Overview:

: Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands is a protected area of around 36,000 km² located in the corner of Bolivia, Peru and Brazil, established in 2000 by the Bolivian government. This important reserve is home to endemic plants, species of amphibians, birds, and other wildlife, such as jaguars, macaws, and giant river turtles. It is the largest and most biologically-diverse lowland rainforest in the world. Located in the Amazon Basin, the biosphere reserve plays an important role in regional climate regulation, water security, and sustainable development initiatives. In 2017, the reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique features and the role it plays in maintaining biodiversity and regional stability. The reserve is managed by local people, who are involved in the conservation and sustainable use of the resources and biodiversity of the area. This includes agroforestry, traditional knowledge and use of medicinal plants, and ecotourism in partnership with local communities. Indigenous and local people have the right to use the reserve resources without damaging the environment, provided they obtain permission from local authorities and comply with prior conditions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Range of Ecosystems – Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands includes a range of ecosystems, such as tropical dry forests, semi-deciduous forests, and savannahs, as well as diverse species of plants and animals. 2. Multiple Communities – The reserve covers the territories of four indigenous groups: the Tsimane, Movimas, Chimane, and Yuracaré, showing a strong commitment to environmental conservation. 3. Cultural Heritage – The reserve is home to various archaeological sites of immense cultural and historical value, including ancient settlements, petroglyphs, and ancient sculptures. 4. Decentralised Management – The management of the reserve is based on a system of decentralised management. It involves local committees and the participation of local communities in decision-making processes. 5. Sustainability Projects – The reserve has implemented various sustainable development projects to benefit local communities, such as eco-agriculture, reforestation, and restoring river ecosystems. 6. Conservation of Wildlife – The reserve protects endangered species such as the jaguar and the spectacled bear, while also protecting bird species and amphibians such as the giant river turtle and the Bolivian river dolphin. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands in Bolivia are located at the southeastern end of the Central Andes mountain range in the Cochabamba Department. These indigenous lands were declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2012, recognizing the vulnerable ecosystems, species of wild flora and fauna, and the rich traditional culture of the indigenous Chiquitanos community that inhabits the reserve. The Chiquitano people have inhabited this region for centuries and are known to have lived in the areas that now make up the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve since the sixteenth century. These lands are the ancestral home of the Chiquitanos and are considered to be sacred ground. The Chiquitano people have a long tradition of protecting and utilizing the indigenous plants and animals in their environment for food and medicinal purposes. The Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve was established in 2012 in order to protect the Chiquitano people and their traditional culture, as well as the surrounding ecosystems and species. The reserve is comprised of 641,245 hectares of tropical rainforest, and is home to more than four hundred species of flora and fauna - seven of which are threatened or endangered. In addition, the reserve is home to several communities, including the communities of Pilón Lajas, San Juan de Chacarilla, and Potrero Hspital. The Chiquitano people remain integral to the management of the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands. The Reserve is managed in collaboration with the Chiquitano people by the National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State of Bolivia in coordination with the Autonomous Government of Cochabamba. The Chiquitano people have been granted the right to manage their own land within the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve since 2013. This grants them the authority to determine how their lands shall be used and managed, and to set their own conservation priorities. The objectives of the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve are to protect the unique and vulnerable ecosystems in the region, preserve the rich biodiversity found in the region, and maintain the traditional culture of the Chiquitano people. To ensure the success of the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve, the Chiquitano people are actively involved in the management of the Reserve and ensure the preservation of their culture, land, and resources. Today, the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands remain a haven for wildlife and are home to a thriving Chiquitano culture and deeply rooted traditions. The Reserve has become a success story for conservation, community involvement, and the protection of ancestral lands. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands is the largest Indigenous protected area in the world, covering over 800,000 hectares (2.2 million acres). 2. Piedras Coloradas, or Red Stones, is the highest point in the reserve, standing at 6,120 meters (20,084 feet) above sea level. 3. The reserve is home an incredible variety of wildlife, including Andean bears, jaguars, red howler monkeys, tapirs and macaws. 4. It is also the ancestral territory of three Indigenous groups: the Esse, the Tacana, and the Tsimane. 5. The reserve is managed by the Pilón Lajas Indigenous Territorial Authority, which is led by 350 members from the three Indigenous groups. 6. The area is a popular tourist destination because of its incredible biodiversity and cultural richness. 7. To ensure that tourism is developed in an ethical and sustainable way, the Pilón Lajas Indigenous Territorial Authority has established a number of eco-certified tourism operators and projects within the reserve. 8. The reserve has also become an important source of income for the local Indigenous communities, through the sale of geographically protected products like handicrafts, medicinal plants, and honey. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.