While blessed with one of the highest biodiversity indices, Ecuador also has one of the world’s highest rates of deforestation estimated at over 300,000 hectares (3%) per year. Today only about 1-2% of Ecuador’s original forest lands remain. It is estimated that there are up to 300 different species of trees in the Canande watershed with only approximately 200+ species currently identified. Current economic models present a higher land yields through clear cutting forests and planting oil palm. I was commissioned by WholeForest, a sustainable forestry company to capture some of the diversity and beauty of what is so quickly being lost forever. Their model generates value for communities through sustainable harvesting and connecting wood products to high value markets.
https://www.chrispalm.com/choco