Bringing back threatened tree species into the Choco-Andean Forests of Ecuador

Bringing back threatened tree species into the Choco-Andean Forests of four Key Biodiversity Areas in Ecuador

Partner: Aves y Conservación
Years: 2025-2028

This project by Aves y Conservación (BirdLife partner in Ecuador) focuses on the restoration of the degraded tropical forest landscapes in four Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Choco Andes, Ecuador, a globally important bioregion of unique and highly endemic biodiversity.

The goal of the project is to improve the conservation of 11 threatened endemic tree species – Browneopsis disepala (EN), Casearia mexiae (VU), Croton pavonis (EN), Guatteria venosa (VU), Magnolia chiguila (CR), Magnolia mindoensis (VU), Pouteria capacifolia (EN), Swartzia haughtii (VU), Symplocos carmencitae (VU), Symplocos subandina (VU), Trichilia elsae (EN) – and their associated biodiversity, through the active involvement of local stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the project consists of four components:
(i) Generate critical knowledge for the conservation of existing threatened trees.
(ii) Perform active forest restoration with 30 native and 11 threatened tree species to increase biodiversity and forest cover.
(iii) Strengthen capacities of 10 local community tree nurseries to work together as a collaborative network for the conservation and propagation of endemic and threatened tree species and the restoration of the Choco Andean forest ecosystems.
(iv) Communicate, inform and raise awareness of key stakeholders, including local governments, communities and school children for forest restoration, with a clear focus on good governance, social inclusion and gender equity.
This project builds on Aves y Conservación’s extensive regional experience and knowledge, as well as the trust it has established with local stakeholders, giving the organization the confidence to achieve its objectives.