Learn how Palo Santo forests are worked in a sustainable way | GIZ Ecuador

This 2021 we have started with a lot of energy in the topics of Research and care of our forest. We are currently working on a new Program for the "Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Natural Heritage" of Palo Santo, where we will have the participation of GIZ (German Cooperation), UTM (Technical University of Manabí) and Ecuadoriahands.

The purpose of this program is to improve the conditions for the conservation of protected and conservation areas and the sustainable use of biodiversity in Ecuador. In this case, he specified, it is the study and conservation of Palo Santo and the ecosystem in which it develops.

General Monitoring Guidelines

It is a systematic sampling on a defined transept in a combination of analysis points and study plots, it focuses on flora (herbaceous, shrub, and arboreal stratum) and fauna, although the latter particularly in mammals (medium and large, except flying) and birds, it integrates the thematic and variable elements previously identified for the monitoring of Palo Santo in a plot-transept with a fauna observation point.

The plot has a length of 570 meters and a width of 20 meters, it is recommended to trace it in a straight line with a north direction, however, if conditions do not allow it, it can be broken in half to form an "L".

For this, permanent plots are installed, where using electronic technology, such as tablets and laser distance meters, we can take field data with greater precision and accuracy for later analysis. Some information is taken by electronic devices, such as, for example, trees, shrubs, herbaceous, fauna, and birdlife, which are given in real-time. Also, we set up camera traps and do bird watching. To obtain accurate data on how life develops in this forest.

Also, the target group is the local population living within the protected areas, as well as in the surrounding buffer zones, with special emphasis on the poor and disadvantaged population. The program tries to solve a key question, basically, how do we help communities and productive associations that are within protected areas to improve their development and improve their quality of life? But also, in how we help other key actors who are also developing productive activities and who are in the buffer zones.

Points of interest with the PALO SANTO tree:

• Identify socio-environmental problems that put Bursera graveolens at risk - Logging, fires, expansion of the agricultural frontier, etc.
• To know the potential of the use of Bursera graveolens - Availability.
• Knowing territorial characteristics for the best use of Palo Santo - Soils, slopes, heights.
• Have information that allows managing the long-term production process - Fruits, regeneration.
• Strengthen and highlight the importance of biodiversity in association with the availability of Palo Santo - Dispersers, pollinators.
• What is the effect of socio-environmental disturbances on the community on which Bursera graveolens depends - management effects.

Academy Participation

This research program also has the involvement of the Technical University of Manabí, both teachers and students, evaluating and learning with GIZ technicians, with whom contact has been established for two years. In this research, the academy also shares its previously carried out studies, to contrast them and thus obtain a more complete database of the forest. One of the data that the UTM is interested in knowing is the volume of Palosanto wood, who already, from previous investigations, have the data and who, with the implementation of the GIZ methodology, plan to compare and improve it. Another important piece of information to collect from the research is to know which are the bird species that are related to the Rosewood, because the dispersal of seeds depends a lot on it.

Beginning of studies in the Forest and Protective Vegetation El Artesan Ecuadorianhands

As an ideal of conservation and sustainable production, Dante Bolcato from El Artesan and Fabrizio Vera from the Ecuadorianhands company decided more than a decade ago to establish a forest for the preservation of Palo Santo. This is how during these years they have developed studies together with universities such as UTM and ULEAM. In addition to developing reforestation days in the Forest and Protective Vegetation El Artesan Ecuadorianhands. They are small steps that have added great results to raise awareness in the care of forests. A non-culminating task that is intended to be replicated in other forests as we coordinate with the relevant actors to continue obtaining results in the conservation of the Palo Santo tree and its ecosystem.

LAST INSPECTION BY THE MAE IN THE PALO SANTO FOREST TO OBTAIN THE PROTECTIVE FOREST DECLARATION