Ecuador's glorious biodiversity

Today I returned to the office of the World Land Trust, after an all too brief visit to the WLT's projects in Ecuador. The main reason for my visit was to see the Christopher Parsons Rainforest, which was bought last year with money raised in memory of the late Christopher Parsons. The access was not easy -- a four hour ride on mule, up a very rugged trail. But the trail was festooned with an amazing array of orchids. And when we finally arrived, it was a fantastic sight -- standing on the bank of the Quebrada (River) Christopher Parsons, and looking at over two square miles of forest. The newly named river was a boulder-strewn torrent, which eventually feeds into the River Amazon. The owner of the mule I was riding was also the owner of forests next to the Christopher Parsons Reserve, and our local partners, The Fundación Jocotoco are buying this tract, to expand the forest. The World Land Trust is helping fund this purchase with funds raised by the Rainforest Cafe in London.



It was really impressive to see first hand the work of our local partner, and it made me resolve to try and organise a group visit, so that some of our supporters can go and see the work first hand. So if any of the readers of this news blog think they might want to join a visit to Ecuador, just let me know at the WLT and we will put you on the mailing list and let you know when it happens.