He National Park AND NATURAL AREA OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT Kaa-Iya of the Gran Chaco meets this September 21 Three decades of creationconsolidating as the Greater Protected Area of Bolivia and one of the best preserved sanctuaries on the planet. With an area close to 3.5 million hectares, Kaa-Ia is considered an indigenous conservation model and a biodiversity bulwark in the world.
The park administration, directed by Jorge Banegas, works for the protected area to be incorporated into the Green List of the International Union for Nature Conservationwhich distinguishes spaces with the most advanced practices of governance and global management. In addition, the appointment would allow more defense and conversation capacity of the territory.
The ka-iya is distinguished by Subguarding the Dry Forest Chaco Best preserved on the planet, in addition to ecosystems that provide essential environmental services such as water, carbon capture and climatic regulation. It also has two Ramsar sites, wetlands and fresh water sources of international importance.
More than 350 species in this protected area
Kaa-Iya houses more than 350 Fauna speciesamong them the Jaguar, the tapir, the giant tingling bear And the Chaco Pecarí, in addition to a wide diversity of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Its territory remains a natural laboratory where science discovers new species of flora and fauna.
This natural area is located in the provinces of Cordillera and Chiquitosis located in the region of Bolivian Chacoin the southeast of the country, limiting south with the Republic of Paraguay. With 34 411.2 km², its surface is greater than Belgium.
Ancestral peoples
But the value of Kaa-Iya is not just natural. It is also ancestral territory of Guaraní, Chiquitano and Ayoreo, and one of the few protected areas of the region that protects Communities in voluntary isolation. Its management includes the participation of indigenous representatives and joint work with local communities to guarantee the integrity of the area.
During these 30 years, the Kaa-Iya has resisted threats such as agricultural expansionthe forest fires and habitat fragmentation. Today seeks to strengthen its management standards to reach the green list and consolidate as an international reference for conservation.
