Preserve the Dry Forest and Palo Santo: Join Our Cause and Transform the World

Looking back on all the work done over more than 10 years reaffirms our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and the restoration of Ecuador's tropical dry forests.

At EcuadorianHands, we are not a traditional company that simply manufactures products; we are guardians of the forest and beaches, and our main mission is to protect the habitat of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), a sacred tree whose sweet, woody and slightly minty aroma brings well-being to the body and soul.

PROTECTED NATURE RESERVE (BVP) “ELARTESAN-ECUADORIANHANDS”

Our Mission: Caring for and Restoring the Palo Santo Habitat

EcuadorianHands: More than a Company, a Guardian of the Forest

At EcuadorianHands, we do not limit ourselves to producing and selling; our mission goes much further. We are dedicated to the conservation of ecosystems, especially tropical dry forests, which are home to a great diversity of species, including the revered Palo Santo. Our approach is comprehensive: we collaborate directly with native communities, work on reforestation of forests, and promote sustainable practices in all our operations.

Unlike companies that sporadically activate environmental programs as a marketing strategy, at EcuadorianHands we have integrated sustainability into the core of our operations. The sale of Palo Santo-derived products and other artisanal items, such as Panama hats, directly finances our conservation and restoration efforts.

Sustainable Financing: Palo Santo-derived Products

The sale of sustainable products is fundamental to our project. Palo Santo, known for its medicinal and spiritual properties, is harvested responsibly, respecting its natural life cycle. We do not cut down living trees; instead, we collect those that have fallen naturally, ensuring that the extraction process is sustainable and environmentally friendly. In this way, we not only preserve the tree, but also keep alive the tradition and ancestral knowledge associated with this sacred wood.

Palo Santo Reforestation: A Long-Term Project

Understanding the Tropical Dry Forest Ecosystem

The tropical dry forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world due to its susceptibility to fragmentation by human activities, such as unregulated agriculture, indiscriminate logging, and the expansion of urban areas. In the province of Manabí, Ecuador, these forests are home to rich biodiversity, where Palo Santo is the second most important species in ecological importance.

Palo Santo, or Bursera graveolens, is a tree that dies naturally after approximately 30 years. Only after 2 to 4 years of being in the ground, does it begin to generate the essential oil for which it is so prized. This natural process underlines the importance of not cutting down living trees in an attempt to speed up the production of this oil, as the result would be fruitless. Respect for this cycle is key to the sustainability of Palo Santo and the ecosystems surrounding it.

The Importance of Palo Santo in the Dry Forest

Palo Santo plays a crucial role in the stability of the dry forest ecosystem. Not only is it a source of income for local communities, but it also contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint. This tree, revered for its medicinal properties and aroma, is a symbol of the interconnection between nature and spirituality. Our mission is to ensure that it continues to play this role for future generations.

Implementation and Challenges of the Reforestation Project

First Steps: 5,000 Trees Planted in 2016

The challenge of restoring a primary forest began in 2016, when we planted our first 5,000 trees on the 50 hectares of the “ElArtesan-EcuadorianHands” Protective Forest and Vegetation (BVP) located in Joa-Jipijapa. This forest, once a vibrant ecosystem, had suffered due to unregulated human activities, but with effort and dedication, we have begun to restore it to its original vitality.

Collaboration with Local Communities and Academia

We understand that environmental restoration cannot be achieved without the collaboration of local communities. Together with universities and NGOs, we have developed strategies that not only restore the forest, but also generate economic benefits for native communities. We have provided them with 15 hectares for corn planting, a project that strengthened community ties and demonstrated that sustainability can go hand in hand with economic development.

During the most critical months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we paused reforestation activities to focus on scientific research in collaboration with the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM). This strategic pause allowed us to obtain valuable data that guides our current and future actions, ensuring that our practices are backed by science.

Results and Future of the Reforestation Project

Achievements: 11,000 Reforested Trees

To date, we have reforested more than 11,000 Palo Santo trees in various areas of the province of Manabí. Each of these trees has been georeferenced and bears an identification plate, which allows for constant monitoring and ensures that they can be part of a healthy ecosystem for generations.

New Initiatives and Expansion of the Project

Our vision doesn’t stop here. In 2021, we started a new nursery in Santa Marianita, Manta, sustainably built with guadua cane, where we care for more than 3,000 Palo Santo saplings until they are ready to be planted. Additionally, in conjunction with the Technical University of Manabí, we have expanded our efforts to include the planting of other native species, such as Pepito Colorado and Ceibo, further strengthening local ecosystems.

The last major reforestation project took place in San Eloy-Montecristi, where we replicated our successful model in a new 15-hectare forest, a true green lung on the borders of Manta and Montecristi. With the support of university students, we planted 500 Palo Santo saplings, carefully prepared in our nursery.

How Can You Help? Buy Sustainable Palo Santo Products

Every time you buy a Palo Santo product, you are directly supporting our reforestation and conservation efforts. With your help, we can continue to restore Ecuador's dry forests, preserve the sacred aroma of Palo Santo, and ensure a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Remember, the real threat to Palo Santo is not its overexploitation, but the lack of consumption of its products, which could lead to deforestation of the forests that host it. By opting for sustainable products, you are not only benefiting your body and spirit, but also protecting a valuable ecosystem.

EDUCATIONAL PROJECT:

ECOPLAYAS LLÉVATETUBASURA, OUR BEACH-CARE EDUCATION PROGRAM

WE EDUCATE THE YOUTH OF MANTA IN ENVIRONMENTAL CARE. AIMING FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES

USES AND BENEFITS OF PALO SANTO