The mining is rapidly advancing over the unique ecosystems of the Ecuadorian Amazon, threatening protected areas that are crucial for biodiversity. A recent report by the EcoCiencia Foundation highlights the expansion of gold extraction in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, a critical area for the conservation of species and natural resources.
Impact of Mining in the Amazon: Protected Areas at Risk
Illegal mining continues to affect areas of great ecological value, even within protected areas. Based on the analysis of satellite images and drones, the report reveals the increasing pressure on these natural enclaves that are essential for the ecosystem of southern Ecuador.
The findings indicate that around 111 hectares have been disturbed by mining activities from 2011 to 2025. Sites like the Podocarpus National Park and the Cerro Plateado Biological Reserve are among the most affected.
This mining advancement poses a significant threat to biodiversity, affecting emblematic species such as the jaguar, the tapir, and the spectacled bear, which depend on these habitats for their survival.
Between August 2023 and December 2025, 44 hectares were identified as impacted in Podocarpus National Park, leading to actions against illegal camps in the area.
In addition to deforestation, the report notes the impact on the Loyola River, crucial for cloud forests and Andean páramos. Illegal mining also generates deforestation, soil erosion, and the formation of sediment pools, compromising the quality of the ecosystem.
The report highlights that 92% of the affected areas are outside legal mining concessions, suggesting the presence of irregular mining operations.
The situation in Zamora Chinchipe is critical, with an increase in impacted areas from 5 hectares in 1995 to more than 6,800 hectares in 2024, evidencing the uncontrolled expansion of this activity.
To face these challenges, the report recommends strengthening environmental monitoring through advanced technologies, such as satellite images and drones, to detect and control illicit mining activities.
Protecting these natural jewels is vital not only for Ecuador but also for the entire Amazon region, due to their importance for the global ecological balance.
