In the humid cloud forests of Carchi, Ecuador, we’re taking action for orchids.
Ecuador is home to the second highest diversity of orchids in the entire world, boasting 4,200 described species with new species being discovered every year. Each species is entirely unique; they come in a plethora of shapes and colors. Some look like they have little faces, some have frills and curls almost like ribbons. Some even look like tiny fairy creatures floating in the treetops.
Most orchid species are dependent on trees; as epiphytes, they grow on bark and absorb nutrients and water from the air. This is why orchids are so abundant in humid climates, like Ecuador’s cloud forests. It’s also why deforestation is particularly threatening to them. As illegal mining has escalated over the past few years in Carchi, deforestation and toxic pollution in the forest has risen alongside it, placing orchid populations at risk.
We are taking action for orchids by supporting the construction of a virtual classroom at the Dracula Nature Reserve in the cloud forests of Carchi; a space that will connect the local town of Quinshul to the reserve and its work, provide essential access to technology for the community, raise awareness about the importance of protecting the cloud forest, and create opportunities for the community to get involved.
Classroom progress
Construction on the classroom began in May. Over the past few months, the Dracula ranger team has made great progress in preparing the space for classroom use. It’s being built in an existing house on the Dracula property, though lots of work was needed to prepare it for use as a classroom, especially in the humid cloud forest environment (the humidity level is usually 100% during the day—the same humidity level as a steam room). So far, the rangers installed a gutter system on the roof for precipitation runoff, varnished the wooden walls and floors of the classroom to protect them from moisture, made repairs to the building’s plumbing system, and they installed a wire fence around the property for security.
While equipping the classroom, they also had to think about what kind of technology is best suited for the cloud forest environment. The cloud forest is teeming with all kinds of wildlife, particularly insects. And as you probably know, they are very good at finding their way inside buildings. Rather than desktop computers, which have many ventilation holes that insects could wiggle into, they chose to go with laptops. A small adjustment that will make coexisting with the forest much easier.
Anticipation for the classroom is high. Several women from the nearby town of Quinshul have emphasized the need for resources to support their children’s education, like computers and printers. They are also interested in using the space for their own education, training, and advancing their small businesses. The rangers have held several meetings with the women of Quinshul to discuss what they want from the classroom and ensure that it will serve the community as best as possible.
The reserve and the local community form a symbiotic relationship; what affects one of them also affects the other. If water sources in the reserve are polluted by toxic mining waste, the community also suffers as pollutants travel downstream and fish populations die off. If habitat is deforested in the community, species in the reserve also suffer from less space to move around and find resources. Building strong relationships with the community is vital to the long-term success of the reserve and its protection of the species that live there. Only by working together can they secure a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife in the reserve and its surrounding area.
There is still more work to be done before the classroom is operational. The electrical system needs to be updated, along with other improvements to the house. When it’s complete, it will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for local students, a place to share environmental education with the town of Quinshul, a resource to support women’s businesses and career training, and a meeting place for Dracula scientists and conservationists as they protect the reserve’s rare biodiversity.
The education + orchid connection
At Women for Conservation, we believe that education is the key to creating change in the fight against biodiversity loss. We see its impact on the ground every day: women, men, and children that are inspired to get involved in conservation and reawaken their love for nature, all through education. Inspiration and love transform into real actions, whether that’s choosing to learn how to compost at home—reducing food waste and recycling nutrients back into the soil—or planting native flowers in your backyard to create a sanctuary for disappearing pollinators, committing to shopping primarily secondhand, or getting involved in local conservation initiatives. Researchers at Stanford University analyzed 105 studies on the effects of environmental education on conservation. 87% of the studies reported that participants gained awareness, knowledge, and skills that inspire change in their own daily behaviors. If enough people take small actions like these, we can make an enormous difference for nature.
By building a space for education to take place, we directly contribute to the protection of rare orchids that live in the Dracula reserve. It will allow the reserve to reach the local community and inspire positive actions through education. When students are informed about the importance of protecting local biodiversity, they become a generation of citizens that live more environmentally-friendly lives, reducing their long-term impact on the forest.
Many people in Quinshul rely on mining for income. With few opportunities for education and alternative jobs, they often don’t have much choice. The classroom will help community members pursue education and training to find alternative livelihoods, meaning that there will be less reliance on mining for income, and less harm to the forest. Furthermore, the reserve facilitates a women’s group called Mujeres de Quinshul that runs a sustainable agriculture business, with products like greenhouse-grown vanilla and handmade soaps. The classroom and its tools will be an invaluable resource for them as they continue to expand and diversify their businesses— further strengthening and diversifying the local economy away from environmentally harmful activities.
We are thrilled for the classroom to open its doors and invite learners of all ages inside. To us, the classroom represents a vital step towards a healthy and stable cloud forest ecosystem, one where orchids are abundant and thriving.
Help us protect nature and educate the next generation—your support makes it possible.