Facilitation of biodiversity by shelter effects of Pinus patula and Alnus acuminata in montane ecosystems of South Ecuador

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DFG-research groups could establish a sound scientific baseline for restoration and reforestation with native species in Southern Ecuador. Preliminary field experiments indicated that many native species of high timber value showed surprisingly good performance in gaps of pine plantations. This shelter effect is well known from other regions of the word, but it is new for Ecuadorian pine plantations. Reforestation of native species and mixed forests with higher ecological and economic stability are not yet considered in practical forestry in Ecuador. Pine forests receive much higher attention despite their negative ecological consequences. In this pilot project we aim at fostering the establishment of mixed forests with native species by underplanting of pine plantations and Alnus stands and by application of silvicultural treatments. By this means monocultures shall be converted into mixed forests with higher ecological and economic stability. One major reason for poor acceptance of international experiences and poor implementation in Ecuadorian forestry are the lack of institutions for technology transfer and missing pilot projects, proving the practical feasibility of scientific results. In close cooperation with counterparts from Ecuador, we are proposing a pilot project for environmental sciences to overcome these institutional barriers of knowledge transfer and to test the feasibility of scientific results of DFG-research groups under realistic practical conditions and a wide range of environmental conditions.