Good news … Choco-Andean rainforests saved by the hectare!

By Kirstie Fisher, Rainforest Rescue Ecuador project officer

With fifty hectares saved since the launch of our ‘Ecuador “Save a Hectare” project’, we have good cause to celebrate. This new addition contributes to the creation of a vital corridor between the Andean cloud forests and the lowland forests of the Awa Ethnic Reserve in northwestern Ecuador.

Ecuador supports an amazing 10 % of all known plant species even though it only covers 0.2% of the earth’s surface. It’s a global biodiversity hot spot, home to creatures like jaguars, bespectacled bears, ocelots and mountain tapirs. John Seed from Lismore’s Rainforest Information Centre inspired Rainforest Rescue to get involved in the first place. “While we are best known for our local and national rainforest projects, we thought it was important to also get involved in this one”, said Rainforest Rescue executive officer, Kelvin Davies.

Our project extends the inspiring work of Rainforest Concern, whose efforts in Ecuador from 1994 culminated in the purchase of 12,000 hectares of rainforest in 2002. Together, we are strategically purchasing and protecting vital areas of rainforest otherwise threatened by mining, logging and destructive and unsustainable agriculture. It’s exciting, high-impact work, with every $200 raised saving one whole hectare.

Rainforest Rescue and our Byron Bay supporters recently got together to celebrate the successful start to the project. South American musicians provided the entertainment while the photographs of Murray Cooper showcased the splendours of the Choco-Andean rainforests through his fascinating collection of rainforest images.

Information on how the land is being purchased, protected and managed as well as how the Ecuadorian people are involved is available at www.rainforestrescue.org.au and in the ‘Ecuador “Save a Hectare” Special Edition’ hardcopy newsletter (request a copy in the post).

Jaguars, ocelots, mountain tapirs and countless other precious creatures call these forests home.

As well as saving 20,000 hectares of rainforest, this international project will protect rainforest linkages between the largest reserves in northwestern Ecuador.

Help “Save a Hectare” Please make a donation at www.rainforestrescue.org.au “Every $200 raised will save a whole hectare”

Other ways to help – Our special Ecuador “Save a Hectare” gift cards feature details of the rainforest you have saved on behalf of friends and loved ones. Why not organise a fundraising activity with your workplace, school or community group? Or become a media helper using one of our Ecuador stories? We have lots of ideas so please feel free to get in touch.

Thanks: Saving hectares with a donation are TP Health, Australian Nature Life, Red Rose Reality, The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay English Language School and The Buddha Bar along with many individual supporters.