New Protected Area in Peru Safeguards Wildlife and Promotes Eco-Tourism

• New Velo de la Novia protected area conserves almost 15,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest – home to the rainbow boa, military macaw, red-bellied frog and the iconic 84-meter Velo de la Novia waterfall
• Connects five protected areas, allowing threatened wildlife to migrate across the Peruvian Amazon
• Secures clean water for local communities while supporting carbon storage and regional climate stability
  

LIMA (June 20, 2025) – Conservation International celebrates the creation of the Velo de la Novia regional conservation area, announced today by the Department of Ucayali in eastern Peru.

Originally recognized in 2023 by Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service as a fragile ecosystem, Velo de la Novia’s new protected status completes the final stage in conserving this key stretch of Amazon rainforest. The regional conservation area protects 14,422 hectares (35,638 acres) of forest surrounding the Velo de la Novia (in English, “bride’s veil”) waterfall, named for its wide white cascade that resembles a bridal veil as it spills into a natural lagoon.

“Velo de la Novia is a renowned eco-tourism destination,” said Nelson Seijas Valderrama, executive director of the regional environmental Authority of Ucayali. “The new protected designation by the government of Ucayali will help ensure it provides clean drinking water for local communities and a sustainable fishing area for generations to come.”

This unique ecosystem is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, with 129 documented species – including three endangered primates – highlighting its urgent need for protection. In addition, the Velo de la Novia regional conservation area will connect to five other conservation areas: the Cordillera Escalera, Cordillera Azul National Park, Kakataibo Indigenous Reserve, Shambillo Local Forest, and Codo del Pozuzo. Together, they form an interconnected corridor that is essential to protecting wildlife and the benefits nature provides to local communities.

Conservation International supported the creation of the Velo de la Novia conservation area by conducting a comprehensive biological survey, engaging local Indigenous peoples, advising government partners on the establishment process, and preparing the final proposal.

“We are happy and proud to share this news with our partners and with the entire population that for years has been seeking the revaluation of Velo de la Novia for its natural wealth,” said Luis Espinel, executive director and vice president of Conservation International-Peru .

Additional support was provided by Nature and Culture International, with funding from the Andes Amazon Fund, Re:Wild, the Bezos Earth Fund, and Conservation International. 

Velo de la Novia Facts

Biodiversity:

• Velo de la Novia is home to some of the region's most emblematic wildlife, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), military macaw (Ara militaris), rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), and jaguar (Panthera onca)
• Notable plants include the flowering legume (Ormosia coccinea), Andean palm tree (Ceroxylon echinulatum), and the colored cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Area: 14,422.37 hectares (35,638 acres)

Geographic location: Districts of Padre Abad and Boquerón, Padre Abad province, Ucayali department in eastern Peru

Population: 15 surrounding villages and the Kakataibo Indigenous community

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