In the heart of Ecuador, a silent crisis is unfolding. The tropical dry forests, some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, are vanishing at an alarming rate. A recent study published in ‘Trees, Forests and People’ sheds light on the drivers of deforestation and its impacts on ecosystem services in the Arenillas and Zarumilla watersheds of the El Oro province. The research, led by Jaime Maza-Maza of the Technical University of Machala, offers a stark reminder of the delicate balance between agricultural expansion and environmental conservation.
The study, which analyzed data from 1990 to 2020, identified the expansion of agricultural and rangelands as the primary driver of deforestation, particularly from the year 2000 onwards. This trend has led to a significant reduction in the area covered by these forests, with over 42,224.45 hectares lost. The consequences of this deforestation are far-reaching, affecting not just the environment but also the local communities and the agricultural sector.
“Deforestation has led to a broad reduction in carbon storage and water regulation, and increased erosion,” explains Maza-Maza. This decline in ecosystem services has severe implications for the agricultural sector. For instance, the reduction in water regulation can lead to water scarcity, affecting irrigation and crop yields. Increased erosion can degrade soil quality, further impacting agricultural productivity.
The study also highlights the ineffectiveness of current protected areas in halting deforestation. One of the two protected areas in the region, BP-Tahuín, showed levels of ecosystem service provision similar to non-protected areas. This finding underscores the need for alternative conservation measures that respond to social needs and valorize regulatory services.
The research suggests that the future of Ecuador’s tropical dry forests—and the agricultural sector that depends on them—hinges on finding a balance between development and conservation. It calls for innovative solutions that can halt deforestation while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. This could involve implementing payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes, which compensate landowners for conserving forests and providing ecosystem services.
As Maza-Maza puts it, “We need to identify alternative conservation measures that respond to social needs and valorize regulatory services to stop deforestation due to agricultural and rangeland expansion.” This research could shape future developments in the field by advocating for more effective conservation strategies and highlighting the importance of ecosystem services for the agricultural sector.
The study serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect these critical ecosystems. It is a reminder that the health of our forests is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our communities and the sustainability of our agricultural practices. As we move forward, it is crucial to integrate these findings into policy and practice to ensure a more sustainable future for Ecuador’s tropical dry forests and the people who depend on them.
The research was published in ‘Trees, Forests and People’ and was led by Jaime Maza-Maza of the Research Group for Conservation at the Technical University of Machala.