New Pueblo Kichwa de Rukullakta (PKR) Provincial Conservation Area in Ecuador

Andes Amazon Fund celebrates the creation of the Pueblo Kichwa de Rukullakta (PKR) Provincial Conservation and Sustainable Use Area, which encompasses 103,509 acres (41,889 ha) in the Ecuadorian province of Napo. The new conservation area is located at a unique point in Ecuador’s central Amazon, where the Andes cascade towards lowland rainforest, and the mighty Napo River flows from soaring volcanoes and into the Amazon River. PKR’s altitudinal gradient spans 2,500 feet (762 meters), allowing not only for stunning biodiversity but also increasing the species of the area’s ability to adapt to a changing climate. 

Safeguarding a Unique Concentration of Biodiversity and Strengthening Existing Protections

The new conservation area consists primarily of intact Northern Foothill Siempre Verde Forests of the eastern Andes. PKR also strengthens protections for the Upper Suno River Basin and the Cerro Sumaco Protective Forest. Moreover, the new area will bolster the protection of some 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) of forest currently managed as part of the Socio Bosque program. Locals within this expanse voluntarily conserve their forests in exchange for sustainable development support from the Ecuadorian government. Finally, PKR expands a conservation corridor, bordering Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park to the east.

Thanks to the variety of climates and ecosystems found within the new conservation area, a great diversity of species flourishes. Scientists have reported over 6,000 vascular plants, 101 mammal species, 600 bird species, 36 reptile species, 31 amphibian species, and 22 fish species in PKR. The biodiversity found in these 100,000 acres rivals that of entire US states. For example, New York State is home to 80 mammal species and 454 species of birds.

Acknowledgements

The Pueblo Kichwa de Rukullakta Provincial Conservation Area was established through the leadership and participation of the Napo Provincial Government, alongside 17 local communities, primarily Indigenous Kichwa peoples, with technical support from Ecopar.