REFORESTATION OF THE AWACHACHI BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR IN ECUADOR

The Awacachi Biological Corridor is host to a large number of rare and unique species, including the rare Great Green Macaw, the brown headed spider monkey and the endemic tree, Carapa megistocarpa. Intense logging has led to the decline of many tree species, with native trees in particular becoming seriously depleted. Working with local partner Fundación Sirua, the Global Trees Campaign is working to reforest 40 hectares of the Awacachi Corridor with native trees and raise awareness in local communities of conservation in the area.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Awacachi Biological Corridor, in north-western Ecuador was established in 2000 and spans 10,000 ha, hosting primary and secondary Chocó forest. The Corridor links the Cotacachi Cayapas Biological Reserve with the Awá Ethnical Territory and is one of the last remnants of native Chocó forest, a habitat characterized by high biodiversity and unique fauna and flora. However, intense logging has left some forested areas in a degraded state and several tree species, particularly native ones, seriously depleted.

FFI has been active in the Awacachi area since 1999, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Corridor. Through our partner Fundación Sirua, the Global Trees Campaign aims to reforest 40 hectares of the Awacachi Corridor by planting native trees including:
• Carapa megistocarpa - an Endangered timber species found only in Ecuador.
• The Yellow Ipé (Tabebuia chrysantha) – a tree with large, golden flowers, which is an important food source for hummingbirds and bees. The closely related Tabebuia guayacan will also be planted.
• The Monkey Pot tree (Lecythis ampla)– a tree with large, coconut-like fruits that are a food source for the threatened Great Green Macaw.
• Chanul (Humiriastrum procerum) –a unique tree found only in Chocó forest of this region, which is heavily exploited by loggers.

Education and awareness is also key to the project and local schools will be actively involved in the tree planting. Tree nurseries will be established in three schools and each student involved will grow and care for up to eight native tree seedlings before planting them out in the forest. The student will visit ‘their’ planted-out trees regularly to learn more about the forest and the plants and animals that live there. Radio spots will keep local people informed about reforestation and conservation activities and a range of awareness raising events will take place in communities.

Read more about FFI's work in the Awacachi Corridor

Back to Current Projects