Rainforests cover 1.35 billion hectares (13.5 km2) on the planet and are located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer along the Equator. These millions of hectares of rainforest produce free environmental benefits necessary for humanity; the most important of these are air, water, and pollination. For example, a 50-year-old tree can produce enough oxygen for two people to breathe in one year and one hectare of trees will provide enough air for 18 people. One tree produces enough water to provide 6 people with food to drink and is home to many pollinators that help produce food. In addition to these environmental benefits, these trees are known to capture CO2 from the air for their own cellular needs while emitting O2. This tropical area of the planet is responsible for the greatest air purification and water production due to its abundant rainfall. These rainforests are home to 50 million native people grouped into over a thousand ethnicities. (earthday.org).
What happens if deforestation continues? Every tree lost results in an exponential increase in atmospheric CO2 and a decrease in O2. Climate change and global warming are a reality facing the planet today, and a major factor is deforestation. It has been estimated that the amount of rainforest lost DAILY is equivalent to the size of Manhattan, NY (97 km2). Inevitably, air, water, and pollinators have become scarce, and over time, only industrial machines will be able to produce these daily necessities for our survival with the added burden of purifying the air we breathe and slowing global warming. The planet will not be able to recover, sending thousands upon thousands of species into mass extinction. Not to mention the dramatic effect this has on the mere existence of those who inhabit these habitats.
About Itapoa Project and Its Mission:
Why the Choco Region?
“My dream is to live in a world in harmony with Nature. To leave clean water and pure air for our future generations, to use only what we need and to give back ten times what we use. To bury consumerism and live sustainably. To spend the rest of my life contemplating the wonderful world of Nature without worrying about how long that beauty will last.”
Raúl Nieto, Founder, Itapoa Project
In South America there is a large area of tropical rainforest that has not yet been fully explored and many that were lost without knowing what was there (along with areas that are already completely extinct). This area of tropical rainforest is biographically known as El Chocó. This region extends from southern Panama to northern Ecuador and from the Pacific Ocean to the western high brow of the Andes Mountains. It is surprisingly one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests on planet Earth, even more so than the Amazon itself, as it has more species per square kilometer despite being less extensive. Scientific exploration in sections of El Chocó has documented up to 11,000 plants, of which 2,700 are endemic. The fauna is also particularly rich. So far, 285 species of mammals (11 endemic), 890 species of birds (110 endemic), 327 species of reptiles (98 endemic), 300 species of amphibians (30 endemic) and 251 species of freshwater fish (115 endemic) have been identified.
Surprisingly, these data have only been documented in 50% of El Chocó. The remaining 50% is uninhabited and new species are gradually being discovered.
Itapoa Project is a rainforest research and conservation effort, located in The Chocó region of Ecuador and Colombia. It is a ecological hotspot that contains more than 1500 vascular plants as endemics but unfortunately has lost more than 70% of its primary vegetation. (An endemic species or biologic group is one that has evolved within a restricted area – a unique species that can be found only in that geographical location). Itapoa Project has been working to prevent deforestation since 1989 by replanting cleared cut areas and creating new patches of forest. Along with restoration efforts aimed at preserving the unique plant and wildlife, Itapoa’s goal is to educate their inhabitants about the dangers of logging or illicit crop growing. Local farmers are being helped to plant cacao as a cash crop, so they can have an alternative and stable income stream vs. selling their land, losing a future income stream with the sale and ultimately having to migrate out of their communities. Neighbors of the Project are encouraged to allow some parts of their cleared cut land to grow back and to preserve the native forest. Itapoa Project also trains and educates concerned individuals and future field biologists who come work with us from around the world.
Besides the richness in biodiversity, the Choco is rich in ethnic and cultural diversity. As part of our work, we have linked the culture of the region to the conservation of their environment because both are inextricably bonded together; if the forest is lost, the culture will also disappear. To inspire the preservation of the local culture, music was the path chosen. Music is the most powerful tool known to move people on an emotional level. Once connected and in tune, the people become more aware of their surroundings and yearn to protect their natural and cultural inheritance. Itapoa Project works with some of the most renowned musicians of the Colombian Pacific coast in an effort to teach and pass down the origins and music of the Choco community. Preserving the community’s heritage, and bringing awareness of the invaluable delicate ecosystem they call home, eventually protects the countless species and biodiverse rainforest that are highly susceptible to destruction and permanent extinction.
ITAPOA
PROJECT FOCUS
Chocolate to Save the Chocό Rainforest
