Protected Areas in South America

Tepuis and Traditions: Exploring the Alto Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere

The Alto Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve is an expansive protected area located in the Venezuelan Amazon, encompassing three national parks—Duida-Marahuaca National Park, Serranía de la Neblina National Park, and Parima Tapirapecó National Park—each contributing to the ecological and cultural importance of the region. The reserve is characterized by its rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and the presence of Indigenous communities, particularly the Yanomami and Ye'kwana peoples.

The Alto Mayo Protection Forest: A Verdant Realm Safeguarding Peru's Biodiversity

Nestled in the northern reaches of Peru, the Alto Mayo Protection Forest stands as a verdant sanctuary, spanning an impressive expanse within the San Martín region. This protected forestland serves as a vital bulwark, safeguarding a portion of the Peruvian Yungas ecoregion and the upper Mayo River basin, shielding soil and water from the erosive impact of deforestation.

The Amapá Biodiversity Corridor: Safeguarding the Amazon's Ecological Treasures

Nestled in northern Brazil, the Amapá Biodiversity Corridor is a testament to the country's commitment to protecting its invaluable natural heritage. This expansive ecological corridor, spanning over 10 million hectares and encompassing 72% of the state of Amapá, is a true conservation success story. It integrates a network of protected areas and indigenous lands to safeguard the region's exceptional biodiversity.

The Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte Biosphere Reserve: A Sanctuary of Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

Nestled in the northern region of Uruguay, the Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte Biosphere Reserve is a unique sanctuary characterized by its rolling topography and subtropical grasslands. It serves as a vital refuge for an array of flora and fauna while preserving the cultural heritage of its inhabitants. The reserve's significance is amplified by its role in sustaining one of the planet's largest freshwater reserves, the Guaraní Aquifer.

The Bosques de Paz: A Transboundary Oasis of Biodiversity

The Bosques de Paz Transboundary Biosphere Reserve straddles the border of Ecuador and Peru. It is a natural treasure and showcases the collaborative efforts of these two nations to protect a globally significant ecosystem. The reserve spans four regions in the two countries. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2018, following the countries' commitment to strengthening their ties and cooperation after a long-standing border dispute that ended in 1998.

The Cerrado Biosphere Reserve: A Jewel of Brazilian Biodiversity

The Cerrado Biosphere Reserve, spanning across the Brazilian states of Goiás, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Federal District, encompasses the vast and diverse Cerrado biome, what scientists consider the world's most biodiverse savanna and one of Earth's oldest tropical ecosystems. This UNESCO-designated reserve covers nearly a quarter of Brazil's land area—making it one of the world's largest biosphere reserves and highlighting the country's extraordinary natural heritage and ecological significance.

The Cerrado Protected Areas: Preserving the Biodiversity Jewel of Brazil

Nestled within Brazil's Central-West region lies an ecological treasure of global significance: the Cerrado Protected Areas, a UNESCO Site encompassing Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks. These complementary protected areas safeguard the world's oldest and most biodiverse tropical savanna, representing humanity's most important stronghold for preserving the remarkable evolutionary heritage of the Cerrado biome. Located on Brazil's ancient central plateau, these parks preserve contrasting landscapes that together showcase the full spectrum of Cerrado biodiversity.

The Chicamocha Canyon and National Park: Colombia's Natural Wonder

Nestled within the rugged Andes Mountains of northern Colombia, the Chicamocha Canyon is a testament to nature's awe-inspiring power and beauty. This colossal geological wonder, carved over eons by the relentless forces of the Chicamocha River, is among the largest canyons in the world. Encompassing a vast area, the canyon's immense depths reveal a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs, winding rivers, and diverse ecosystems. Chicamocha National Park lies within the canyon.

The Chocó Andino de Pichincha: Ecuador’s Biodiversity Frontier

Nestled in Ecuador's northern region, just northwest of Quito, lies a pristine wilderness teeming with biodiversity and cultural heritage—the Chocó Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve. Encompassing diverse ecosystems, the reserve is a sanctuary for an astounding array of unique plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened. It also safeguards centuries of human history, preserving archaeological treasures that reveal the rich cultural legacy of the indigenous peoples who have long inhabited the region.

The Cinturón Andino: A Tapestry of Andean Wonders in Colombia

Nestled within the majestic folds of the Colombian Andes, the Cinturón Andino Biosphere Reserve stands as a crowning jewel, a testament to the extraordinary biodiversity and cultural richness that embodies this South American nation. This UNESCO-designated reserve is a harmonious tapestry woven from three distinct national parks: the ancient Cueva de los Guácharos, the volcanic splendor of Puracé, and the towering snow-capped peaks of Nevado del Huila.