Ecuador’s capital city has over 60,000 hectares of protected land dedicated to the conservation of the spectacled bear, the last of its lineage in South America, which plays a crucial role in the health of its forests

Quito is not only noted for its rich history and Andean location, but also for being home to a priceless natural treasure: over 60,000 hectares of protected land dedicated to the conservation of the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), known as the “Gardener of the Forest”. In this vast Andean sanctuary, a solitary spectacled giant, the last specimen of the Ursidae family in South America, fights for its survival.

This mammal, unmistakable due to the light markings around its eyes that give it its name, is much more than a charismatic animal; it is a pillar for the health of Andean ecosystems. Due to its ability to spread seeds, the spectacled bear shapes the landscape, allowing new generations of plants to thrive. Its silent work contributes directly to the production of water and the maintenance of the rich biodiversity that characterises this region. However, the expansion of human activity and poaching has pushed this species to the brink of the abyss, leading to its classification as “endangered”.

Quito’s response has been decisive. In 2012, the Metropolitan Council declared the Andean bear emblematic fauna of the city. A year later, the Andean Bear Ecological Corridor, the vast protected area of over 60,000 hectares that encompasses the surrounding rural parishes, was established. This corridor is a vital refuge for the species, seeking to guarantee its survival in its natural habitat.

Moreover, Quito’s conservation strategy goes beyond territorial protection. The city is committed to sustainable tourism as a powerful tool for raising awareness and funding for the protection of the spectacled bear. Responsible ecotourism offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way, through wildlife observation, hiking and guided tours in protected areas.

In fact, carefully managed initiatives of this kind allow travellers to experience the majesty of the Ecuadorian Andes under strict standards of respect and safety for the fauna and flora. These experiences are not only memorable for tourists, they also contribute directly to the local economy and to the funding of conservation programmes. By choosing sustainable tourism in Quito, visitors become allies in the protection of this iconic species and the valuable ecosystems it inhabits.

Thus, the spectacled bear is not only positioned as an endangered species, but also as a symbol of the fragility of diverse ecosystems and the urgency of acting to protect them. By taking the initiative with regards to its conservation, Quito is sending a clear message to Europe and the world: the preservation of biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and the future of unique species such as this “gardener of the forest” is intrinsically linked to a sustainable development model that benefits nature, local communities and visitors alike.