The extent of forest resources and biodiversity are two major elements of the FAO definition of sustainability. As deforestation rate and, presumably, loss of biodiversity in Ecuador are the highest in South America, land use in this country is not sustainable. Our research in a megadiverse mountain rainforest ecosystem in the Andes of South Ecuador demonstrates the feasibility of forest and biodiversity conservation by means of scientifically based forest management. Natural succession may in some cases enhance the return of agricultural land to a more natural state. Reforestation of degraded pastures and enrichment planting with native species lead to secondary forests which can be used for timber production, releasing the pressure from the pristine forests. Single measures cannot lead to sustainable land use but concerted actions may be successful in combating the deforestation process in Ecuadorian tropical mountain forests.     «

The extent of forest resources and biodiversity are two major elements of the FAO definition of sustainability. As deforestation rate and, presumably, loss of biodiversity in Ecuador are the highest in South America, land use in this country is not sustainable. Our research in a megadiverse mountain rainforest ecosystem in the Andes of South Ecuador demonstrates the feasibility of forest and biodiversity conservation by means of scientifically based forest management. Natural succession may in...     »