The location and climate of this country makes it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It has thousands of plants and animal species that live here, some of which are unique to this place! In the past, Ecuador focused heavily on growing and improving its economy. The culture focused on making money and disregarded protecting the country's extremely rare environment. Even though policies are changing, deforestation as well as water and soil contamination remain big issues that threaten the many plants and animal species that call Ecuador home.
Ecuador has an urgent need for land preservation and environmental protection. Countless numbers of plants and animals are endagered due to the damage caused to the natural environment.
Massive oil exploitation from multiple rainforests in the 1960s and 1970s was helpful to Ecauador because it greatly improved their economy. But, during this time the oil companies TERRIBLY DAMAGED the rainforests by leaving toxic waste and crude oil. This caused contamination of the water and soil in these areas, which caused great harm to the plants and animals trying to survive there.
Deforestion has occured in many parts of the country.
