Bofedales and Laguna Salinas located in the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca (RNSAB) in Arequipa, Peru, is one of the most important Andean wetlands worldwide. By which, Inkabor permanently supports its preservation by strengthening, cooperation and joint research with the government agencies on charge, complementing a sustainable development strategy for this important ecosystem.
Inkabor accomplishes monthly censuses of bird populations in this wetland, always in close coordination with the Chief of the RNSAB. During 2012 it was registered a total of 32 species, with a monthly average of 5420 individuals. Among the most notable species, according to quantity, are: "parihuana común" (Phoenicopterus chilensis) with a 66%, "parihuana andina" (Phoenicoparrus andinus) with a 10%, "Falaropo de Wilson" (Steganopus tricolor) with a 7 %, "Playerito de lomo blanco" (Calidris fuscicollis) with a 5% and "parihuana de James" (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) with a 3%. There were population peaks in August (7411) and in November (8245), unusual records for the season compared to 2011. This condition is influenced by the presence of water and food that was registered after the rainy season in early 2012.
The presence of the mentioned wildlife is bioindicator of environmental quality of the wetland. Furthermore, we should appoint that, Inkabor monitors water quality of the Laguna de Salinas to prevent pollution by promoting the protection of the high-andean watershed which gives rise to Rio Chili.
World Wetlands Day
It is celebrated every year on February 2nd. This day commemorates the signature date of the "Convention on Wetlands" in 1971, which took place on the shores of the Caspian Sea, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. One of the main achievements of this Agreement has been the creation of the list of Wetlands of International Importance, also known as Ramsar sites. That list is made up of 1886 wetlands from 159 countries. Peru has a total of 13 RAMSAR sites, with 3 are located in Arequipa: Bofedales and Laguna de Salinas, Laguna del Indio – Dique de los Españoles and the National Sanctuary of Laguna de Mejía.