#protected-areas

#protected-areas

Twenty-five years ago, Roque Sevilla (Quito, 78), an economist with a passion for nature, went in search of the last remaining forest in the Andean Choco, in Ecuador. At the time, he sought to conserve life in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. It was there, when he visited aged 53, that the Mashpi-Tayra Reserve was born, now a habitat for unique animals, insects, and birds.

The United States is known for its lovely national parks. But Canada - that place is like one big park. Nearly half of that huge country is covered by forest, most of it publicly owned and lots available for exploring. Folks who want to experience Canada's wild should beeline to one of its famed preserves. And this month, National Geographic released a handy list of "10 national parks in Canada you need to visit," with details on each place's attractions and best seasons.

Peru's government has reversed a plan to reduce the protected area around the Nazca Lines due to concerns about increased vulnerability to informal mining.