Community Turns Tragedy into Conservation Opportunity in Bolivia

In February of 2021, tragedy struck the Laderas Norte community in Bolivia when 34 Andean condors were found dead due to poisoning. This event not only shocked the community but also propelled them to take action to protect their landscapes and ecosystems.

The Andean condor is the national bird of Bolivia and plays an important role in Andean spirituality and identity. As scavengers, they also help prevent the spread of disease and bacteria amongst local flora and fauna.

Ten years ago, the Laderas Norte community donated 141 acres to protect the last remaining white quebracho forest in the central valley of Tarija. Illegal logging of valuable trees like white quebracho, cedar, quina, and walnut was a constant threat in Laderas Norte and nearby communities.

Building on their past environmental concerns and reeling from the 2021 tragedy, the people of Laderas Norte worked diligently towards their goal of creating a protected area with the help of the Municipal Government of Tarija and the NGO Nativa Bolivia.

After a difficult process of delimiting the protected area and managing conflicting interests from local logging groups, the Laderas Norte Reserva Natural del Quebracho y el Cóndor en la Cordillera de Laderas was established.

The 8,145 acres protect the transition ecosystems between the Central Valley of Tarija and the Bolivian-Tucumanian Forest and safeguard endangered flora species such as the quirusilla and cayotilla. Water sources for local peoples are also preserved, as well as scenic mountain ranges which have the potential to host adventure tourism.

The creation of the reserve presents an opportunity to protect the mighty Andean condor, safeguard native plants and water sources, and improve the quality of life for the over 300 people living in the Laderas Norte community.

The Laderas Norte community's dedication to conservation is an inspiration to us all. They turned tragedy into an opportunity to protect their environment and the species that call it home.

This story shows that with determination and collaboration, we can make a positive impact on our planet.

Let's follow their example and work towards a more sustainable future.