New Protected Corridor Safeguards Biodiversity and Ancient Heritage

Bolivia established the Gran Paitití de Mapiri protected area in 2025, safeguarding critical forests, water sources and archaeological heritage while strengthening biodiversity connectivity between the Andes and the Amazon.

“By protecting this zone, Bolivia strengthens an entire conservation mosaic that extends 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,” said Eduardo Forno, Vice President of Conservation International Bolivia.

The 83,835-hectare protected area conserves habitat for at least 1,825 plant species and 743 animal species, including nearly 30 threatened amphibians and iconic wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs and giant armadillos. About 67% of the territory is designated for strict conservation, while 33% allows sustainable community activities, including ecotourism and traditional cacao farming. The designation also protects key water systems, prevents new mining projects and strengthens ecological corridors linking major protected areas across the Amazon-Andes transition, supporting long-term environmental resilience and sustainable local livelihoods.