I. Introduction

• Background information on the Cuyabeno Reserve: The Cuyabeno Reserve is a protected area located in the northeastern region of Ecuador. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country and it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The reserve is also home to several indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with the environment for centuries. The reserve was created in 1979 to protect the biodiversity of the Amazonian rainforest and the cultures of the indigenous people living there.
• Location and size of the reserve: The Cuyabeno Reserve is located in the provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana in the northeastern region of Ecuador, with Sucumbios being the most prevalent. The reserve covers an area of about 603,380 hectares, that is equivalent to 603,380 football fields. The reserve is located in the Amazon basin, it encompasses a diverse set of ecosystems such as rainforests, flooded forests, and savannas.
• Ecological importance of the reserve: The Cuyabeno Reserve is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, it contains a vast number of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The reserve also plays an important role in regulating the local climate, maintaining the hydrological balance of the region, and purifying water and air. Additionally, the reserve serves as a vital source of livelihoods and resources for the indigenous communities that live within and around it.