Peru received great news on Wednesday: the
recognized the Bosques de Neblina – Selva Central Biosphere Reserve as the sixth Biosphere Reserve in our country.
Sernanp affirmed that this announcement is excellent news for the conservation of the natural legacy and the promotion of an integrated management of the Peruvian territory.
It specified that the new Biosphere Reserve has an area of 812,114.93 hectares. This new biosphere reserve covers 14 districts of the provinces of Chanchamayo, Concepcion, Jauja, Junin, Tarma, and Satipo (Junin region).
The Biosphere Reserves
Thanks to this recognition,
Bosques de Neblina – Selva Central Biosphere Reserve joins the National Network of Biosphere Reserves of Peru made up of Huascaran (1977), Manu (1977-2017), Northeastern Amotapes-Manglares (1977-2016), Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha (2010), and Gran Pajaten (2016), which make up more than 9 million hectares of the national territory.
As a biosphere reserve, this space promotes a successful and healthy balance between human beings and nature, as it allows citizens to understand one of the most important issues facing the world today: reconciling the conservation of natural resources with their sustainable use.
The consolidation of this harmonious relationship is based on the valuable contribution of this and all the biosphere reserves in Peru and the rest of the world, for the conservation of biodiversity, food security, as well as the supply of medicines and raw materials, having as main beneficiaries the populations based within its scope.
Likewise, it promotes a comprehensive management of the territory in a participatory manner, including all local actors. This represents an opportunity to establish a space for dialogue, consensus, as well as permanent articulation to establish joint actions for conservation and sustainable development.
Located in the Amazon basin, in a transition area between the Andes and the Amazon forest, the site shares its northern border with the Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve.
Even though less than 10% of the region's biodiversity have been catalogued, Bosques de Neblina hosts species of high bio-ecological value, with strong levels of endemism. Emblematic species include the vulnerable Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus).
The Pampa Hermosa Natural Sanctuary —one of the last remaining tropical montane forests in the region and the Pui Pui woods— are of paramount importance for the protection of river headwaters, which provide safe freshwater to the population.
It is home diverse population groups including Quechuans and Ashaninkas. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are important sources of income.