Conservation International conducted a survey with a team of international scientists in southwestern Ecuador in April. Findings from the field include as many as 12 new species new to science, including plants, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Watch the above video for a nice summary of some of the most interesting finds.
The expedition also aimed to educate the local people about their ecosystem, and gathered data to help convince the Ecuadorian government to protect the area for such economic benefits as ecotourism. The group also instructed them on the Socio-bosque Program, which aims to benefit communities while promoting conservation. This program was launched by the Ecuadorian federal government to provide direct monetary incentives to individual landowners and indigenous communities that protect the native forest. The government aims to protect 4 million hectares and improve the lives of some of the poorest people in the country.
