Andes Highland Reserve, Guandera, was established in 1994 as the first conservation initiative in the northern Andean region. The reserve protects one of the last remnants of high altitude montane forest of which less than 2% of the original forests are left intact. The reserve is known for the large Guandera tree (Clusia flaviflora), which dominates this unusual and threatened forest.

This forest, between 3100 meters and 3600 meters of altitude, is unique on a world scale because of its immense trees found at such extreme altitudes. Per area diversity exceeds 40 species per 1/10 hectare, a world record for altitudes over 3000 meters. The wildlife at Guandera is also extremely diverse and abundant; over 160 bird species have been identified, and over 75% of the birds are Andean endemics.

A number of large mammals reside in the reserve, including the threatened Andean Spectacled Bear and the Northern Pudu Deer, and amphibians and reptiles, although not particularly diverse, are abundant.
 
Objectives:
Conservation of highland forest and alpine grasslands, as well as, sustainable development initiatives in the Inter-Andean region in northern Ecuador.

Projects and activities: Basic ecological monitoring research
Production projects that offer alternatives to the intensive chemical-oriented potato production in the region. These projects include organic potatoes and other native tubers production, guinea pigs, native mushrooms and organic vegetables cultivation
To maintain a collection of 80 antique tuber varieties and various research and environmental education projects.

Current research includes a non-invasive study of the local Andean Bear population and its changes in species composition in areas of natural regeneration.
Volunteers contribute to the development of the nearby "Arrayan Reserve" in collaboration with communities and local government.

We will soon be able to offer the opportunity to engage in “llama treks”, facilitated by local guides.

Guandera has been the inspiration for many additional conservation and "stakeholder" alliances to pursue conservation in northern Ecuador.The station on the reserve has provided information on climate changes to the public for the past seven years.

The book “Tropical alpine treelines: how ecological proceses control vegetation patterning and dynamics”, was published based on studies conducted on Guandera Reserve and some other sites.

Reforestation of river basins and agro-forestry activities through the project “PRODERENA – CDC”.  Project for National Tourism on the zones near Guandera.
Forest phenology within and around Guandera. Andean bear ecology in the forest within and around Guandera Station.

• Organic farming
• Environmental education within the communities

• Click here to volunteer in Guandera