Salar de Surire Natural Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salar de Surire Natural Monument |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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| Location | Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile |
| Area | 158.58 km² |
| Governing body | Corporación Nacional Forestal |
| Official name: Salar de Surire | |
| Designated: | 2 December 1996 |
| Reference #: | 873 |
The Salar de Surire Natural Monument is a special protected area in Chile. It is found high up in the Andes mountains, in the Arica y Parinacota Region. This amazing place is mostly a huge salt flat with several small salt lakes. It is home to many unique animals and plants that live in the Andes. The tall Arintica volcano stands proudly over the salt flat.
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What is Salar de Surire?
The Salar de Surire is a type of protected area called a Natural Monument. This means it is a place with special natural features that are protected by the government. The main part of Salar de Surire is a large salt flat. This is a wide, flat area covered in salt, left behind when a lake dries up. There are also several small lakes that are very salty.
Home to Unique Wildlife
This area is a safe home for many types of wildlife. You can find different kinds of birds, especially flamingos, and other animals that are adapted to live in this high-altitude, salty environment. The plants here are also special, as they can survive in the harsh conditions of the Andes.
Arintica Volcano
The Arintica volcano is a tall mountain that can be seen from the Salar de Surire. It adds to the beautiful and dramatic scenery of this natural monument.
Global Recognition for Salar de Surire
Salar de Surire is not just important to Chile. It is also recognized by international groups for its special natural value.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 1981, the Salar de Surire area, along with Lauca National Park and Las Vicuñas National Reserve, became a World Biosphere Reserve. This was decided by UNESCO, which is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. A Biosphere Reserve is a place where people try to balance protecting nature with using natural resources in a smart way. The entire area is called the Lauca Biosphere Reserve.
Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
Salar de Surire is also listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This means it is a very important wetland area, recognized under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement signed in 1971 that aims to protect wetlands around the world because they are so important for nature and people. Salar de Surire was added to this list on December 2, 1996.
See also
