Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado

Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia

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Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, located in the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia near the Brazilian border, is one of the largest and most well-preserved national parks in the Amazon Basin, covering about 1.5 million hectares. The park features a remarkable variety of habitats, including upland evergreen Amazonian forests, cerrado savannahs, deciduous forests, flooded savannas, and palm wetlands.

It encompasses the Huanchaca Plateau, one of the largest protected cerrado areas in the world, characterized by ancient sandstone formations, cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls. This diverse environment supports over 4,000 species of plants, more than 600 bird species, and viable populations of many globally threatened vertebrates.

The park belongs to a transition zone where the Amazon rainforest meets drier ecosystems like the Chiquitano dry forests and cerrado, creating a stunning mosaic of biodiversity. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Noel Kempff Mercado is also known for its evolutionary significance, with landscapes dating back over a billion years. Its remote location and extensive protection efforts make it a vital refuge for wildlife and a key site for conservation and scientific research in South America.

The park also benefits from innovative management approaches such as pioneering carbon offset projects that help protect its ecosystems while supporting local communities.