Looking west from near the top of Cerro Candelaria over the mountainous forests that contain EcoMinga‘s Río Anzu Reserve. Credit: Lou Jost/EcoMinga
We are delighted to announce that our partner Fundación EcoMinga’s Río Anzu Reserve has recently been recognised as an Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). This landmark status – the first of its kind in Ecuador – highlights the reserve’s critical role in protecting wildlife and supporting global conservation efforts.
OECMs: Expanding the conservation framework
Officially launched in 2018, OECM’s are sites outside protected areas that achieve the long-term and effective conservation of biodiversity. Unlike traditional protected areas which specifically target wildlife conservation, OECMs may be managed for many other reasons. These can be cultural, spiritual, or religious, but must also lead to biodiversity protection.
The recognition of Río Anzu as an OECM marks a major step forward for conservation in Ecuador. In a country where mining and oil concessions often threaten critical habitats, the OECM framework highlights the vital contribution of conservation areas outside the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). OECMs also contribute to the UN’s “30 by 30” biodiversity target: a pledge to protect 30% of the Earth’s land by 2030.
In a country where mining and oil often threatens critical habitats, the OECM framework recognises the contribution of conservation areas that may be outside the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). Credit: Mary McEvoy
“Securing the first OECM designation in Ecuador has been both a challenge and a moment of immense pride for us, marking a historic achievement for conservation in Ecuador,” said Tatiana Jaramillo, EcoMinga’s Programme Manager.
“It represents a ground-breaking shift from traditional conservation models and has enhanced our visibility at the territorial level, enabling more strategic land-use planning and accountability from public, municipal, and local governments. Authorities can no longer overlook the importance of protecting critical areas of conservation like Río Anzu”.
Putting a wildlife haven on the map
Located where the Andes meet the Amazon rainforest, the Río Anzu Reserve is home to a staggering diversity of wildlife. Together with the neighbouring Río Zunac watershed, this region contains more species than the Galapagos despite being half the size of London. Among these species are not only the dazzling Military Macaw (Ara militaris) and Endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori), but also the elusive Jaguar (Panthera onca) and one of the world’s rarest orchids, Masdevallia stigii.
The orchid Masdevallia stigii, which was discovered by EcoMinga‘s President and botanist Lou Jost over 20 years ago. One of the world’s rarest orchids, it is only known from a small site within the Río Anzu Reserve. Credit: EcoMinga
But it is not just above ground that this reserve is rich in life. Below ground, the reserve contains one of Ecuador’s least explored caves, accessible only by scrambling underwater through a narrow rocky gap. Virtually untouched, this limestone cave is one of 30 which lie under the Puyo and Anzu River basins. Isolated for millions of years, a treasure trove of unique species has evolved here, including newly discovered species of tarantula and false scorpion. Remarkably, the cave also contains a window into Ecuador’s past, in the form of stalagmites. These are a cave’s equivalent to polar ice cores and by analysing their composition and age, Ecuadorian scientists are unlocking the region’s past climate from over 10,000 years ago.
The cave underlying the Río Anzu Reserve, with stalagmites holding a climate history that goes back thousands of years. Credit: Zane Libke
A future for inclusive conservation
The Río Anzu Reserve’s new status celebrates the continuous and unwavering efforts of EcoMinga to protect this precious region from deforestation, oil exploration, and agricultural expansion.
Since establishing the reserve in 2006, EcoMinga have worked tirelessly to better protect this unique ecosystem. Thus far, they have acquired four properties totalling 157 hectares (388 acres). These land purchases – made possible by generous donations to World Land Trust’s 2022 Life on the Edge appeal – have already doubled the size of the original Río Anzu Reserve. With each new acquisition, Río Anzu is gradually being connected to the neighbouring reserves and the nearby Los Llanganates National Park, giving far more space for wildlife to roam.
EcoMinga’s unwavering commitment to communities and conservation is ensuring that these precious foothill forests are safeguarded for generations to come. Credit: EcoMinga/Kevin Pozo Velin
With its new status, the Río Anzu Reserve highlights the power of relatively small organisations – working together with communities and stakeholders – to make a significant difference to wildlife, habitats, and local people.
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