Canandé Reserve harbors the treasures of the Chocó

Almost a century ago, you could find the Chocó in its original state, with magnificent primary forests full of life. Today, only 2 to 3% of the forest has managed to survive the devastation caused mainly by the timber industry and African palm monocultures.

Welcome to the Ecuadorian Chocó, one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots, boasting an astonishing variety of species and ecosystems. The Chocó is renowned as the floristic hotspot of the Americas, with exceptionally high rates of endemism. Canandé alone has at least 27 species of plants that have only been found within the reserve itself.

A recent study in Canandé has expanded our understanding of the Chocó's importance. Thanks to an agreement between the Amazon State University, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew of the UK, and Jocotoco, researchers collaborated to delve into the forest's secrets.

The team studied the vegetation of a one hectare plot, approximately 2.47 acres. In that plot, they identified 101 species of trees, equivalent to 20% of all the tree species of Europe or two thirds of all tree species in New York State. The researchers determined that 25% of those 101 species were endemic to the Chocó, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. The study also highlighted the critical role of these forests in carbon sequestration, with each hectare storing 563 tons of CO2.

"The Canandé forest is so full of life that you don't have to go far to see it," says Antonio Páez, president of Jocotoco. "The forest's incredible biodiversity and unique species make it even more valuable than the Amazon in some respects. Yet, all of this is threatened."

Outside the Canandé Reserve, if you were on a tower above the treeline, you would see something else - desolation. Vast expanses have been converted into pastures and palm plantations. The small roads below are clogged with noisy logging trucks hauling massive, recently cut trees. The devastation in the Chocó has been rapid. The plants and animals of the Chocó are threatened. In fact, of the 27 species of plants endemic to Canandé, 48% are endangered, while 22% are critically endangered.

Cultivating hope

"At Jocotoco, our sense of responsibility and caring instils action," emphasizes Antonio Páez.

Yet, there's a palpable sense of hope. We protected the first portions of the Canandé Reserve back in 2000. Today, it is our largest reserve, covering more than 16,000 ha (40,000 acres). This reserve stands as a testament to the resilience of nature. In only 25 years, once barren pastures have come back on their own, becoming thriving forests once again.

Jocotoco also actively restores plant species, particularly those that are endemic and highly threatened. The restoration process involves collecting seeds, germinating them, and replanting them. To date, thousands of seedlings of various species, including Magnolia canandeana (Critically Endangered) and Matisia palenquiana (Endangered), have been successfully planted and nurtured.

By regularly monitoring these restoration areas using photos, drones, and patrols, and engaging with local communities to raise awareness about conservation, Jocotoco ensures the long-term survival of these species.

"Let's make a difference together," says Antonio. "At Jocotoco, we believe that if we take care of the forest, we'll also be caring for the people who live in the region. Their clean water and clean air comes from these forests. To save the Chocó, we must listen to nature and let it guide the recovery process. Let's work together as a team and respect the network of interactions that keep life going."

Together, we can #SaveTheChocó! What we achieve in Canandé can be replicated throughout the Chocó. We can find and protect species before they disappear. We can create a connected network of protected forests from lowlands in the Chocó at 50 meters (164 ft) above sea level to the tops of Andean mountains at 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), ensuring that this unique biodiversity hotspot survives in the face of climate change. You can lead the way to save the Chocó by donating  HERE

Read the complete investigation here: "Flora, ecology and phytogeography of the Canandé Reserve, Equatorial Chocó.