Tropical forest conservation in the Copalinga Reserve

Context

The Copalinga Reserve, located in southeastern Ecuador, protects the sub-montane forests between Zamora and Podocarpus National Park. It is a biodiversity hotspot that is threatened by deforestation and climate change.

Copalinga is located at the intersection of the Andes and the Amazon, an area of extraordinary biodiversity. Despite its relatively small size (137 hectares), it is home to over 550 bird species, including the black-and-chestnut eagle. The reserve also protects vital habitats for vulnerable species such as the grey tinamou and the white-breasted parrot. The region where the reserve is located is suffering deforestation caused by agricultural expansion and logging. However, in recent years, no forest loss has been recorded due to the conservation efforts of Fundación Jocotoco.

Gallery

Tutela Ambientale Ecuador Riserva Copalinga 5 3x

Tutela Ambientale Ecuador Riserva Copalinga 4 3x

Tutela Ambientale Ecuador Riserva Copalinga 3 3x

Tutela Ambientale Ecuador Riserva Copalinga 2 3x

Tutela Ambientale Ecuador Riserva Copalinga 1 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is carried out by Fundación Jocotoco in close collaboration with the local communities, ensuring their active participation which is essential for the project’s success. Scientific partners collaborate in monitoring species, including in the development of AI solutions for forest sound recognition to expand the biodiversity data collected on site. In addition, the company InvestConservation has developed a methodology to estimate the carbon stored in the reserve, converting it into financeable tokens.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The purpose of the project is to protect a unique ecosystem and ensure safe habitats for threatened species, while strengthening research and ecotourism.

This project's focus is to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity that characterizes the reserve. The aim is to protect more than 550 bird species and threatened amphibians by ensuring the permanence of their habitat. A key goal is to prevent deforestation through advanced surveillance systems and satellite monitoring. The project also seeks to strengthen ecotourism as both a tool for raising awareness and a source of income for the local population. The innovative use of artificial intelligence in natural sound recognition represents a further step toward improving biodiversity monitoring and contributing to an increasingly accurate scientific approach.

This project's approach integrates conservation, technology, and community participation: forest monitoring through satellite imagery combined with field studies make it possible to accurately assess biomass and stored carbon, while Fundación Jocotoco rangers provide continuous on-the-ground protection of the reserve. The introduction of bioacoustic AI systems expands knowledge of biodiversity, creating databases valuable at the international level. At the same time, ecotourism strengthens the link between conservation and local development, offering nature-based experiences that raise visitor awareness and provide economic support for communities.

Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting this project you’re contributing to the following SDGs:

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