Cordillera de Sama Biological Reserve

General characteristics of the reserve

This reserve, a protected area of national interest, is located in the extreme west of Tarija Department in the south of Bolivia. It comprises two distinct bio-geographic regions: the highlands, or altiplano, and the inter-andean valleys. It has an area of 108,500 hectares. Within the reserve's boundaries the main water sources for the city of Tarija, capital of the department and its socioeconomic and political center, can be found. The area also provides for the water needs of other communities in the region.

Sama

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Threats faced by the area
- Conservation activities in the reserve

 

The area also contributes to the cultural wealth of the region by being the home of 12 archaeological remains of significant importance. It shares its territory with three municipalities (Cercado, Mendez and Yunchara) and four provinces (Cercado, Aviles, Mendez and Arce). 11 small rural communities are located within the reserve consisting of 600 families for a total of about 4,000 inhabitants.

In the year 2000 the reserve was named a RAMSAR site as a WETLAND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE for it counts four permanent lakes that together form a spectacular mirror covering 1,300 hectares and which are home to 41 bird species, the most noticeable of which are three threatened species of flamingoes.

Map of Tarija Department...

Legal status

The Cordillera de Sama Biological Reserve was created by the Bolivian State through supreme decree No. 22721 on January 30, 1991. While the reserve was created in 1991, it was in 1996 that PROMETA began consistent work in the area by executing environmental education, nursery, research, community development, women support, and water resource management projects, among others.

In 199 the reserve was added to the National Protected Area System - S.N.A.P., and in June of 2000 it was nominated by the RAMSAR Convention as WETLAND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE No. 1030, thus becoming the third RAMSAR site in Bolivia.

Creation objectives

The reserve was created in order to:

- Preserve a representative sample of the puna ecosystem.
- Establish an area for experimental programs on preservation and management of wildlife, the soil, and the water of the region.

Administration of the reserve

After the reserve was incorporated into S.N.A.P. the Bolivian government, through the National Protected Areas Service - SERNAP, began the effective administration of the reserve in the year 2001. This administration takes place with the cooperation of PROMETA (since both institutions share the same objectives in the reserve), thus meeting the needs of Bolivia to conserve it biodiversity as well the global objective of reducing the environmental degradation of the planet.

Conservation values of Sama

The reserve is home to several natural and cultural elements considered worthy of conservation, as they provide the necessary conditions for the life of present and future inhabitants of the region.

- Ecological services: water supply
One of the reserve's principal roles is as a fresh water supply for the city of Tarija and for irrigation to rural communities in the region. It contains the productive capacity of three important river systems (Tolomosa, Camacho and Guadalquivir).
24 water courses are found within the reserve and these feed the entire hydrographic system of the Valley of Tarija. This contribution meets the fresh water and irrigation demands of more than 160,000 people and sustains economic productivity in the city.
- Wetlands in Sama nominated by RAMSAR for their international importance
The wetlands are made up of four permanent lakes, which together cover an area of 1,300 hectares. They are situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. The lakes' salty waters are home to 34 species of Andean water birds, including three endangered flamingo species which require special attention. The wetlands are also a rest and wintering ground for eight migratory species that fly from the northern to the southern hemispheres in the course of a year.
- Biological values: protection of the Puna ecosystem
This fragile ecosystem is of great importance to the preservation of the areas biodiversity due to its immense genetic wealth, as well the amount of unique plant and animal species specially adapted to its cold, dry and unforgiving conditions.
In this inhospitable landscape Andean Cameloids such as the Llama and Vicuña, who are admirably capable of thriving in these harsh conditions of low oxygen and limited grazing grounds, can be found.
Native plant species such as the Quewiña, Quiswara, and Aliso are among the few capable of surviving in such high, cold and dry environments. Another species to be found is the Yareta which grows on rocks without the need for well developed soil and whose importance lies in its ability to store water.
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Cultural values: Important archaeological sites
The land within the reserve has been inhabited by humans for approximately 8,000 years proof of which can be found in many archaeological finds which include rock tools and workshops, burial sites, rock paintings, trails, forts and agricultural infrastructure dating to Inca and pre-Inca times.
The presence of these sites imbue in the reserve a cultural and historical richness that sets it apart in the region and opens a new chapter in archaeological research and tourism potential.

 

To obtain more information on the reserve or to organize tours, research projects, volunteer work or other activities please contact PROMETA at:

Calle Alejandro del Carpio No. E-0659
Tarija, Bolivia

Tel/fax: (591) 4 - 6645865
  (591) 4 - 6633873
E-mail: prometa@olivo.tja.entelnet.bo
 

samatja@olivo.tja.entelnet.bo

 

Protected Areas

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Tariquía National Flora and Fauna Reserve

- Cordillera de Sama Biological Reserve
- Serranía del Aguaragüe National Park and Integrated Management Nature Area
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El Corbalán Natural Heritage Private Reserve
- "Alarachi" Natural Heritage Private Reserve