Bolivia’s Amazon gains a groundbreaking Indigenous-led sanctuary in 2023
A vast stretch of the Bolivian Amazon has gained new protections as an Indigenous-led sanctuary. On 19 August 2023, the government officially declared Loma Santa an Indigenous protected area, covering nearly 200,000 hectares. The region is now recognised as the first Indigenous autonomous territory in the Bolivian Amazon, governed by its own Indigenous Autonomous Government.
The newly established protected area spans 198,778 hectares (491,191 acres) west of Trinidad, the capital of Beni department. It borders the Isiboro Sécure Indigenous Territory and National Park, forming a critical corridor for conservation. The push to safeguard Loma Santa was driven by the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory, with backing from local and international organisations.
The designation of Loma Santa marks a milestone for Indigenous self-governance in Bolivia. The territory’s management now falls under its own Indigenous Autonomous Government, ensuring local control over land and resources. With its dual-zone system and active patrols, the area aims to protect both cultural heritage and endangered species for years to come.
