabirds, and the waters are substantial breeding and feeding grounds.

Cabo de Hornos Biosphere Reserve is located in the South American continent's extreme south, in southern Chile. It comprises marine areas, islands, fjords, channels, forests, and moorland. The core areas are Cabo de Hornos National Park and Alberto de Agostini National Park.