An American conservation NGO has played a pivotal role in the establishment of a remarkable new nature reserve in the breathtaking Bolivian Andes, safeguarding a crucial corridor of biodiversity.
This newly designated area, known as the Serranías y Cuencas de Palos Blancos Municipal Protected Area, boasts over 1,300 native species, with 13 of those found exclusively in Bolivia. Located not far from the vibrant capital of La Paz, the ecological significance of this region is truly impressive.
The reserve encompasses a transition zone where the high-altitude Andean cloud forest meets the lush Amazon rainforest. Notably, 86% of the forests within this protected area have never been disturbed by human activity, highlighting its pristine nature.
On December 30, 2025, local officials in Palos Blancos enthusiastically embraced recommendations from the Andes-Amazon Fund to safeguard approximately 340 square miles of this vital habitat. This initiative not only protects the environment but also enhances the connectivity between existing wild landscapes, providing essential corridors for species such as the black spider monkey and the jaguar to thrive.
Conservation International Bolivia and the Rainforest Trust have been instrumental in funding and organizing this project, which will preserve not only the rich animal and plant life but also the headwaters of the nearby Alto Beni River—an essential water source for countless individuals.
Additionally, a nearby province has recently established a new protected area covering 320 square miles, further enriching this transition zone between cloud forests and the Amazon. Together, these two protected areas connect with Cotapata and Madidi national parks, along with the indigenous reserves, forming the impressive Gran Paitití de Mapiri Biodiversity Corridor.
“By protecting this zone, Bolivia strengthens an entire conservation mosaic that stretches from the cloud forests of La Paz to the lower Amazon, ensuring that species like the jaguar and the Andean bear can move freely through their habitats,” remarked Eduardo Forno, Vice President of Conservation International Bolivia, after the protected area was created last October.
The newly protected lands in this conservation mosaic exceed an astounding 1 million acres, surpassing the size of the Big Bend National Park in Texas, making it a significant achievement for biodiversity preservation.
Let’s celebrate this inspiring conservation success story from South America and share it with our friends!
