Conservation of threatened tree species in the Choco-Andean foothills in Ecuador

Prioritized forest conservation and restoration corridors in the Choco-Andean foothills of NW Ecuador with improved nursery and field management in benefit of thirteen globally threatened species and seven endemic tree species

Partner: Mindo Cloudforest Foundation (MCF)
Years: 2021-2024

This project aims to improve in situ conservation and propagation of thirteen globally threatened tree species and seven endemic tree species potentially new to science through forest restoration actions to augment biological connectivity in a severely impacted segment of this biodiversity hotspot.

This project aims, over three years, to strengthen Mindo CloudForest Foundation restoration and silviculture program by improving their capacity to propagate thirteen IUCN Red List tree species and seven endemic tree species potentially new to science as well as to monitor these species and their habitat on the ground.

In partnership with local civil society organizations, landowners and the local governments, 25 hectares of conservation and restoration corridors will be prioritized through habitat and niche modeling and mapping for all targeted species. Furthermore, at least 5,000 individuals of the target species will be planted in reforestation parcels within the corridors.