Afforestation of tropical watersheds to minimize flood risk in the parish of Valle Hermoso, Ecuador

¹ Armed Forces University, Quito, Ecuador
² Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation and outcomes of a community-based afforestation project in the Valle Hermoso parish (Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador), aimed at mitigating flood risk. From 2021 to 2024, the University of the Armed Forces (ESPE) facilitated the distribution of over 2,500 Guadua angustifolia Kunth (caña guadua) plants to 250 farms across nine sub-districts, engaging 230 volunteers from the university and local community. The study maps historical flood zones and the newly forested areas surrounding the Blanco and Cristal rivers. After 3.5 years, a 55% survival rate indicates successful plant establishment and a positive project outcome. The afforestation has demonstrably increased dry-season stream flow, reduced flooding, and stabilized riverbanks, thereby minimizing landslides. These results position the project as an effective and scalable model for the broader Tsáchila province, though scalability may encounter financial, logistical, and managerial hurdles. The primary challenge remains ensuring long-term sustainability, which is heavily dependent on continued community participation and support, factors vulnerable to external economic and social pressures.