Map of the Huayhuash Mountain Range, now protected as the Cordillera Huayhuash Reserve Zone.
On December 24, 2002, through Ministerial Resolution 1173-2002-AG, the Peruvian government created a new protected area: the Cordillera de Huayhuash Reserve Zone. The magnificent Cordillera de Huayhuash is located in the central mountain range of Peru at the convergence of Ancash, Huanuco, and Lima Provinces (its coordinates are: latitude 10°16 01\”, longitude 76°54 09\”). It is about 50 kilometers south of Cordillera Blanca. The new reserve zone is 67,589.76 hectares and includes the mountain range and surrounding areas. The reserve is made up of the following districts: Pacllón and Manga (of Bolognesi and Ancash Provinces), Queropalca, Laurichocha and San Miguel de Cauri (of Lauricocha and Huánuco Provinces), and Copa and Cajatambo (of Cajatambo and Lima Provinces).
The Cordillera Huayhuas is one of the most amazing mountain ranges in the Peruvian Andes. Six of its peaks are more than 6,000 meters (19,685.04 feet) above sea level and 15 peaks other peaks reach more than 5,400 meters (17,716.54 feet) above sea level. The most important snow-capped peak, Yerupajá, is the second highest mountain in Peru and it reaches 6,634 meters (21,765.09). The Cordillera de Huayhuash Reserve Zone is made up of a variety of mountain ecosystems, it protects sources and reserves of fresh water and its scenic beauty is incomparable.
The Ministerial resolution also designated a technical commission to formulate a planning proposal to establish its land use category. According to the National System of Peruvian Protected Areas (SINANPE), the reserve should be categorized as a Landscape Reserve, based on its characteristics. Under this category, scientific activities, recreation, and tourism are allowed. Any use beyond traditional practices, like the use and exploitation of nonrenewable natural resources, must be authorized and requires special monitoring. The technical commission responsible for making the ultimate land-use categorization of the reserve zone is made up of representatives from the Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA), Congress, and members of the rural communities of Ancash, Huánuco, and Lima, who are the existing residents within the zone. Municipal government representatives and conservation organizations that have conducted studies in the area will also be included in the commission.
ParksWatch: January 2003