Ecuador Approves $2.2 B Polo Forestal Eucalyptus Plantation Project Amid Environmental Concerns

The Ecuadorian Sectorial Cabinet of Productive Development backed the Polo Forestal project, a US$2.2 billion investment to build a wood complex with a short‑fiber pulp and paper mill capable of producing 1,000 tonnes per year in La Concordia. The plan calls for large‑scale eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis) plantations across Esmeraldas, northern Manabí, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and north‑west Pichincha, modeled after Brazil’s pulp industry.

Environmental experts warn that monoculture eucalyptus farms can degrade biodiversity, dry surrounding soils, require glyphosate for weed control and raise fire risk. A study from the University of Santiago de Compostela described such plantations as “almost a desert” for fauna, noting their high water uptake and lack of suitable habitat for birds. Advocates suggest exploring native species such as caña guadúa to lessen ecological impact.