EC0056 Ecuador: Support to the Galapagos Islands

Project Summary:
View Map
The management of the Galápagos Islands has been through
considerable difficulties in past years. Human pressures on local
resources, caused by excessive migration from the mainland, and
increased demand from international markets for certain sea products,
particularly sea cucumbers and shark fins, has stimulated the
exploitation of these resources in an unsustainable manner. At
the same time, the government agencies in charge of managing the
islands have encountered serious difficulties in implementing
appropriate management policies. In addition, the lack of institutional
capacity, the reduction in available resources to carry out their
work, and the pressures from diverse political, economic and social
sectors, have further impeded the agencies' work. The traditional
schemes of assistance to the management of habitats and species
of the National Park continue to be important. However, very little
can be accomplished if the conditions of the economy and the social
and political factors are not favourable to conservation. Therefore,
WWF has chose to concentrate on the following areas of importance:
increasing our present involvement in the conservation of the
islands by hiring a WWF Galápagos Coordinator; maintaining
and strengthening support to the Galápagos National Park
and the Charles Darwin Foundation; in a joint effort with Fundación
Natura, implementing the "Galápagos Report Project",
an initiative aimed at identifying indicators to monitor and evaluate
situation in the Galapagos; improving our understanding of the
economic processes threatening the conservation of the marine
resources in the area, starting with a survey of the sea cucumber
trade in Asia. Future initiatives should include Environmental
Education targeting the population of the Islands; and control
and eradication of exotic species.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 10 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 10 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 70 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 10
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The Galapagos Islands, a large and complex Archipelago lying 800
to 1100 km west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, is still one
of the most unspoiled areas remaining on the planet. The islands
have a welldeserved international reputation for their extraordinary
beauty, fantastic wildlife found nowhere else on earth, and spectacular
examples of evolution in action.
Physical Characteristics: The Galapagos are almost entirely volcanic
in origin, with a general age gradient of older islands running
from the southsoutheast to the youngest ones in the westnorthwest.
The archipelago includes 13 major islands varying in size from
14.1 to 4,588 sq km; and over 115 smaller islands, islets and
rocks. They are completely oceanic islands with no evidence of
ever having been connected to any continental mass. Other distinctive
physical characteristics have helped give rise to the rich biodiversity
and biological/evolutionary features of the Galapagos. Among these
unique characteristics are: a) great size and altitudinal variation,
b) presence of a complex set of major oceanic currents (from very
cool to warm), c) a highly variable climate, and d) great variation
of vegetation, in response to the climatic variations along altitudinal
gradients.
Species Richness: Man was not among the original colonists on
the Galápagos. Those species which migrated to the islands,
and the ecosystems which they formed, have evolved for several
millions of years in geographic isolation, resulting in an extremely
high degree of endemism in the Islands' flora and fauna, especially
in terrestrial ecosystems. The Galapagos are currently known to
have approximately 5,500 to 6,000 already identified species,
found in both terrestrial and insular marine ecosystems. As an
example of the high endemism on the islands, 75% of all land birds
are endemic, excluding sea birds. Similarly, 97% of land mammals,
excluding two pinnipeds, are found nowhere else. With the exception
of two species of sea turtles, 97% of the terrestrial reptiles
are endemic. It is undisputed that the Galápagos Islands
and their unique Flora and Fauna rank among the greatest natural
treasures in the world. Their cultural, scientific and educational
value are unique. Parallel to the situation in so many other oceanic
islands, the arrival of man has resulted, and continues to result,
in species extinction through direct exploitation, habitat destruction
and, most significantly, the introduction of exotic species. For
the past several decades, the Government of Ecuador, which is
directly responsible for Islands, has worked with the international
community, through the United Nations Agencies, various NGOs,
and research institutions to engage in somewhat successful efforts
to reverse the trend towards destruction of these natural values
a trend which has affected all and destroyed most of the
world's other oceanic archipelagos.
Project Objectives:
Information not received by the time of publication.
