Habitat destruction is the single biggest driver of extinction rates on the planet today, and unless action is taken to preserve intact forests, It has been estimated that 25% of all species on earth will become extinct in only a few decades.  

Of special importance are hot spots of diversity, and places that contain high levels of endemism; Bigal River Biological Reserve is one such spot, and the Sumac Muyu Foundation is working to preserve the crucial corridor of foothill forests that connect the lowlands and highlands along the eastern slope of Volcan Sumaco.

From a small reserve with only 80 hectares of protected forest, we now own and administer over 1300 hectares of pristine tropical rainforest, assuring habitat and species protection in perpetuity.