Ecuador Forms Strategic Link Between Protected Areas by Creating Río Negro–Sopladora National Park

The Andes Amazon Fund congratulates the government of Ecuador for the creation of Río Negro–Sopladora National Park. This area protects 75,654 acres (306 square kilometers) of diverse and fragile ecosystems, including montane forests, páramos, mountain streams, and rivers. The new park forms a strategic link between Sangay and Podocarpus National Parks, connecting a chain of mountainous protected areas spread along Ecuador’s southeastern Andes to the upper Amazon rainforest.

Río Negro–Sopladora National Park has a large altitudinal range of 2,624 to 12,795 feet (800 and 3,900 meters), allowing for a variety of precipitation levels, types of soil, and temperatures. A report produced by Andes Amazon Fund grantee, Naturaleza y Cultura Internacional (NCI) noted that, “the topography and weather conditions have preserved its natural ecosystems in a remarkably pristine state, still almost entirely intact and free from human intervention.” This has allowed flora and fauna to flourish in the area.

Many discoveries have been made in what is now Río Negro–Sopladora National Park. Working with Ecuadorian scientists, NCI carried out a Rapid Biological Assessment that registered high levels of endemism and numerous species new to science. The area is a stronghold for threatened wildlife such as spectacled bear and mountain tapir.

The Andes Amazon Fund congratulates Minister of Environment Tarsicio Granizo and the people of Ecuador for this environmental achievement and their continuing contribution to the protection of biodiversity. 

Download the press release, here.

Photo credits:  Fabián Rodas, Paul Tito, Trotsky Riera, and Wilson Romero.