Tumbes, Chocó, and Magdalena Forests

Dry forests, compared to wet forests, have seasonal ecological processes and lower net primary productivity due to their dense vegetation during the rainy season. They are known for their high levels of endemism in both flora and fauna, hosting 55 endemic bird species and eight endemic mammals. However, the Equatorial and Tumbesian Dry Forests face severe threats such as climate and atmospheric impacts, socioeconomic and governance challenges, and a lack of financial and technical support for local farmers in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These factors have increased human pressure on these ecosystems, resulting in the degradation of natural systems, loss of vegetation, soil, and fauna, reduced water regulation and supply, and decreased carbon storage capacity. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the populations that depend on this Strategic Ecosystem in Ecuador and Peru.

The Chocó is an extremely humid and biodiverse forest, home to over 9,000 vascular plant species, 200 mammals, 600 birds, 100 reptiles, and 120 amphibians. Approximately 25% of these species are endemic. This ecosystem is valued for its uniqueness, as it maintains the only continuous tropical rainforest on the South American Pacific and is considered a biodiversity "hotspot." To be classified as a hotspot, a region must have high biological diversity, the presence of endemic species, and face a significant threat of extinction due to deforestation, cattle ranching, mining, and agriculture. The Chocó meets these criteria, making it of great scientific and conservation interest.

The Magdalena River Basin, covering 250,000 km², is home to 233 fish species, 76% of which are endemic. This basin is vital for water regulation, and more than 80% of Colombia's GDP depends on its productivity. However, 78% of the basin faces critical erosion and issues such as deforestation, illegal mining pollution, and other environmental factors, which have significantly reduced fishing in the past 40 years. This situation affects the 30 million people who live in this strategic ecosystem.