Ecuador implements new regulation to protect 2.2 million hectares of forest

The Ecuadorian government, led by President Daniel Noboa, has introduced a new technical regulation to improve the management and governance of the nation's forests and state forest heritage. Through the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the new norm establishes criteria for the zoning, planning, monitoring, and administration of protected areas.

Vice Minister of Environment and Marine Coastal Affairs, Alicia Jaramillo, stated that the regulation will enable coordinated management of more than 2.2 million hectares across 184 protected forests and vegetation areas. These zones are considered vital for biodiversity conservation, natural resource protection, and sustainable development.

The regulation was developed through a participatory process involving local communities, decentralized autonomous governments, academia, and civil society. Technical and institutional support was provided by organizations including Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and the Sustainable Environmental Investment Fund via REM I funds.