Aguaragüe Integrated Management Natural Area, Protected natural area in Tarija Department, Bolivia
Aguaragüe is a protected natural area spanning approximately 108,000 hectares of mountainous terrain and forest in southern Bolivia, divided into zones for conservation and managed use. The landscape ranges from steep forested slopes to more open sections with diverse plant and animal life.
The Bolivian government designated this protected area in 2000 to safeguard the easternmost major Sub-Andean mountain range and its forest ecosystems. This action reflected growing efforts to preserve the region's threatened mountain forests.
Indigenous communities and local residents have long connections to the forest, using native tree species for tools and building materials in permitted zones. This relationship shapes how people relate to the land and its resources today.
Access to the area is via roads from the city of Tarija, where visitors can join guided tours or explore hiking trails to observe wildlife in their natural setting. Weather conditions vary seasonally, so checking local conditions before planning your visit helps ensure a comfortable experience.
The protected area functions as a natural water storage system that captures rainfall and regulates river flows supplying water to several downstream towns. Without this forest ecosystem, communities like Villamontes and Yacuiba would face serious water shortages.
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