Andina

Peru: Pampa Galeras National Reserve celebrates half a century

Vicuñas durante el chaccu. Foto: Walter Wust.

Vicuñas durante el chaccu. Foto: Walter Wust.

11:51 | Ayacucho (Ayacucho region), May. 18.

Pampa Galeras - Barbara D'Achille National Reserve, Peru's main vicuña recovery and conservation center, today celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special agenda.

Commemorative activities include a vicuña shearing session, a task that epitomizes the sustainable harnessing of natural resources promoted by the Peruvian State in this natural area. 

The main event, a special anniversary ceremony held this morning, saw the presence of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

The Head of State was joined by Environment Minister Elsa Galarza, Germany's Ambassador to Peru Jörg Ranau, State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) Head Pedro Gamboa, as well as local and regional authorities. 


The reserve

Pampa Galeras - Barbara D'Achille National Reserve is located in Lucanas province, in South-Andean Ayacucho region.

While the protected area spans 6,500 ha, its area of influence covers close to 60,000 ha, which include several peasant communities. 

The reserve was established in 1967 to protect and preserve vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna), while allowing highland populations to harness their resources in a sustainable manner. 


Since 1993, the protected area is also named after late journalist and conservationist Barbara D'Achille. 

Pampa Galeras - Barbara D'Achille National Reserve is home to the largest vicuña population in Peru —and the world— in a highly limited space. 

Located close to the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the reserve is also part of the southern tourist circuit to Cusco.


(END) LZD/DHT/MVB

Published: 5/18/2017