Photographer: Estefanía Bravo

However, we must be aware that thanks to the complex ecological interactions we have the opportunity to be amazed by a collage of different colors, representing ecological landscapes that provide us with the most essential services: water, food, and oxygen to breathe.

With one quick search on google about “megadiverse nations” we could find Ecuador in the list. Forests, rivers, mountains, beaches; and in each place a great diversity of plants, fungi, insects, vertebrates, and millions of microorganisms. A lot of what we already are familiar with, but probably larger amounts of what we are yet to discover, and protect. Thinking of Ecuador’s biodiversity- the first thing that might come to our minds, are the tropical rainforests in the Amazon. That is obvious due to the well-known diversity of plants and animals that these forests shelter. Nonetheless, such diversity is primarily related to the confluence of two other biogeographic regions that provide seasonal and environmental variability, added up to the imposing altitudinal gradient of our mountains. The Tropical Andes split up the country in the center, and the region of Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena goes across the coast from North to South.

Foto: Diana Troya

The Andean Chocó is very special, because it is located at a strategic zone where the Tropical Andes and the Chocó meet. It covers an area that goes from 360 to 4480 meters above sea level and comprises dry forests, pre-montane forests, cloud forests, andean forests and the páramo. This region remains as a terra incognita where new species and records are frequently reported. It is a limitless natural sanctuary, sheltering species that exist only in this area, and others that we are yet to discover. A small fragment of a protected area in the Andean Chocó that represents less than 1% of the country’s territory could harbor up to 12% of the whole biodiversity.

We still need to be aware that, like every ecosystem, The Andean Chocó is vulnerable to human impacts: over exploitation, water pollution from livestock and extractive activities, illegal logging, infrastructure construction, and the accelerated expansion of human settlements, decrease the natural areas. Nearly the third part of Pichincha province corresponds to the Andean Chocó, which was declared as Biosphere Reserve in 2018. This title brings along the responsibility of finding a balance between biodiversity and human presence through sustainable activities.

The Mashpi Reserve and Tayra Reserve from Fundación Futuro are crucial to recover and conserve disturbed areas. Together, both reserves protect 2500 hectares of native forest, and with them, all the wildlife that inhabits there. In that piece of land, we can encounter thousands of plant species, where more that 100 are orchids, nearly 400 species of birds, more than 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, and almost the same number of mammals, being the Andean Bear the most iconic species. Fundación Futuro is also an important support to the adjacent lands. Those that are considered as “buffer zones”, where sustainable and responsible economic activities are promoted. It is worth mentioning the help and assistance to the Mashpi Women’s Circle Garden, and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Guayabillas. These projects ensure access and production of quality products. The goal is to boost the recovery and conservation of the nearby natural areas and to enhance the commitment of keeping forest vitality.

Healthy ecosystems purify the air and water, keep the functionality of the soil, and regulate climate, and nutrient cycles that are essential to grow products from which we obtain food. Is as simple as saying that we depend on ecosystems to survive. Let’s observe that mosaic of different colors as more than mere spectators. As humans, we are part of that vast variety of landscapes and its biodiversity. It is everyone’s responsibility to support every effort to protect it.