Established in 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area stretches across 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana. It is among the most culturally-rich and ecologically-varied regions in the U.S., home to the widely recognized Cajun culture as well as a diverse population of European, African, Caribbean and Native American descent. A heritage area is both a place and a concept. Physically, heritage areas are regions with concentrations of significant natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources.