Reforestation

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. They also conserve biodiversity, soil and water resources and, when managed sustainably, can strengthen local and national economies and promote the well-being of present and future generations.

Ecuador is considered as one of the most diverse countries in the world. Approximately 11 billions of hectares are covered by forests, which represents almost 40% of the total area of the country. 80% of forests are to be found in the Amazon region, 13% on the littoral zone and 7% in the mountainous region.
Unfortunately, Ecuador has one of the highest deforestation rates in Latin America: between 1.2 and 1.7 yearly rate (MARTÏNEZ, Joan. Equatorial Environmentalism, CEDEP. Quito 1997). 20% of reforested areas corresponds to the Amazon Jungle according to the Centre for Integrated Inventory of Natural Resources (CLIRSEN 2000).

In view of this situation, Vitalideas is starting a regeneration project of the vegetal cover of areas affected by wood exploitation, agriculture and pasture in the Amazon Jungle, which is planned to get started at the end of this year.

The main objectives of this project are to recuperate ecosystems and eroded sites, to preserve water resources and create employment sources for communities living in the project area. Prior to actions of reforestation with local communities, awareness raising activities in environmental topics will take place through participatory workshops permitting to reach positive results not only in reforestation programs but also in the conservation of ecosystems. Capacitated people involved in this work will recognize the importance of nature to human survival.

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