Ecuador is home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery including some of the natural wonders of the world. The Galápagos Islands contain thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, some of which inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Another region, “El Oriente”, is home to the Amazon Rainforest, which hosts more than 15,000 species of plant life and 500 species of birds. I am captivated by the vibrant tapestry of Ecuador’s rich biodiversity and the cultural traditions that have shaped its diverse communities. 

In the face of rapid global transformations, there is a pressing need to safeguard and commemorate distinctive cultural identities. Ecuador is currently grappling with a major crisis characterized by escalating gang violence, the devastation of the Amazon rainforest and the natural habitats of unique wildlife exclusive to this region, and the looming threat of poachers endangering vulnerable species. 

Through this series, I aim to seamlessly intertwine the awe-inspiring beauty of Ecuadorian animals with the profound depth of the country’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the interdependence of ecosystems and human communities.