In what conservationists hope will serve as a model for future projects, Colombia has set aside a 167,960-acre park in the Amazon basin and granted the indigenous people who live there control over its management. Formally established late last month after years of negotiations between the government, indigenous people, and environmental groups, Indiwasi National Park is located in the most biologically diverse region of Colombia. In addition to being home to rare and endangered animals and plants, the park is sacred territory to the Ingano tribe, which will manage it. Colombia has 46 other national parks, but none is managed by indigenous groups. The likelihood of the park attracting a significant number of tourists is questionable, however, given the endemic violence stemming from civil war and drug trafficking that troubles Colombia.
