Where the Ecuadorian Andes Meet the Amazon: Celebrating the First Anniversary of the Quijos Municipal Conservation Area

One year ago, a conservation area was established safeguarding 19,406 acres (7,853 hectares) of vibrant ecosystems in one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions, securing a thriving future for local wildlife and waterways. The creation of the Quijos Conservation and Sustainable Use Area (ACUS) in Napo ensures the long-term preservation of a critical Andean-Amazon corridor within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

Established on October 2, 2025, the area protects cloud forests and headwaters of the Napo River basin, which in turn form part of the vast Amazon River basin. The area reinforces ecological connectivity among three of Ecuador’s most iconic protected areas: Cayambe Coca National Park, Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, and Antisana National Park.

The area is home to 22 threatened species, including 13 amphibians, four plants, three mammals, one reptile, and one bird. Notable among these species is the endangered toad Atelopus petersi. Additionally, the area encompasses important habitat for over 870 recorded bird species.

With the Ecuadorian Andes-Amazon facing escalating pressures from climate change and agricultural expansion, Quijos moves beyond traditional conservation by integrating environmental incentives and co-management mechanisms that place local communities at the center of actively securing long-term water security, building community resilience, and safeguarding essential environmental services. This model forges a resilient landscape where both nature and local communities can thrive.

Acknowledgements: 

Led by the Municipal Government of Quijos, with technical support from Ecopar and financial contributions from the Wyss Foundation and Art into Acres via Andes Amazon Fund.