| Ecosystem Research Program
| High-quality research aids
conservation programs and enhances rural livelihoods |
Research plays an important role in the conservation
of Tropical Forests. Working at the crossroads of three of the world’s
most important eco-systems – the Tumbesian
Dry Forest, Amazonia, and the
Andean Cloud Forest – Nature
and Culture has at its doorstep the most important union of species
rich forests in the world. High-quality research can directly benefit
conservation practice and guide sustainable development activities
in ways that enhance rural livelihoods, while guaranteeing the conservation
of important forest ecosystems. Research data also informs and influences
policymakers whose decisions can impact forest conservation and
sustainability.
 Seventeen
German and Ecuadorian universities conduct one of the largest ecosystem
studies worldwide of tropical mountain forests in and around NCI’s
San Francisco Scientific Station,
financed by a project of the German
Research Foundation (DFG). The station is a well outfitted,
easily accessible facility which can house, feed, and provide ample
work space and services for up to 35 researchers at a time. The
project, established in 1997 and expanded in 2007, has been conducting
a series of basic and applied research studies at the station to
understand area forests and to determine management interventions
promoting both conservation and development practices. These studies
can help lift people out of poverty allowing them to contribute
to both forest conservation and their own well-being.
 To
date, over 165 peer-reviewed articles resulting from the research
have been published. Outside the station, additional research is
being done on the Tumbesian Forest ecosystems, bird species and
their conservation, and native
fruits and seeds for income generation and nutrition. Social
science and historical research also helps to understand how local
cultures impact community behavior and local politics in regards
to forest conservation.
Finally, providing solid research training to
young, promising Ecuadorian professionals helps guarantee the future
sustainability of research and conservation efforts since many will
move into important policymaking, teaching, nonprofit, and research
positions in Ecuador.
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