WHAT

A rapid assessment expedition where assembled teams of expert international and regional scientists whose combined knowledge of tropical biodiversity and ecosystems allowed them to quickly assess the uniqueness and conservation value of an area and to make recommendations about its management for human well-being.  Watch videos of the scientists working, footage of potentially new and endemic species and see what life is like on expedition! >>

WHERE

Tepuyes of the Upper Nangaritza River, Cordillera del Cóndor, Provincia de Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador, South America.  View maps of the region and survey area. >>

WHO

A group of over twenty scientists and support personnel from Ecuador and the United States.  See participating organizations and donors. >>

WHEN

April 6-20, 2009

WHY

CI Ecuador, Conservation Stewards Program and their partners have been working with the communities in this region to develop sustainable management plans for their natural resources.

The local community and the local Shuar associations have been granted management of this area which is a “private protection forest”. They are proposing this area to be part of the national protected area system.

Since little is known about the biological richness and ecological systems, this RAP survey will provide much needed data to support these actions.

EXPLORE: See more expeditions.