The Loma Santa Indigenous Conservation Area, officially registered on June 26 of this year as the fifth Protected Area within an Indigenous Autonomy in the Bolivian Amazon, is located in the Amazonian region of Beni, Bolivia. Loma Santa protects an area of 198,778 hectares and an exceptional biodiversity, including 252 bird species, both endemic and migratory, that find refuge in this site.
Juan Ricaurte- BirdLife International
Loma Santa is a notable example of indigenous territorial management and participatory conservation, driven by the Conserva Aves Bolivia initiative and the leadership of the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory (TIM) in collaboration with ORE, the Legal and Social Support Organization. This protected area reflects a harmonious integration of nature and culture, with active participation from the Mojeño-Trinitario, Mojeño-Ignaciano, T’simane, Yuracaré, and Movima indigenous communities, adapting to regional particularities to preserve the natural and cultural richness of the Bolivian Amazon.
The official launch of this new protected area took place on August 19 in an event held in Monte Grande, a TIM community and entry point to Loma Santa. The event included the participation of the leadership and technical teams from the Foundation for the Development of the National System of Protected Areas (Fundesnap), Asociación Armonía, and the Legal and Social Support Organization (ORE), representing the Conserva Aves Initiative in Bolivia. Local authorities from the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory (TIM), including the Subcentral of Indigenous Councils, the Subcentral of Indigenous Women, the Autonomous Indigenous Government of TIM, and the General Director of Biodiversity of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA) also participated, highlighting the importance of this joint effort for biodiversity conservation and the strengthening of indigenous territorial rights.
Ornithological richness in Loma Santa
The Loma Santa Conservation Area, located in the heart of the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory (TIM), boasts extraordinary ornithological diversity. During the dry season, fieldwork identified 252 bird species, grouped into 21 orders and 53 families, with a notable presence of Passeriformes.
Map of the Loma Santa Indigenous Conservation Area, located in the Beni department, and the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory (TIM) GIA (area shown in green) in Bolivia. Credit: ORE
Among the most representative bird families in the area are tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae) with 39 species, followed by tanagers (Thraupidae) and antbirds (Thamnophilidae). In addition, species of high conservation value were identified, including the emblematic harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) and the great tinamou (Tinamus tao), both classified as Vulnerable, as well as others listed in the CITES appendices, highlighting the ecological and strategic importance of this new protected area.
This space not only safeguards resident species but also boreal and austral migratory birds, reaffirming its key role in regional ecological connectivity.
Actions by the Legal and Social Support Organization (ORE), key partner of the Conserva Aves initiative
One year after initiating the project for the recognition of Loma Santa, with support from the Conserva Aves Initiative and technical assistance from ORE, a series of conservation activities have been carried out with an integrated approach, including participatory management and implementation of protective measures for bird species in the region. Proper management of these protected areas integrates scientific research, ecosystem conservation, ecosystem services, and cultural values, promoting awareness, environmental education, and sustainable tourism.
A promising future
The Loma Santa Indigenous Conservation Area represents the potential to consolidate a territory of life for thousands of birds and ancestral cultures in the Bolivian Amazon. It is an example of collaboration among communities, non-governmental organizations, and international conservation initiatives, which together can create innovative and sustainable management approaches for these territories, ensuring a future for biodiversity and the people who depend on it.
Conserva Aves in Bolivia offers opportunities for reconnection, empowerment, training, and ongoing support, enabling communities to protect their natural territories in a sustained and effective way. Its participatory approach actively involves civil, community, public, and private stakeholders in the sustainable management of these areas, enhancing millions of hectares of already protected territories.
Conserva Aves
Conserva Aves represents the protection of territories of life! This new refuge was established under the framework of the Conserva Aves Initiative, driven by American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada, and the Red de Fondos Ambientales de América Latina y el Caribe (RedLAC). In Bolivia, it is led by the Foundation for the Development of the National System of Protected Areas (FUNDESNAP) and Asociación Armonía, with implementation by the Legal and Social Support Organization (ORE), and valuable support from the Bezos Earth Fund.
Conserva Aves is an initiative that supports Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, NGOs, and grassroots organizations in the creation, expansion, management, and sustainability of subnational protected areas in key bird sites (e.g., Key Biodiversity Areas – KBAs) throughout Latin America.