EC0056.2: Equipping Charles Darwin R. Station and the National
Park Service (Oct. 94 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
Over the last two decades, tourism to the Galapagos has proved
to be a potentially positive force in the struggle for better
conservation; tour operation can be quite compatible with ecosystem
and species conservation and they provide incentives in the right
direction. Unavoidably however, tourism increases the frequency
of transportation of people and goods to the Islands. The frequency
of introductions of mammals, plants, insects, snails, and many
other invertebrates, which compete with and exterminate the indigenous
species, has massively increased. The Galapagos National Park
Service (GNPS), which is in charge of carrying out programmes
to contain existing exotic species, prevent further introduction
of exotic species, and stop destructive and unsustainable fishing,
has had to reduce these enforcement activities because of lack
of resources and outdated equipment. The GNPS must be much better
funded and equipped in order to carry out its mandate. The Charles
Darwin Foundation (CDF) for the Galapagos, which runs a research
centre on the islands, must be equally better supported in order
to provide the necessary technical aid and advice. In 1994, at
the time of the wildfires that ravaged the main island of Isabela,
the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and WWFFinland sent
a group of 3 scientists to assess the situation at the site and
identify areas for collaboration with the Ecuadorean Government
and conservation community to help extinguish the fire and avoid
such future events. During their visit, the scientists identified,
among other, the need to better equip both the Charles Darwin
Research Station and Galapagos National Park Service. Kenneth
Kummenius, of the Finnish scientific team, raised donations of
equipment to be sent to Galápagos from Finnish companies,
including: computer networks, air conditioners, microscopes, telephones,
etc. An additional donation was made in 1996 to update equipment
at these two institutions. The equipment will be utilized to support
the control and patrol activities of the Galápagos National
Park Service staff, and the work carried out by scientists and
students of the Ecuadorean universities that work with the CDF.
The difficult work conditions in the islands (rocky volcanic zones,
humid and dry climate changes, salt water) cause rapid deterioration
and constant replacement of equipment. In addition, these same
conditions demand the use of adequate and reliable radio equipment
to maintain permanent contact with the isolated work groups and
minimize the risks that could arise through illnesses or accidents.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Tropical Dry Forest.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development.
EC0056.8: Sea Cucumber Trade in Asia (Oct. 95 - Apr. 97)
Activity Background:
The trade in sea cucumbers has increased dramatically in recent
years. The recent rise in demand has affected fisheries from Madagascar
to the Maldives. However, nowhere has the potential impact of
the growing market for sea cucumbers been demonstrated as it has
in the Galapagos. In October 1994, the Government of Ecuador set
a catch quota of 550,000 sea cucumbers for a threemonth
season. However, according to Dr. C. MacFarland, President of
the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, total
harvests are estimated to have been on the order of 6 to 12 million
animals. Although the government banned further harvests, there
are reports that fishing continues, albeit illegally. Hong Kong
is the centre of the sea cucumber trade, serving both as a consumer
and a middleman in the trade. Imports into Hong Kong in 1994 alone
topped 7,000 tons, with a reported value of USD35 million. It
is likely that the majority of this trade involved dried sea cucumbers,
which represent only 10% of live weight. A preliminary investigation
of the sea cucumber trade by TRAFFIC East Asia revealed that sea
cucumber has been exported from Ecuador to Hong Kong since at
least 1990. The trade increased dramatically in 1993, when over
14 tons of sea cucumber were imported into Hong Kong from Ecuador,
with a total declared value of USD113,000. The trade to Hong Kong
is know to have continued during 1994, and seems unlikely to have
ceased in 1995 given evidence of continued harvests in Ecuadorian
waters. Singapore is also an important player in the international
trade in sea cucumbers, and therefore may also serve as a market
for sea cucumbers exported from Ecuador. It is clear that additional
information is needed regarding sea cucumber trade and markets
in Asia in order to bring the fishing in the Galapagos under more
effective control. An understanding of the key players in this
trade, trade routes used and market dynamics will be essential
for identifying and implementing further actions necessary in
order to stem the uncontrolled and illegal exploitation of these
marine invertebrates.
Activity Objectives:
1. To determine the extent, nature and market dynamics of the
sea cucumber trade from the Galapagos to East Asian and Southeast
Asian markets in order to assist government authorities and conservation
organizations seeking to conserve sea cucumber populations and
the threatened Galapagos habitat.
2. To identify the primary traders and consumers of sea cucumbers
exported from the Galapagos to East Asia.
3. To identify international trade routes linking the Galapagos
to consumer markets in East Asia, in order to assist government
authorities in their efforts to dissuade and interdict illegal
shipments.
control.
EC0851 Ecuador: Conservation & Environmental Education
in Bosque Protector MindoNambillo
Project Summary:
This project focuses on channelling support to Amigo de la Naturaleza
de Mindo, a communitybased group that is providing ongoing
surveillance and protection of the forest protectorate Bosque
MindoNambillo. The protected area, located 30 km northwest
of Quito, encompasses some of the last remnants of cloud forest
on the western slopes of the Ecuadorean Andes. Funds are being
used to support part of the costs associated with the protection
of the Bosque MindoNambillo, to implement a management plan
for the forest protectorate with assistance from Fundación
Natura, and for an environmental education programme which aims
to raise the level of awareness and interest among the local community
of the importance of environmental protection.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 40 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 30 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
View Map
The Bosque Protector MindoNambillo, encompassing 19,200
ha, is located 30 km northwest of Quito. This protected area includes
some of the last remnants of primary cloud forest on the western
slopes of the Ecuadorean Andes. Because of its high species diversity
and accelerated forest conversion, western Ecuador is one of WWF's
major conservation priorities. Only two other major reserves protect
this important ecosystem, the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve
and the Awa Ethnic Forest Reserve. The reserve encompasses, in
a relatively small area, a wide altitudinal gradient ranging from
1,180 m to 4,780 m. Ecological formations range from dry to humid
paramo, cloud forest and mountain tropical forest. It harbours
at least 350 species of birds, including the endemic mountain
platebilled toucan. Signs of pumas and spectacled bears
have also been found in the reserve. While the protected area
is facing serious threats as new highways traverse the region,
at the same time the area is becoming increasingly interesting
as an area for tourism potential given its proximity to Quito.
In 1992 ANM was granted forest guard status by the Ministry of
Agriculture, and the group continues to work hard to provide the
necessary vigilance. The group has worked hard to conserve this
important forest protectorate, which forms part of a network of
protected forests in the northern zone of the Province of Pichincha.
The current project funds support an environmental education programme,
including formal and nonformal activities in the local schools.
Project activities include workshops which bring students to the
training centre located on the edge of the forest protectorate,
community workshops, and community activities such as trash cleanup
campaigns with the children in the community. In 1995 the management
plan was completed and approved by INRENA, the Ministry of Natural
Resources. Since then, INRENA has authorized ANM as the responsible
party for the implementation of the management plan and vigilance
of the forest. This is the first time in Ecuador that a community
based group has been granted these responsibilities.
Project Objectives:
1. To provide ongoing vigilance and protection of the forest
protectorate.
2. To raise the level of awareness and interest among local community
members regarding the importance of environmental protection.
3. To prepare a management plan, via a participatory process,
for the forest protectorate.
4. To promote conservation of forest remnants in the region through
a network of collaborative efforts (e.g., Amigos de la Naturaleza
de Mindo, Fundación Maquipucuna, Fundacion Natura).
EC0851.1: Conservation & Env. Ed. of Forest Protectorate
MindoNambillo (Oct. 93 - Oct. 96)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To conduct environmental education activities, targeting the
Mindo community, which focus on the conservation of the forest
protectorate.
2. To continue ongoing protection and monitoring activities.
3. To strengthen the environmental education project via the
promotion of activities at the training centre located on the
edge of the reserve, which target the community and visitors to
the region.
4. To define a strategy for selfsufficiency for the protection
of the reserve, possibly through visitor fees.
Activity Biomes:
Tropical Grasslands and Savannas; Tropical Moist Forest.
Activity Methods:
Education; Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
EC0851.2: Elaboration & Implementation of Mgmt. Plan
for Bosque Protector MindoNambillo (Oct. 93 - Oct. 96)
Activity Background:
This activity was previously entered into the WWF Project Database
(formerly known as PFPS) as project number EC0055 (old project
number II6589). A management plan was developed and approved by
INRENA in 1995. In that same year INRENA awarded the implementation
of the management plan and the vigilance of the forest to AMN,
the first time a communitybased organization is granted
this responsibility.
Activity Objectives:
1. To prepare a management plan for the forest protectorate through
a participatory process with the local communities.
2. To receive INRENA's approval of management plan and authorization
to implement the management plan.
3. To implement the management plan.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
EC0851.3: (NEW) Sustainable Tourism Development (SSE) (Mar.
94 - Oct. 96)
Activity Background:
This activity will involve concentrated technical assistance in
tourism development to lay the groundwork for this site to become
an ecotourism demonstration project. It is expected that this
will be a multiyear project, with the first year being devoted
to primarily planning. Technical assistance will be provided in
a variety of areas, including: an initial assessment of the area;
the execution of a strategic planning workshop; the establishment
of a carrying capacity for the area; the identification of policy
issues relevant to the project; and collaborating with the private
sector and tourism industry. These topics will be covered through
use of training materials and workshops in order to identify priorities
for followon work. The second and third years will concentrate
on the implementation of key priorities and strategies identified
during the planning phase. These activities might include: infrastructure
enhancements; refining of services; analysis and advocacy for
policy changes; additional training for ANM staff members; and,
marketing and promotion. The objective of this activity is to
create a site that incorporates all the principles and goals of
ecotourism. These goals include: generating revenue for conserving
a protected area; providing benefits for local residents; offering
environmental education for visitors; and, minimizing the negative
impacts of tourism.
Activity Objectives:
1. To make a series of infrastructure enhancements to the lodging
and training facilities.
2. To increase the revenue generated via ecotourism.
3. To phase out project by December 1997.
Activity Methods:
Ecotourism Development.
Activity Species:
Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
EC0856 Ecuador: Monitoring of Galapagos Islands
Project Summary:
View Map
Among the main problems related to conservation of the Galápagos
there is one that deserves special attention: the coordination
(generation, synthesis, communication) of accurate information
about the Islands. There is significant international interest
in the Galápagos, which has the ability to influence the
decisions to be made regarding the Islands. However, this same
influence, if guided by inaccurate information, or by information
out of context, could lead to actions which are counterproductive,
or which can exacerbate the conflicts in the Islands. Similarly,
the overwhelming number of international and Ecuadorean institutions
involved in or interested about the Galapagos can often lead to
uncoordinated and sometimes conflicting efforts. Thus, there is
need to combine both the generation of new information and the
consolidation and processing of information generated by other
entities and to have this information communicated systematically
by a responsible point person working for the WWF Network on issues
related to the Islands. WWF will continue collaborating with Ecuadorean
institutions on Galapagos issues, focusing specifically on problems
related to the management policies for the Islands. In addition
to contracting a WWF Galapagos officer, to be based in Quito,
WWF will support the development of a monitoring and information
system to be used at both the national and international levels.
This system, and the Officer contracted to support and promote
it, will become the means to influence decisionmakers; alert
interested individuals and organizations about the development
of potentially negative actions; seek greater international support;
and coordinate criteria and necessary actions.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 20 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 40
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 40
|
Project Background:
The Galapagos Islands, a large and complex Archipelago lying 800
to 1100 km west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, is still one
of the most unspoiled areas remaining on the planet. The islands
have a welldeserved international reputation for their extraordinary
beauty, fantastic wildlife found nowhere else on earth, and spectacular
examples of evolution in action.
Physical Characteristics: The Galapagos are almost entirely volcanic
in origin, with a general age gradient of older islands running
from the southsoutheast to the youngest ones in the westnorthwest.
The archipelago includes 13 major islands varying in size from
14.1 to 4,588 sq km; and over 115 smaller islands, islets and
rocks. They are completely oceanic islands with no evidence of
ever having been connected to any continental mass. Other distinctive
physical characteristics have helped give rise to the rich biodiversity
and biological/evolutionary features of the Galapagos. Among these
unique characteristics are: a) great size and altitudinal variation,
b) presence of a complex set of major oceanic currents (from very
cool to warm), c) a highly variable climate, and d) great variation
of vegetation, in response to the climatic variations along altitudinal
gradients.
Species Richness: Man was not among the original colonists on
the Galápagos. Those species which migrated to the islands,
and the ecosystems which they formed, have evolved for several
millions of years in geographic isolation, resulting in an extremely
high degree of endemism in the Islands' flora and fauna, especially
in terrestrial ecosystems. The Galapagos are currently known to
have approximately 5,500 to 6,000 already identified species,
found in both terrestrial and insular marine ecosystems. As an
example of the high endemism on the islands, 75% of all land birds
are endemic, excluding sea birds. Similarly, 97% of land mammals,
excluding two pinnipeds, are found nowhere else. With the exception
of two species of sea turtles, 97% of the terrestrial reptiles
are endemic.
It is undisputed that the Galápagos Islands and their unique
Flora and Fauna rank among the greatest natural treasures in the
world. Their cultural, scientific and educational value are unique.
Parallel to the situation in so many other oceanic islands, the
arrival of man has resulted, and continues to result, in species
extinction through direct exploitation, habitat destruction and,
most significantly, the introduction of exotic species. For the
past several decades, the Government of Ecuador, which is directly
responsible for Islands, has worked with the international community,
through the United Nations Agencies, various NGOs, and research
institutions to engage in somewhat successful efforts to reverse
the trend towards destruction of these natural values a
trend which has affected all and destroyed most of the world's
other oceanic archipelagos.
Project Objectives:
1. To support the development and implementation of policies
for the management of the Galápagos Islands through:
a) the generation of accurate, ongoing information on the situation
in the Islands;
b) the development of a mechanism to process, analyse, and disseminate
this information;
c) the dedication of a fulltime Galapagos Officer to promote
consistency and synergy of action to increase impact related to
conservation of the Islands.
EC0856.1: Galapagos Annual Report (formerly EC0056.07) (Feb.
96 - Jun. 00)
Activity Background:
Among the many problems related to conservation of the Galápagos,
there is one that deserves special attention: the generation of
accurate information about events in the Islands. The generation
of information on the Galápagos requires a process to verify
the information, and present it within its appropriate context.
In addition, it is important to point out that information on
certain topics is already being produced. However, its specialized
character, and the channels through which it is disseminated,
do not allow for an adequate discussion in the Islands. Thus,
there is need to combine both the generation of new information
and the consolidation and processing of information generated
by other entities. Therefore, this project will focus on the development
of a monitoring and information system to be used at both the
national and international levels.
Activity Objectives:
Goal:
1. To support the development and implementation of policies
for the management of the Galápagos Islands through:
a) the generation of accurate, ongoing information on the situation
in the Islands;
b) the development of a mechanism to process, analyse, and disseminate
this information.
Objectives:
1. To identify indicators to monitor and evaluate the environmental,
social, economic, political, and institutional aspects of the
management and institutional development of the Galápagos
Islands.
2. To strengthen local organizations, who are the future key
players in the conservation of the Islands, to carry out the monitoring
of the indicators.
3. To develop a system to process and analyse the information
generated, in order to use it and disseminate it in a timely manner
through mass media, communications campaigns, and other means.
EC0856.3: Galapagos Officer (Feb. 96 - Jun. 00)
Activity Background:
Ecological concerns: Specifically, the introduction of exotic
species, detrimental practices related to marine resource harvest
including the over harvesting of certain species, and the potential
detrimental impacts of uncontrolled growth of tourism.
Institutional concerns: Specifically, problems that present obstacles
to effective management of the Galapagos.
Social concerns: Specifically, those related to the growing human
populations in the province and the basic resources for their
social development.
In order to address all these concerns, WWF will hire a programme
officer who will be based in Quito, Ecuador. This person will
be responsible for the management of all existing projects related
to the Galapagos Islands which are part of WWF's portfolio. This
person will become the point person for any issue related to conservation
of the Galapagos.
Activity Objectives:
1. To develop a WWF Network Action Plan for the conservation
of the Galapagos.
2. To develop a fundraising strategy for the Galapagos.
3. To develop a communications strategy for the Galapagos.
(Concept) EC0853 Ecuador: Conservation of Biodiversity &
Sustainable Development in Sangay National Park
Project Summary:
The management of Sangay National Park requires strengthening
of its technical conditions and management. The goals of this
project are oriented towards conditions and incentives for protection
and preservation of the biodiversity of the Sangay Park such as
evaluation, design and implementation of necessary steps to correct
any imbalances in the management of resources, and to expand and
promote sustainable management of products and services for the
benefit of surrounding communities, including their participation
in management activities of the Park.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 50 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
A 1986 WWF study established the National Sangay Park as a high
priority area for conservation in the Tropical Andes. The park
was legally established in 1979, declared by the UNESCO in 1983
as the Natural Patrimony of Humanity, and by 1992 its original
271,925 ha had expanded to cover 517,725 ha of some of the most
biologically diverse areas of the country. The great range of
altitude and diverse representation of biogeographic areas allow
for the existence of a vast variety of climates and life zones,
active and permanently snowcovered volcanoes, great diversity
of flora and fauna, over 500 species of birds, and species near
extinction (such as the Mountain Tapir and Spectacled Bear). In
1988 with WWF's financial support (and that of TNC) Fundación
Natura, in coordination with the Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería
launched an external debt swap programme aimed to support the
management of protected areas in the country, linking conservation
of the biodiversity of protected areas with human needs. The activities
initiated under the programme have included environmental education
workshops for communities in the area, a pilot programme to guard
the borders with park guards, informative programmes about the
park, and the establishing of guard posts, refuges, and information
centres. However, the park still faces many threats. Cattle raising,
burning of vegetation for pasture and over grazing combined with
the heavy rains has provoked serious erosion. Over hunting of
animals such as the Tapir and the probable opening of the GuamoteMacas
road, initiating a land invasion to extract wood are all problems
still facing the Parque Nacional Sangay.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve management and administration of the park through
increasing access to technical information.
2. To increase and promote participation of the local communities
and other players involved in management of resources and conservation
of the Park.
3. To design sustainable resource management and use proposals
that would permit correction of possible imbalances between community
consumption/use within the Park.
EC0853.1: Data Collection & Analysis of Biological &
Socioeconomic Resources of the Park (Jun. 94 - Jul. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Tropical Moist Forest; Tropical Woodland.
EC0853.2: Local Participation in Park Management (Jun. 94
- Jul. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
EC0853.3: Project Design of Responsible Resource Use and
Management (Jun. 94 - Jul. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
(Concept) EC0857 Ecuador: Mountainous Regions in Southern Paramos
Project Summary:
View Map
The purpose of this project is for WWF and Fundacion Natura to
work with highland communities in the Central Andean Region of
Ecuador in order to gain an understanding of their needs for pastures,
and to develop alternatives to pasture expansion that will reduce
the pressure on the remaining natural forests and paramos in the
region.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 90 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 10 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 50 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
In tropical South America, little attention has been given to
the conservation of highland biomes. This is detrimental both
to their importance in terms of biological diversity, and to their
relationship with other biomes. The main conservation efforts
developed up until the present have focused primarily on protected
areas. This approach has to be implemented with a better incorporation
of communities' needs and perspectives. This project will expand
the use of this approach to the Central Andes in Ecuador.
Project Objectives:
1. To understand the reasons and causes for the conversion of
highland forests into pastures in the surroundings of Sangay National
Park.
2. To develop our cooperation with the local community in the
management of this problem.
3. To establish the most promising orientation for work on this
issue.
EC0857.1: Mountainous Regions in Southern Paramos (Jul.
96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
|