ElArtesan-EcuadorianHands: The Protected Natural Reserve Revolutionizing Environmental Conservation and Benefiting Local Communities

The conservation of the Dry Forest is important to preserve biodiversity and the Palo Santo

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROTECTED NATURE RESERVE BVP "ElArtesan EcuadorianHands" 

This Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the National Director of Forests, Mr. Carlos Ponce, and Mr. Gabriela Saavedra, a specialist within the unit of protective forests and land tenure of the Ministry of the Environment, Agua Transición Ecológica (MAATE), visited the Protected Nature Reserve (BVP) "ElArtesan Ecuadorianhands" in the commune of Joa in Jipijapa, in which a short tour was carried out to observe the conditions of the forest, the areas of reforestation of palo santo trees and later to deliver formal manner of the declaration of BVP to Fabrizio Vera and Dante Bolcato.

Carlos Ponce, explained during his tour that the protective vegetation forest system consists of a conservation area that integrates 170 forests nationwide, occupying 9% of the Ecuadorian territory, which protects and conserves these spaces through sustainable forest management, linking the social and environmental part.

Within the dry forest ecosystem it is essential to maintain care and protection since there are species that are in danger. These forests are fragile ecosystems, and we need to learn to live with them and use them sustainably.

In addition, Gabriela Saavedra highlighted how wonderful it is to see palo santo trees growing properly within their environment, even more power appreciate them during this winter season when the dry forest turns green and you can clearly see the restoration work by EcuadorianHands

The Tropical Dry Forest in Ecuador: Conservation, Reforestation, and Benefits for Local Communities

The Tropical Dry Forest in Ecuador is a vital and threatened ecosystem that plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting Palo Santo with its unique health benefits for humans. However, unsustainable human activities and fragmentation pose risks to the diversity of this region.

To address this situation, a reforestation project focused on the Palo Santo tree (bursera graveolens) has been initiated, as it holds significant cultural and economic importance. Palo Santo products are derived from wood that is over 30 years old, as the tree only produces its valuable essential oil after natural death and a 2-4 year aging process. Preserving these ecosystems is essential to maintain biodiversity and safeguard the Palo Santo species, along with its distinct properties and aroma.

EcuadorianHands believes that the best legacy it can leave behind is a habitable planet for our children, and to achieve this it is necessary to reconnect humanity with nature in a harmonious

Since 2016, efforts have been made to restore primary forests and engage in reforestation using native species, creating a pilot project that can be replicated in other dry forests of Manabí. For this purpose, the Protected Nature Reserve "ElArtesan-EcuadorianHands", a 50-hectare tropical dry forest in Joa-Jipijapa, has been chosen and officially recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE) of the country.

The project called #PaloSantoDoneRight, has the participation of the local community, the university, NGOs, the Ecuadorian government, educational units, and other key actors to achieve actions that prevent, mitigate, and remedy environmental impacts, as well as follow-up plans. , evaluation and monitoring of flora and fauna.

To date, nurseries have been established with various species from the dry forest, and over 11,500 trees have been reforested in different areas of Manabí. These areas are continually monitored with the support of universities and other collaborating entities.

By acquiring Palo Santo products from EcuadorianHands, you not only contribute to caring for our planet but also support local communities and the skilled artisan women involved in their production. Join our cause and let's conserve this marvel of nature together.

The Palo Santo tree is key in this ecosystem and has great cultural and economic value.

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