Program

Conservation & Resources Management

ONGOING PROJECTS

BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR FOR ANDES COUGARS

Project Coordinator

Alexandra Hoeneisen

Connection zones between protected areas are fundamental to magnify our conservation efforts and protect synergies that inhabit our unique ecosystems.

The proposed 100,000 hectares Biological corridor mends fragmentation caused by un-sustainable development and will protect 100 pumas.

The cougar is a bio-indicator. Their protection maintains the balance of these processes.

La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve’s Feline Monitoring project provides information about population density and movement patterns that will be invaluable to the decision making process of the biological corridor’s location.

Partnerships

This conservation initiative connects a series of Protector Forests along the Andes mountain range and Protected Areas in the Ecuadorian Highland Region.
It joins efforts from both private and public sectors.

Collaborators

La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve. Cantón Mejía. Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition

TREES ON FARMS

Project Supervisor

Alexandra Hoeneisen

A nature based-based solution that prioritizes biodiversity conservation, restoration and carbon retainment without hindering production.

The integration of trees into farming systems multiplies the cooperation and benefits between species and maintains a balanced cycle of resources for all inhabitants, including humans.

Global organizations involved in conservation such as IUCN and CIFOR are developing tools that will provide researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and evidence to quantify the benefit that their land is providing to themselves and to the ecosystem.

 

Relevance

Increasing the cover of trees on farms across continents can go a long way to meet global targets and managing biodiversity.

Collaborator

La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve

REFORESTATION OF NATIVE SPECIES

Project Supervisor

Eduardo Aguilar

Since the creation of our NGO we have committed to plant an average of 2,000 trees per year. Due to the decreasing population trend of native trees, palms and bushes we have selected 30 different species that provide invaluable ecosystem goods and services. Most of these are hardwood species threatened by un-sustainable logging in the region. 

Examples of our selected species include the endemic endangered species Tangaré, the recognizable Aguacatillo which has fruits resembling mini-avocatos, Colorado, Jigua, Higuerón, Guabas and the Cojojo bush which has fruits that are an ultimate favorite in the wildlife community. 

Objectives

We plant species to maintain ecosystem services, support food source availability for wildlife, create corridors between the agricultural zone and the forest area and use as living fences.

Collaborator

La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve

Skills involved

Species ID

Learn about seed morphology and dispersal characteristics. Identify, mark and geo-reference suitable individuals for seed procurement.

Collection

Understand tropical species' phenology and learn the best propagation methods for each species.

Planting & Maintenance

Understand the adequate propagation methods for each species and its ideal planting site.

LAND SURVEILLANCE

Program Coordinator

Juan Pablo Játiva

In order to guarantee that our management and conservation efforts have long-lasting benefits, we want to widen buffer zones and improve the patrolling in La Hesperia Natural Reserve.

We hope to count with the cooperation of neighboring reserves, municipal, national and international help to ensure the rights of nature are being upheald as per the Ecuadorian Constitution of 2008.

Collaborator

La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve