Powered by
What is a Cloud Forests?
Landing in Quito, Ecuador, is a mesmerizing experience. From the airplane, you can watch the mountains and the magnificent Andes surrounding the city. The volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo will catch your attention on a clear day. However, a hidden gem is only 60 miles from Quito… the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
The Andean cloud forest, a magical paradise wrapped with misty clouds, is one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
“The Andes are not just one mountain range but rather a succession of parallel and transverse mountain ranges -called cordilleras- along with their intervening plateaus and depressions.” (Myster, R.W., 2021). All these variations in altitude and temperature create memorable places that are unique ecosystems. The cloud forest is one of the best biological communities to enjoy.
A simple definition of a cloud forest is “a forest that is frequently covered in cloud or mist” (Stadtmüller, 1987).
Why is it so vital to protect the cloud forest Cloud Forests?
The cloud forest in Ecuador is a paradise for bird watchers, herpetologists (study frogs and reptiles), lepidopterologists (study butterflies and moths), and other scientists and nature lovers.
However, the future of cloud forests could be brighter if stakeholders understood that the ecosystem worldwide is severely threatened by mining, agriculture, deforestation, and poor governance. No problem is solved until people acknowledge it. The lungs of the earth need your help to keep providing the oxygen and beauty we need to survive.
Why does your Donation Matters?
Cloud forests are vital ecosystems that support incredible biodiversity and play a crucial role in climate regulation. Your donation directly supports our conservation projects, from reforestation to community education, ensuring these forests thrive for generations to come.
