DIFORPA Project

The Paute River Basin has an approximate area of ​​5000.000 ha. and generates more than 60% of the country's electricity, also provides drinking water to the provinces of Azuay, Cañar and part of Morona Santiago. However, despite its importance, it is seriously affected by environmental problems such as an erosion rate of around 40 Tm/ha/year, very high deforestation and a marked lack of knowledge of its biodiversity and its potential. Several investigations have been carried out but the information generated is scattered and difficult to access.

• Study the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution of forest diversity in the Paute River Basin.
• Evaluate the uses and impacts caused by the communities on the forest resource.
• Seek sustainability in the management of native forests through silvicultural alternatives.

• 1.- Forest Ecology The objective of this component is to study the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution patterns of the forest diversity of the native forests of the Paute river basin. Within this component and in coordination with the environmental impact assessment component, traditional knowledge and the use of forest diversity among communities will be studied.
• 2.- Evaluation of Environmental Impacts The same one that will diagnose the current state of the forest areas used by the communities and the impacts that the users provoke on the forest diversity. The adaptation of an Environmental Impact Assessment methodology will allow the Forest and Protective Vegetation Areas to be prioritized by conservation and management priority.
• 3.- Forestry Component that seeks alternatives for habitat restoration and reforestation through experimental plantations with native species in the upper, middle and lower sub-basins of the Paute River.

• A regional herbarium of the woody species of the Paute River Basin.
• Alternative models of forestry in three plant formations.
• A standardized method for the Evaluation of Community Environmental Impacts on the forest resource.
• A Geographic Information System with the distribution of species, uses and impacts, available to interested public or private organizations.