Sustainable productive applications of natural ingredients from the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon region

Abstract

The development of alternatives that promote the conservation of the Ecuadorian amazon and dry forest landscapes requires joint actions that promote research of possible sustainable uses of native species; especially Non-Timber Forest Products. Thus, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) of Ecuador promoted the development of the PROAmazonía project, which seeks to generate alternatives that promote the conservation of the country's Amazon forests. Consequently, the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) implemented a multidisciplinary project that co-involved the participation of 6 Amazon communities (Shuar and Achuar indigenous cultures) and 1 community from the dry seasonally forest of southern Ecuador. This work compiles the experiences, learning and opportunities, challenges and barriers encountered at implementing sustainable use of Ecuadorian biodiversity.