Ride in the Coastal Forest

Coastal Dry Forest with Ceibo Trees standing as sentinels

 

Ecuadorians have protected the Ceibo tree for centuries. Even now, as coastal dry forests are slashed and burned, Ceibo trees remain alone and in pairs, standing guard like soldiers on the heights of coastal hillsides. The Ceibo tree, the 'redwood' of the 'La Costa'  forest, has adapted to periods of drought, appearing dead in the dry season and sending a spectacular display of fresh green leaves and bright white flowers after heavy rains.

  

La Costa Forests

La Costa region of Ecuador shown in red

The western coastal area of Ecuador ("La Costa") is the site of the Pacific Equatorial Forest   whose forest remnants are considered the most endangered tropical forest in the world. La Costa is one of the four natural regions into which Ecuador is divided. The other three are the Sierra (the Andes Mountain Range), The Oriente (the lowland Amazon forest east of the Andes), and the Galapagos islands in the Pacific Ocean. Some 75% of the original native forest has been lost.

 

La Costa encompasses a broad coastal plain, along with some small mountain ranges, extending from the Pacific Ocean on the west to the foothills of the Andes Mountains to the east. It is estimated that a majority of the native forest that originally covered coastal Ecuador has been eliminated in favor of cattle ranching and other agricultural pursuits; including cacao, palm, banana and coffee plantations. Some remaining forest is part of the Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot.

 

The vast majority of the Pacific Equatorial Forest remains unprotected and continues to be logged and cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. In 2009 the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment launched its Socio Bosque (Forest Partners) program, which provides forest owners with an annual conservation subsidy of $30 per hectare ($12/acre). Long-term success is uncertain. 

 

 

The Ride

Note the rugged terrain east of Independencia
where the ride probably occurred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The satellite image below (click on it to make it larger) shows Independencia. It appears to have grown considerably larger than a hamlet in the 50+ years since I rode the trail to La Deliciosa. The rural area around the village shows some remaining original forest or rejuvenated second growth forest. Lands converted to agriculture indicate a variety of uses. Grasslands for cattle or other grazing animals appear to be the most common.

 

Satellite view of Independencia and environs

The most recent conservation innovation is the use of drones.  At least one organization in Ecuador is implementing drone technology to assist their conservation efforts. Initial plans are to use drones for monitoring the area for illegal logging activities. Another possible drone activity could be monitoring reforestation efforts. CEIBA, is working hard and committing resources to preserving the coastal forest.