One landowner has created the first analogue forest in Chimborazo province, using ecological associations of various trees to aid in the conservation of endangered species.

Nature-based Intervention:

In the village of Buenos Aires, Ecuador, Mr. Manuel Ramón created an analogue forest on a deforested area of his property. Analogue forests aim to become ecologically stable and socio-economically productive by mimicking the structure and ecology of natural forests. Centrally, the landowner created two ecological associations between six species: one between mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Ecuador laurel (Cordia alliodora) and the other association between the Brazilian fire tree (Schizolobium parahybum), teak (Tectona grandis), mahogany, and Ecuador laurel. Through trial and error, he was able to better understand optimal planting distances and times and adapted his techniques continuously. These methods also reportedly helped to improve soil moisture and fertility of the area over time. In total, Mr. Ramón has succeeded in restoring a 10-hectare forest.

Overview of context and outcomes:

As a former logger turned conservationist, the landowner was also able to identify specific species best suited for timber production, and with these revenues was able to hire three workers, extending the economic benefit of his project to the broader community. With conservation continuously in mind, he collected the seeds from the best trees to create and maintain a nursery of saplings that would replace each harvested tree. He has since collaborated with the government to attract tourists and researchers to spread knowledge about his conservation techniques.