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Peru celebrates Day of National Parks

The Huascaran National Park is one of the natural areas that holds such category since 1975. Photo: Andina/Archive

The Huascaran National Park is one of the natural areas that holds such category since 1975. Photo: Andina/Archive

16:02 | Lima, Aug. 24.

Today is the International Day of National Parks. It is an important day to highlight the importance of these natural spaces that have unique biodiversity.

According to the State-run National Service for Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp), Peru hosts 15 national parks located in various parts of the country. Among them is Cutervo National Park —one of the first areas to be recognized as a protected natural area.

Also noteworthy are the emblematic Huascaran and Manu National Parks. In addition, the list includes: Tingo Maria, Cerros de Amotape (Amotape Mountains), Rio Abiseo (Abiseo River), Yanachaga-Chemillen, Bahuaja-Sonene, Cordillera Azul, Otishi, Alto Purus, Ichigkat Muja-Cordillera del Condor, Güeppi-Sekime, Sierra del Divisor and Yaguas.



What are national parks?

National parks are zones that are representative samples of the nation's natural diversity and its large ecological units.

Being considered in this category, there is a legal status that requires the protection and conservation of the flora and fauna existing in each of these protected areas.

According to Sernanp, any direct use of natural resources for commercial purposes and the settlement of human groups that have not ancestrally occupied those territories is prohibited.

Research, education and sustainable tourism are promoted in each of these protected areas.

Among their main characteristics is that they host various ecosystems and possess relevant biological diversity. They also have successional, ecological and evolutionary processes. Besides, their aesthetic and landscape characteristics are relevant.

It must be noted that the main problems facing national parks are illegal logging and mining.

(END) MAO/MVB

Publicado: 24/8/2020