The Chocó forests of northwestern Ecuador and western Colombia are among the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots. Chinambi is located within the Key Biodiversity Area “Drácula-Golondrinas”, known for its extremely high biodiversity with many species occurring only there. Two species of critically endangered Harlequin Toads, Atelopus coynei and Atelopus aff. lynchii, are persisting until today in area, but their habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. Together with local communities, we protect these endangered harlequin toads and empower local stewards of biodiversity.

The forests around Chinambí are a sanctuary of life—one of the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots, nestled within Ecuador’s Chocó cloudforest. Here, vibrant orchids bloom in pockets of sunlight, colorful amphibians blend into the lush vegetation, and the elusive Spectacled Bear roams. These forests are home to species found nowhere else on Earth, each connected to the unique landscape and ecosystem of the region. Yet, despite its beauty, the cloudforest and their inhabitants are disappearing fast.

Deforestation is carving away at these last intact forest remnants, pushing creatures like the harlequin toads to the brink. The chytrid fungus, a lethal pathogen responsible for amphibian declines worldwide, looms as a silent but deadly threat, attacking the toads’ already fragile populations. Climate change and expanding agriculture intensify this urgency, with forest fragments shrinking as roads and farms cut through the landscape. Local communities see the changes firsthand, watching as the forests they depend on for water, shade, and biodiversity become fragile and fragmented. Without action, the region faces the very real possibility of losing its rarest inhabitants—leaving a silence where life once flourished.

In response, we are joining forces with local communities from San Jacinto, Chinambí, and El Goaltal to secure these habitats and create a sustainable future for the harlequin toad and many other threatened species. Together, we’re developing an action plan to protect 4,300 hectares of unique ecosystems. This project will connect these forest patches to other protected areas, helping to ensure resilience and biodiversity across the landscape. Our aim is to empower local people as guardians of their land, transforming threats into a legacy of protection and regeneration.

Leading this initiative on the ground is our implementing partner, Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios. Based in Ecuador’s capital, Centro Jambatu has long been at the forefront of amphibian conservation and research. With a dedicated team and strong ties to local communities, they have played an essential role in monitoring harlequin toad populations, tracking disease impacts, and collaborating with residents to implement long-term conservation strategies. Their expertise is key to ensuring the survival of these species and empowering local stakeholders in biodiversity conservation.

With the voices of the forest at risk of falling silent, we invite you to join us in safeguarding Ecuador’s Chocó rainforest. Follow our journey, share this story, or lend your support. Together, we can protect these last refuges for future generations and preserve the beauty and biodiversity that define this remarkable place. Let’s ensure that all who call this forest home can still catch a glimpse of the elusive harlequin toads, its quiet existence a testament to the thriving life of this remarkable place