Ecological Ruminations, Cuenca, Ecuador

Diane: Yesterday, in addition to learning the results of the U.S. elections, TM and I went over to the municipal planetarium to watch a movie. It was presented free of charge by a local ecology foundation. It was animated with pastel-like drawings that merged into one another - a nice effect that I'd like to try. They projected the film onto the interior of the rounded roof of the planetarium and were able to display two running at the same time - another nice effect. This, of course, reminded me of my Mom's house, where she has had up to 4 screens next to each other running at the same time.

The film, entitled "El Hombre que Plantaba Árboles", chronicled the life of a man who single-handedly transformed a desert-like landscape into beautiful and bountiful woodlands with towering trees. I don't know if it was supposed to be a true story or even if it could be a true story. At home, I don't think a mature forest could grow in such a short timespan. Perhaps, here in Ecuador, where nutrient-laden volcanic deposits have enriched the soil, a full-blown forest could grow over the course of 50 years.

The reality here is that many verdant mountainsides have been plundered for firewood, especially in times of severe fuel shortages. Perhaps this explains why the hillsides between here and Quito look so desolate in one area and full of dense green foliage over the next hill. We visited El Cajas about a month ago, the nearest National Park to Cuenca. In private areas adjacent to the park, people have planted massive pine tree farms. They are just babies right now, but I'm sure as these farms mature, they will have a significant ecological impact, especially since they are not native to the area.






El Cajas was spared total deforestation over the years due to its difficult terrain, inaccessability, and nasty daily weather.






Even though El Cajas is now protected, just before Christmas, many people collect mosses and lichens there to sell in town. Moss is the traditional material used to decorate the family creche. Now, these mosses are endangered.