Cloud forests are regions characterized by a constant low-level cloud cover, generally year-round. The moisture in these areas makes them incredibly biodiverse. They are often home to a huge variety of trees, mosses, plants, birds and other species. They are remniscent of the jungle, but often colder, and the trees are shorter due to the elevation and windy conditions. The cloud forests are gorgeous. The fogs gives them a mysterious feeling, but the lush dark green treescape makes you feel like you are in the Amazon. Plus, the birds, bugs and botany are unlike anything you could ever dream!
The Sierra is home to lots of agriculture. Many families make their living growing and selling maiz, papas, mellocos (a type of potato), habas (beans), cebolla and more. They also raise livestock such as vacas, caballos, chivos, ovejas, llamas y pollos. There is ample space for farming in the Sierra, and the moderate temperatures allow crops to grow year-round.
Right now, we are facing a huge threat to the Sierra due to climate change, specifically, drought. Ecuador is currently experiencing a record drought, and as such, many areas are struggling to produce crops. As the vast majority of Ecuador's energy is hydroelectric, the government has also been forced to resort to power cuts across the country. We lose power for up to 14 hours a day in an attempt to conserve this limited, yet basic, resource.
