Arequipa region has three recognized wetlands in the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement signed on February 2, 1971 in the city of Ramsar, in order to preserve its biological and hydrological importance.
Wetlands are home to hundreds of species of migratory and resident birds, aquatic species and variety of flora which are a little known attraction in the region.
"But there will be no water or wetland biodiversity, are a food source and play a thermoregulatory role, so it is necessary to protect and preserve them especially since Arequipa is part of the Atacama desert," said the head of the Diversity Strategy Regional Authority Environmental, Jorge Salinas.
Wetlands officially recognized
In the region we have the National Sanctuary of Mejía Lagoons, located in the district of Mejía Islay province, which has 690.60 hectares that start in the mouth of the Tambo and continue to 8 miles north.
In Mejía lagoons can find swamps, sloughs saline, cattails, grasslands and beaches along the Tambo River mouth.
Located two hours from the city of Arequipa, Mejía lagoons are a natural refuge for birds like the Turtupilín, plovers, oystercatchers, skimmers and other migrating from different parts of the country, South America and North America. There are 193 species of birds of which 78 are permanent residents, 80 and 31 migratory visitors wandering.
It is also considered the Laguna de Salinas located about 4300 meters above sea level, 38 kilometers east of the White City.
Salinas is a high Andean lake with salt water from the basin located between snowcapped mountains and volcanoes, is surrounded by wetlands and vegetation main part vicuna and llamas grazing and habitat for birds such as flamingos, girl and pariguana pariguana Large, among others.
The Dam is within the Spanish National Reserve of Salinas Aguada Blanca 87 kilometers northeast of the city of Arequipa.
In the lagoon of the Indian-Spanish Dam can find trout and bog plants in the vicinity are countless Andean geese nesting in the wetlands, the Andean duck, the phalarope tricolor, the Crested Duck, vicuna and other flora and fauna.
Laguna San Camilo in protection process
The specialist of the Regional Environmental Authority of Arequipa, Jorge Salinas, said that studies the Laguna de San Camilo to be declared a Protected Natural Area dossier to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.
For the area near San Camilo irrigation can see a mirror Saltwater 100 hectares that is home to various species of birds, mammals and fauna to be protected, said the expert.
