Leonardo DiCaprio Instagram – The eastern slope of the Ecuadorian Andes has gained new protections thanks to the establishment of the Sucúa Municipal Conservation and Sustainable Use Area. Located in Ecuador’s Morona Santiago province, the new conservation area encompasses 43,840 acres of megadiverse, threatened ecosystems. The montane forests of Sucúa are teeming with life. Species like the White-Throated Toucan and Humboldt’s Woolly Monkey play a crucial role in dispersing seeds that help grow the forests. And as apex predators, Jaguars help maintain balance in the food chain. The long-term preservation of these Andean forests also protects water sources for over 30,000 people living in and around the conservation area. Local Shuar Indigenous communities are deeply involved in the area’s protection and sustained management. They are working alongside the local government of Sucúa and @rewild partner Nature and Culture International to monitor threats, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, and illegal hunting. Further support for this project was provided by the Andes Amazon Fund with generous contributions from the Wyss Foundation and Art into Acres in partnership with Re:wild. @andesamazonfund @naturecultureinternational @friezeofficial Humboldt’s Woolly Monkey photo: Adobe Stock Landscape photos: Fabián Rodas/NCI #ArtIntoAcres #ConservationOptimism