In southeastern Ecuador's copper-rich mountains, local residents are working as 'paraecologists' to systematically document their territory's biodiversity. According to Inside Climate News, these community scientists are creating species inventories, collecting water samples, and mapping ecosystems that include endangered species, waterfalls, and medicinal plants.
The paraecologists' documentation efforts aim to protect these biodiverse ecosystems from mining operations. The region's ecological data is being translated into evidence that can be used to demonstrate the environmental value of the land and potentially block extractive industry projects that could damage critical habitats.