Biodiversity under high surveillance
In recent years, the country has become aware of the extraordinary richness of its flora and fauna, and many natural areas are now protected. Local authorities, associations and private foundations have recently redoubled their vigilance. National parks and reserves protect many plant and animal species from human greed and aggression. From the jungle to the Sierra to the Galapagos, nature lovers will have a field day. Don't forget to make a detour to the Mindo ornithological reserve in the province of Pichincha, home to over 300 species of birds. If you're a bear-lover, we can't recommend a better visit than the Choco Andino, a privileged observation territory for a particularly surprising species, the spectacled bear, so named for its coat which gives the impression that the bear wears glasses! The more adventurous can choose to devote a few days to discovering the Amazon by pirogue, accompanied by a local guide of course, and observe the multitude of wild animals that inhabit the rainforest. Overnight stays are often organized in small camps set up by the natives, who are now accustomed to receiving visitors - an unforgettable experience. Some agencies specialize in adventure tourism, and you'll find them in the pages of this guide.
Finally, sea lovers, don't forget that from around June to September, humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, choose the warm waters along the country's Pacific coast to give birth to their offspring. These giants, which can measure up to 16 metres and weigh 40 tonnes, offer a rare spectacle around Ballenita and Puerto Lopez. Every year, more than 500 whales occupy the bay of Puerto Lopez, where an identification method based on the shape of their caudal fin has been developed, enabling them to be counted. A great show!
Threat to nature
It was on the basis of his research in the Galapagos Islands in 1835 that English biologist Charles Darwin developed his theory of the natural evolution of species, and subsequently published his book The Origin of Species (1859). Back then, there was no threat to nature in Ecuador, and the Galapagos archipelago was an open-air laboratory for any scientist on the planet. Times have changed and, while the archipelago is still preserved thanks to worldwide mobilization, the rest of the country has not resisted development and industrialization. During the 20thcentury, large-scale farming threatened the ecosystems of the coast and the Andean regions. The Amazon remained untouched until the late 1960s, when oil production began.
Within a few years, the destruction of nature was so advanced that the Ecuadorian authorities decided to create several national parks. But it was in 1978 that Ecuador took a decisive step towards its future in terms of nature protection. The Fundación Natura, which closed in 2012, was created to safeguard this natural heritage. An NGO supported by major international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Fundación Natura has established a national reputation and is active on all fronts of nature protection. However, their dynamism and omnipresence are not enough to solve every problem. In a country where nature should be king, its protection is not at the top of the agenda for the state or for multinationals. Much remains to be done to achieve a balance between development and ecology, particularly to reduce pollution levels. Other associations such as Acción Ecológica (www.accionecologica.org) and, of course, the Fundación Charles Darwin (www.darwinfoundation.org), among others, campaign for environmental protection.
The Galapagos, a unique territory in the world
Otherwise known as the Colón archipelago, the Galápagos are a world of their own, created millions of years ago in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, some 1,000 kilometers from the coast, where time stands still. It was here, in 1835, that biologist Charles Darwin studied evolution and the natural selection of species. Amidst lunar landscapes, iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises and thousands of birds (masked and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, flamingos, frigate birds, herons, Galapagos oystercatchers, mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, cormorants, etc.) cohabit in disconcerting harmony, unafraid of the presence of man. Prehistoric-looking animals, then, but also a multitude of underwater inhabitants populate the depths: manta rays, red and black crabs, sharks (Galapagos, grey, hammerhead, tiger, whale and horned shark) and a host of multicolored fish.
A luxuriant flora
The figures are impressive. Ecuador is home to 10% of the world's plant species. Diverse climates have given rise to 25,000 species of tree, of which around 10,000 grow in the Andean region. The Amazon region boasts 8,200 plant species, including 2,725 orchid species. The Galapagos Islands have 600 native and/or endemic species and 250 species introduced at the time of colonization. Some exotic species include the ceibo with its plump trunk that produces kapok, the rubber tree known for its latex, the balsa with its very light wood, the mangrove trees with their roots stuck in brackish water, and the many palms whose fibers are woven and which only grow in Ecuador (like the toquilla straw). Many of these trees have medicinal properties, particularly in the Amazon region, where giant species can exceed 60 m in height. As for fruit trees - banana, cocoa, breadfruit, papaya, mango and many others - they're sure to provide you with a well-stocked fruit platter! Please note that it is forbidden to bring any plant whatsoever in your luggage, as controls are quite strict in this respect.
