Ecuador creates 173,000‑hectare Yasuní‑Limoncocha‑Cuyabeno corridor to protect Amazon biodiversity

Ecuador's Ministry of Environment officially recognized a 173,000‑hectare (approximately 173,396 ha) ecological corridor linking Yasuní National Park, Limoncocha Biological Reserve and the Cuyabeno Production Reserve. The corridor integrates protected areas, indigenous territories (Siona, Siekopai, Kichwa), and sustainable production zones, aiming to maintain ecological connectivity and safeguard the region's rich biodiversity.

Authorities highlighted that the corridor supports over 3,690 plant species and 3,997 animal species, including the pink river dolphin, harpy eagle, jaguar and large charapa turtle. Vice‑minister of Environment Alicia Jaramillo said the designation “represents a commitment of the State with a territorial management oriented to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and active participation of the communities.” Claude Gascon of the Global Environment Facility stressed the importance of connectivity for Amazonian species. The initiative is coordinated by the Ministry, Conservation International‑Ecuador, Ecociencia–Kolibría and supported by international donors such as the World Bank and WWF‑Ecuador.