Protected Natural Areas

National Parks include extensive and intangible areas which are designated to protect and preserve the animals and plant wildlife, and other aspects of the scenery surrounding them.The National Parks concentrate the most diverse and varied ecological systems. Human Settlements and the direct use of Natural Resources are forbidden. Examples of National Parks in Peru: Manu National Park, Huascaran National Park.

National Reserves include areas for protection and propagation of animal wildlife. These areas have fewer ecological systems than the National Parks, and the rational use of wildlife is forced. Examples of National Reserves in Peru: Pacaya Samiria, Paracas National Reserve, Titicaca Lake National Reserve.

National Sanctuaries: Are destined to preserve natural formations and protect species of Flora and Fauna. These intangible areas are smaller in extension. Examples: Lagunas de Mejía, Manglares de Tumbes.

Historical Sanctuaries: These intangible areas are designed to protect and preserve cultural, natural or historical events (land marks) in their natural original stage. Examples: Historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Reserved Zones: These are established with transitory character. These zones are protected temporarily while the most adequate category is assigned, and they are characterized by a distinctive environmental feature. Example: Tambopata Candamo.

Hunting Reserves: In these areas the animal wildlife is managed for hunting on private or public land.

Community Reserves: In these areas the wildlife is protected for the benefit of native and peasant communities.

National Forests: Are for lumbering purposes. These Natural Forest areas and animal wildlife are used for extraction activities; however these activities can only be undertaken by the Government.
Protected Forests: These are intangible areas. These forests protect the soil and water from human, agricultural and industrial uses