# Environmental and ecological studies in Chile and Ecuador > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-and-ecological-studies-in-chile-and-ecuador > Updated: 2026-09-18T21:21:23.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Ecological research in Chile and Ecuador has focused on the impacts of human activity and resource management on various ecosystems. In Chile, studies have addressed terrestrial and marine environments. In the Arauco commune, forestry extractivism through the MAPA project has reportedly caused territorial fractures, affecting water resources and community health in Los Horcones. Meanwhile, marine research in the Golfo de Arauco identified a ‘Quality Paradox’ in deep sectors, where local benthic communities show signs of adaptation to low oxygen levels. In Ecuador, research has examined both agricultural and coastal systems. In the Santa Elena province, studies compared agroecological and conventional horticultural systems, finding that agroecological management may improve soil structure and biological stability. Regarding marine environments in Santa Rosa, research indicated that solid waste, particularly plastic, acts as artificial habitats that modify the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Marine ecology studies examine environmental health and waste impact in Chile and Ecuador Ecological studies in Chile and Ecuador reveal how environmental factors and solid waste pollution impact marine biodiversity and benthic communities in the Golfo de Arauco and Santa Rosa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marine-ecology-studies-examine-environmental-health-and-waste-impact-in-chile-and-ecuador ### 2026-09-15: Environmental studies report on forestry impacts in Chile and agricultural systems in Ecuador Research highlights environmental conflicts caused by forestry extractivism in Arauco, Chile, and compares the benefits of agroecological versus conventional farming in Santa Elena, Ecuador. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-studies-report-on-forestry-impacts-in-chile-and-agricultural-systems-in-ecuador --- Cite as: Environmental and ecological studies in Chile and Ecuador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-and-ecological-studies-in-chile-and-ecuador