Charles Darwin first began to figure out the Origin of the Species on Ecuador's famous Galapagos Islands. From there, Ecuador expands across fertile coastlines, mountainous Andes and, of course, the Amazon rainforest.

9th

Ecuador is the 9th most biodiverse country on Earth. In fact, for its size it's the most biodiverse of them all. 

20,000 species of plants, over 1,500 species of birds, more than 840 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 341 species of mammals call Ecuador home.

15%

However, Ecuador's biodiversity is under threat thanks to deforestation from oil exploration, logging, agriculture, road building and poverty.

​Now only 15% of the country is covered in primary rainforest.

14

Ecuador is home to 14 indigenous groups, all of whom rely on forests for their survival.

​Luckily Ecuador, like us, believes the best guardians of tropical forests are the indigenous peoples who have always called them home.

In 2008, Ecuador made history by becoming the first country in the world to grant nature the right to exist and thrive. Their constitution even gave people the authority to petition on behalf of nature, and requires the government to remedy violations of these rights.
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More recently, Ecuador’s highest court ruled that indigenous peoples in the Amazon must agree to any new oil or mining projects. Plus, in its ongoing plans and commitments to protect its forests, the country keeps indigenous communities centre stage.

Restoring High Andean Polylepis Forests in Ecuador

Why High Andean Forests?

The Andes Mountains of South America are the leading biodiversity hotspot in the world.

The Andes cover just 1% of the world's land, and yet are home to an impressive 15% of Earth's species, like the spectacled bear, puma and Andean condor.

On top of this, 10 million indigenous people call the Andes their home.

Thanks to agricultural expansion, the High Andean Forests which once covered large parts of the Andes, are now fragmented. The remnant patches of forests are severely degraded.  The loss of these native Polylepis forests threatens the very existence of the animals, plants and people who depend upon them.

The hardy evergreen Polylepis is the highest-altitude growing tree in the world, growing up to 5,000 meters above sea level, often forming the treeline just below the Andean glaciers.

​As well as being a vital carbon sink, Polylepis forests prevent flooding and soil erosion, and provide essential wildlife habitat. But even more importantly, they protect the water security of millions of people. These incredible forests act as a major source of South American's water supply, including the Amazon basin and the Amazon Rainforest.

By capturing and storing glacial meltwater and mist from clouds, these trees ensure water's slow release into rivers, streams and to the communities below, even during the dry season.  Whats more, by creating clouds, Polylepis forests help to keep the local climate cool, staving off the effects of our warming climate.

If all that wasn't enough, Polylepis Forests have another vital role to play. They provide refuge to wildlife species seeking higher and cooler climates in order to survive climate change.

That's why we've teamed up with Global Forest Generation and ECOAN's Acción Andina, winners of the Earthshot Prize, to restore these native forests and their ecosystems across Ecuador. 

Our reforestation work is crucial to the region’s climate resilience, water security, biodiversity, community livelihoods and indigenous culture. Plus of course the incredible carbon sink potential we so desperately need to fight climate change on a global scale. 
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Our collaboration with Acción Andina - with thanks to on-the-ground co-ordinators - Andean Adventures, Aves y Conservación, FONAG and Fondo de Paramos Tunguragua - means engaging and working closely with the local communities in Chimborazo, Imbabura, Pichincha, Tungurahua and Yanahurco, to carry out conservation activities, building powerful partnerships, enhancing livelihoods and creating forest ecosystems that endure for generations. 

PLANT TREES IN ECUADOR