Khamai secures rainforest in Ecuador

Khamai secures Ecuadorian rainforest with support of the Land Acquisition Fund

Khamai Foundation safeguarded 42 hectares of Ecuadorian rainforest this month, supported by the IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund. It became part of the new Pitalala Reserve, which is only the start of a much bigger ambition. ‘Although it is only a drop in the bucket of rainforest conservation, the establishment of Pitalala in this particular segment of the Amazon is critical in stopping the advance of a major gold mining operation,’ states the NGO

Photo: Pitalala Reserve © Khamai Foundation

Rich rainforest under threat

The Ecuadorian Amazon is among the most biodiverse places on Earth. Khamai Foundation is dedicated to protect a forested area in the “biodiversity vertex” by establishing a new private protected area: the Pitalala Reserve.

The so-called World’s Biodiversity Vertex is situated on the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes, slightly south of the equatorial line at an altitude between 400 and 900 metres. A model based on reptiles suggests that this is the most species-rich segment of the Amazon Rainforest. Research on butterflies and vertebrates supports this theory. But cattle ranching, logging and – in particular – gold mining threaten this unique natural area.

‘Our support to local conservation NGOs, like Khamai, often acts as a catalyst to generate additional funding. It may initiate a chain reaction that leads to increased financial contributions from a diversity of donors.’

  • Marc Hoogeslag, coordinator of the Land Acquisition Fund

Catalysing conservation funding

The conservation project of Khamai Foundation was among those selected by the Land Acquisition Fund to receive financial support in 2024.  ‘Our support to local conservation NGOs, like Khamai, often acts as a catalyst to generate additional funding. It may initiate a chain reaction that leads to increased financial contributions from a diversity of donors. This strengthens their long-term impact significantly,’ says Marc Hoogeslag, coordinator of the Land Acquisition Fund.

Protecting Ecuador’s Biodiversity Vertex

Purchasing the forest near the Anzu River, enables Khamai Foundation to protect the habitat of species such as the Amazon Basin emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) and the fringed leaf frog (Cruziohyla craspedopus). Khamai’s young and dedicated team will also work on restoring the area to its original state, as it has been deforested and degraded due to human activities.

The 42-hectares of rainforest Khamai now secured is the third plot to be added to Pitalala Reserve: a brand new protected area that became reality. But the dream does not end here. This reserve should become the nucleus of a 10,200 hectares conservation area to protect a segment of the World’s Biodiversity Vertex in perpetuity.

About the Land Acquisition Fund

The main threats to biodiversity in the world are the loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats. Nature is the basis for all life on Earth and we need to save what is left. The IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund therefore supports NGOs around the world to secure, protect and connect nature.

More information? Contact:

Marc Hoogeslag
Senior Expert Nature Conservation