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Ecuador is home to 19 Ramsar wetlands that are internationally recognised for their ecological, social, and climatic importance. These ecosystems play a crucial role in water regulation, the conservation of key species, and the livelihoods of local communities. However, many of them face growing threats such as deforestation, pollution, and the expansion of human activities.
While the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas does not focus exclusively on wetlands, it is a tool designed to ensure effective management across all protected and conserved areas. Several Ramsar wetlands in Ecuador fall within protected areas that are either already Green List-certified or in the process of certification. This presents a unique opportunity to enhance their sustainable management and long-term conservation under internationally recognised standards.
Below are some of the Ecuadorian Ramsar wetlands that are either part of certified Green List areas or undergoing the certification process.
Ramsar Wetlands within Green List Areas and in the Certification Process
Cuyabeno (Ministerio del Ambiente, Agua y Transición Ecológica)
1. Cuyabeno-Lagartococha-Yasuní Wetland Complex
As Ecuador’s largest Ramsar wetland, covering 773,668 hectares, this Amazonian ecosystem hosts exceptional biodiversity and plays a key role in global climate regulation. It overlaps entirely with Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve and Yasuní National Park, two of Ecuador’s most significant protected areas. These areas are home to iconic species such as the pink river dolphin, giant otter, and jaguar, as well as indigenous communities like the Siona, Secoya, and Waorani, who have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment for centuries.
The Green List certification process for these protected areas strengthens participatory governance, ecological monitoring, and evidence-based conservation strategies.
Parque Nacional Cayambe Coca (chinchetasenunmapa.com)
2. Ñucanchi-Turupamba Wetland Complex (Cayambe Coca National Park)
This 12,290-hectare Ramsar site consists of glacial-origin lagoons that play a critical role in regulating water supplies for Quito and other Andean cities. In addition to being a vital water source, this high-altitude ecosystem protects species such as the Andean spectacled bear, an indicator of páramo ecosystem health.
Cayambe Coca National Park is currently in the Green List certification process, which will enhance the management planning, ecological sustainability, and local community integration necessary to protect these high-altitude wetlands.
Humedales del Sur de Isabela (Mongabay)
3. Southern Isabela Wetlands (Galápagos)
These 872-hectare wetlands are part of the Galápagos National Park, though the Ramsar designation covers only a portion of it. They include coastal lagoons and tidal wetlands, serving as critical refuges for endemic species such as the Galápagos flamingo and giant tortoise.
These marine and coastal ecosystems are key to climate regulation and biodiversity maintenance in the archipelago. While the Ramsar designation is limited to a specific area, the comprehensive management of the Galápagos National Park, strengthened by its Green List certification, ensures effective conservation and a balance between sustainable tourism and ecosystem protection.
Limoncocha – Autor MAATE
4. Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Located in the province of Sucumbíos, this 4,613-hectare reserve protects an Amazonian ecosystem of lagoons and wetlands, home to more than 450 bird species—making it a biodiversity hotspot for wildlife observation. This wetland plays a crucial role in water cycle regulation, carbon capture, and the protection of vulnerable species.
The Green List certification process has promoted participatory monitoring and community-based management strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability. The collaboration between the reserve’s administration and local communities has led to the development of an effective and replicable governance model.
Strengthening the Management of Ramsar Wetlands through the IUCN Green List
Although the IUCN Green List does not focus solely on wetlands, its implementation within protected areas that contain these ecosystems presents a valuable opportunity to enhance conservation efforts. Green List certification ensures that these areas are managed effectively, adapting to environmental and social challenges through improved planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
To ensure the sustainability of Ramsar wetlands in Ecuador, concrete actions must be taken, such as:
✅ Scientific monitoring to assess ecosystem health
✅ Active participation of indigenous and local communities in conservation efforts
✅ Sustainable funding mechanisms to support long-term management
✅ Promotion of responsible tourism that balances economic benefits with conservation
✅ Adopting international conservation standards to improve protection strategies
Alliance for Jaguar and Pink Dolphin Conservation in Cuyabeno
As part of broader efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation in Ecuador’s Ramsar wetlands, IUCN South America has partnered with WWF-Ecuador to protect the jaguar and pink river dolphin in Cuyabeno.
This collaboration leverages the Green List framework and Conservation Assured Standards to ensure that these critical ecosystems remain safe havens for wildlife while also supporting local communities.
The alliance marks a key milestone in the effective management of the Cuyabeno-Lagartococha-Yasuní Wetland Complex, combining scientific research, community engagement, and international conservation standards.
Camilo Granda
A Sustainable Future for Ecuador’s Ramsar Wetlands
The inclusion of Cuyabeno-Yasuní, Cayambe Coca, Limoncocha, and Galápagos in the Green List is a major step toward their long-term conservation. Ecuador has the potential to become a global leader in wetland conservation, setting an example for effective management and expanded Green List certification.
By embracing this standard, Ecuador can safeguard these critical ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability and the well-being of the communities that depend on them. Protecting Ramsar wetlands is not only an urgent task but a shared responsibility, essential for water security, biodiversity preservation, and ecosystem services for future generations.
IUCN
