The coast of Peru
The
National Reserve of Paracas
The
National Reserve of Paracas is one of the
most important protected areas of Peru.
Its conservation is fundamental for the
economic survival of its inhabitants as
well as for the protection of the high coastal-marine
biodiversity.
©
Heinz Plenge
The
Reserve protects a part of the coastal desert
of the subtropical Pacific and waters of
the Humboldt Current, which is characterized
by one of the highest levels of productivity
in the world because of the coastal upwelling.
Apart of that the protected area contains
nine Guano-islands home to millions of marine
birds and thousands of fur seals and sea
lions. Additionally one can find various
sub littoral habitats allowing the existence
of a huge diversity of marine species.
Because
of its richness in nutrients the marine
area of Paracas sustains high amounts of
biomass and forms an important feeding ground
for local and migrating species.
©
Heinz Plenge
Goals of the National Reserve of Paracas:
.
Conserve
ecosystems of marine beaches with high concentrations
of fishes, birds and mammals.
.
Give
special protection to species in danger
of extinction.
.
Conserve
the cultural and historical heritage.
.
Develop
technologies for the rational use of some
hydro biological species.
.
Implement
facilities for the recreational, educational
and cultural use of the area.
.
Contribute
to the economical development of the region.
