Ecuador's biodiversity faces multiple threats from land use changes, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. To safeguard this wealth, the country must prioritize the monitoring, management, protection, and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services (Kleemann et al., 2021). The Northern Amazon Landscape (NAL) in Ecuador covers an area of 851,114.80 ha, consisting of four cantons: Shushufindi, Cuyabeno, Orellana, and La Joya de los Sachas (CIE, 2023). The region exhibits diverse geographical features, including low plains, swampy terraces, river valleys, undulating surfaces, and hills, with economic activities ranging from agriculture to petroleum extraction (GADFO, 2023; GADJS, 2019; GADPO, 2020).
The Ecuadorian government established the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), creating various protected areas within the Northern Amazon region. Yasuni National Park, occupying 16.43% of its extension in the Francisco de Orellana canton, aims to conserve ecosystems and provide refuge to indigenous communities (GADPO, 2020). The Napo-Payamino Scientific Station (Orellana canton) strives to preserve remaining forests but faces legal conflicts and changes in land use (GADPO, 2020). The Socio Bosque Program, initiated by the Ecuadorian government, incentivizes farmers and indigenous communities to protect native forests and ecosystems (GADFO, 2023).
Napo-Galeras National Park, situated in the Orellana canton, covers 2.6% of the park's total area and serves as a stronghold for biodiversity conservation due to its rugged terrain and steep slopes (GADFO, 2023; GADPO, 2020).
The Cuyabeno-Lagartococha-Yasuni Complex, recognized as an important wetland by RAMSAR, safeguards the lower basins of Aguarico, Lagartococha, Napo, and Yasuni rivers (GADFO, 2023). In the province of Sucumbíos, positive results have been achieved through the implementation of the Socio Bosque program (GADFO, 2023).
The Limoncocha Biological Reserve, located in the Sushufindi canton, aims to protect the Limoncocha and Yanacocha lagoons, as well as the surrounding wetlands and tropical humid forests (GDS, 2019; López and Cunalata, 2020). The Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve, spanning areas within the Cuyabeno and Sushufindi cantons, focuses on sustainable tourism and the conservation of tourism resources, benefiting local communities (GDS, 2019).
In summary, Ecuador recognizes the importance of protecting its biodiversity and landscape through the establishment of protected areas such as Yasuni National Park, Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, the Cuyabeno-Lagartococha-Yasuni Complex, the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, and the Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve. Additionally, the Socio Bosque Program plays a crucial role by incentivizing the conservation efforts, these conservation initiatives are vital for the sustainable management and protection of Ecuador's invaluable natural resources in the face of ongoing threats.The field of study faces a series of trends, threats, and risks related to sustainability that can have a significant impact on its landscape.
• Climate change is one of the main challenges, with adverse effects on biodiversity, natural ecosystems, agricultural production, and food security.
• The population growth experienced in the area is one of the highest in the country. As a result, the demand for resources is increasingly intense, and the ecological footprint is larger.
• The expansion of the agricultural frontier for subsistence or commercial crops such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, among others, if not managed properly.
• Illegal crops and drug trafficking pose another threat due to indiscriminate deforestation. Additionally, the illicit economy of drug trafficking can incentivize corruption and weaken governance institutions.
• Changes in market characteristics, demand, incentives, and investment can also influence sustainability. The dependence on oil-related activities poses environmental, social, and economic risks. It is essential to address these key challenges and risks in an integrated and collaborative manner that involves all sectors, from government and local communities to businesses and non-governmental organizations. This implies strengthening environmental governance, promoting the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, fostering the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and improving access to basic services.
See
More
Ecuador's biodiversity faces multiple threats from land use changes, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. To safeguard this wealth, the country must prioritize the monitoring, management, protection, and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services (Kleemann et al., 2021). The Northern Amazon Landscape (NAL) in Ecuador covers an area of 851,114.80 ha, consisting of four cantons: Shushufindi, Cuyabeno, Orellana, and La Joya de los Sachas (CIE, 2023). The region exhibits diverse geographical features, including low plains, swampy terraces, river valleys, undulating surfaces, and hills, with economic activities ranging from agriculture to petroleum extraction (GADFO, 2023; GADJS, 2019; GADPO, 2020).
The Ecuadorian government established the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), creating various protected areas within the Northern Amazon region. Yasuni National Park, occupying 16.43% of its extension in the Francisco de Orellana canton, aims to c
...
See More