Threats & Charter of Conduct

Natural reserves and national Parks all over the world have to be well taken care of to avoid threats becoming dangers, putting the whole ecosystem of the park at risk. 

Most such threats are caused by humans cutting trees and plants, hunting animals, bringing non-native species to regions where they shouldn’t be or growing plantations within the boundaries of protected areas.  All of this holds true for Aquicuana Reserve as well. Tourism can be a part of the solution, but also a part of the problem, if visitors are not considerate of the stunning nature surrounding them.

As the city of Riberalta is rapidly growing and expanding,  it is certain that deforestation will be an issue. Furthermore, deforestation will also be a direct result of the increased agricultural production (eg. Soya) and the profit people make of it. 

According to the Global Forest Watch the northern department ‘El Beni’ suffered eradication of 821kha of rainforest in the years 2001 to 2017. In the year 2010 this department reported 10.8Mha of rainforest which is equivalent to 49% of it surface, however it also had its highest loss of rainforest that year, with a number as high as 93.9kha (0,70% of its rainforest).

Thus, the long-term objective is to further expand the Reserve and through this protect more rainforest. The expansion and preservation of the Reserve will not only be beneficial to Riberalta and its population. As the Amazonian rainforest is well known as the lungs of the earth, its protection will also positively contribute to the whole world.

The Amazon Jungle is considered the lungs of the earth due to its niche in recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen for the rest of the planet.  Yet, more and more industrialized economies are exploiting its resources and in turn threaten its very existence.  Bolivia is still one of the regions of the world with the most untouched expanses of Amazon Jungle.

The Amazonian forest, due to its unique biodiversity, attracts poaching and species traffic. Some birds of  the reserve are mostly under threat due to habitat loss and poachers who sell them for their meet or to resell them has mascot. We can give the exemple of the TUCÁN TOCO, PERIQUITO and also the LORO HABLADOR (speaking parrot). 

Other species like the jaguar  are a very hunted animal, because they are considered to be a dangerous animal for cattle and also because their skin is considered valuable on the dark market. However, the main threat is in the disappearance of the forests, reducing considerably his living habitat.

You can find all endangered species list on our website

The fast population growth in the city and the growing interest to discover the biodiversity and immense natural beauty of the Amazon, mean that the number of visitor, and unregulated hunters or fisherman increase rapidly. There is a danger that the wildlife will be driven away. 

The organizations Sustainable Bolivia and Fundacion Amazonia work hand-in-hand with the reserves local communities to safeguard Aquicuana’s natural heritage, while also supporting the local communities’ goals of improved living and economic conditions.

Visitors are of course welcome, in fact vital, since the reserve fees go towards the maintenance and protection of the area. Please be considerate and respect the beautiful nature, the local culture and the tradition in this area.

Share This Article