One of NCI's flagship projects is its Laipuna Reserve in southern Ecuador, which conserves 12,000 acres of endangered dry forests along the Catamayo River, in collaboration with surrounding communities. This area is one of the best remnants of dry forest of the Tumbesian ecosystem, known by its rich biodiversity, many endemic species and the urgency of its protection. Almost 20% of plant species, as well as 8 mammal species and 55 bird species are endemic, or found only in this ecosystem. However, 90% of the region's natural forest cover has been lost, making urgent our actions to protect remaining habitat.
NCI's efforts at Laipuna involve both strict conservation of the forest within the private reserve (4,000 acres) and work with the surrounding communities.
NCI has worked with neighboring communities to create a wider conservation area of 12,000 acres through conservation and sustainable resource use. The area includes two community management areas of 3,500 and 2,500 acres (of the El Cardo and the Numbiaranga communities respectively), and a state property of 2,000 acres. The program is based on reforestation and forest enrichment, supported by a territorial land-use planning, along with the improvement of the skills of five communities in the handling of their natural resources around the Laipuna Natural Reserve.
Several scientific studies have identified this area as a high priority for conservation. The National System of Protected Areas of Ecuador considers it to be “the greatest area with the best conserved vegetation of dry forest in the Macará and Zapotillo Region.” The biodiversity of this area includes 39 species of endemic birds, 13 endangered species and 21 species of amphibians and reptiles, two of which are possibly still unclassified. The forests are populated by mammals such as pumas, river otters (Lontra longicaudis), collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), sechuran fox (Pseudalopex sechurae), and deer.
NCI’s goal is to continue to work to broaden the conservation area along the Catamayo River, which is one of the best preserved area of dry forest that remain in the county. NCI also aims to continue its work with neighboring communities on conservation and resource management projects, and to raise awareness about the dry forest through education and ecotourism. Finally, NCI is also constructing a small building and visitor centers to allow increased scientific research and visitation.
