LIVE Project: Organic Meltdown Forest
Ecuador is home to more than 4,600 unique plant species found nowhere else in the world, many of which are threatened by the rapid deforestation taking place here.
Not only this, but there are many animal species that are rare and endangered that inhabit these lands. Spectacled Bears, Mountain Tapirs, Pumas, Jaguars and enormous bird diversity, are just a few.
Because of these species and the global ramifications (which are a major consequence of these deteriorating lands) of deforestation, Brand Stand Limited (working with The World Land Trust) has entered into a protection program within Ecuador that will help to counter this ongoing damage to the rainforests.
The Organic Meltdown Forest measuring 347 hectares (the equivalent of 476 large football pitches) is located close to Candelaria, on the north side of the Rio Pastaza, and adjoins the Parque Nacional Los Llanganates. This area is currently difficult to access, and for this reason has been virtually untouched by humans, but cattle ranchers are now encroaching on the area. Here there are over 190 species of plants not found anywhere else in the world. The animal species mentioned earlier are also found in these areas we are now trying to protect.
Eco Minga is the actual company physically protecting the land in Ecuador and is doing so using a mixture of innovative and traditional approaches. Their role is initially to establish a presence in the area and to initiate management activities including the provision of the protection of the forest. They also work with local communities on short term projects such as the creation of trails and low level infrastructure projects. They also set longer term goals with recruitment of permanent wardens who monitor and protect the land. Their role is to also liaise with International Scientists and Environmentalist to raise awareness about the value of Ecuador's biodiversity.
There are currently four reserve rangers working full time. They not only make sure that nobody hunts or cut the trees, they also explore, photograph and learn about the wildlife of the forest.
The rangers also explore deep into the interiors of the reserves, where they are starting to discover enormous ancient trees such as the mahogany tree below. This tree has a diameter of almost two meters, which is extremely rare to find in the dynamic forest which we are protecting.
 
The OM tropical forest project helps safeguard Ecuador's natural flora and fauna in one of the most astonishingly diverse natural regions on Earth. In Ecuador, over 80% of the tropical rainforests have already been destroyed. We are making a last stand.
 
 
 
The Organic Meltdown forest contains many species and plants that not had previously been discovered. This year scientists form Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Sciences discovered at least three new frog species, and more than eleven additional species that are yet to be identified which may also turn out to be new.
Frogs of the Rio Anzu. Photos Juan Pablo Reyes. |
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