Vida de Ecosistemas Terrestres

The Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) hosted the Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range Symposium, a key event for knowledge exchange and the creation of strategic alliances to promote the conservation of this vital region. The symposium, held on February 27 and 28, 2026, brought together researchers, organizations, and communities under the coordination of the JAPU Foundation and ESPOL.

In Ecuador, bananas are much more than just a fruit; they are the heart of our agricultural economy, representing approximately 2% of the national GDP. However, the shadow of Banana Fusarium Wilt (Tropical Race 4)—a persistent and devastating fungus—poses a constant threat. In this scenario, prevention is not just an option; it is a necessity for survival.

Within the framework of the institutional project "Assessment of the Conservation Status of PASNAP Emblematic Areas," the National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO) convened expert researchers for a technical review of biological monitoring methodologies in Ecuador's coastal and marine protected areas.

With a successful turnout of 44 attendees, the Faculty of Life Sciences (FCV) became the epicenter of technical discussion regarding primate preservation in the country. The "Primatology and Conservation Workshop in Ecuador," organized by Dr. Gustavo A. Domínguez (ESPOL) and Dr. Grecia Robles Mota (Parque Histórico), brought together students, professionals, and researchers for a day of high scientific rigor.

 

In a deep immersion into Ecuador's most enigmatic ecosystems, students from the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) at ESPOL conducted a comprehensive field trip to the Cueva de los Tayos and the Jumandy Caves. 

The expedition, which took place from January 8th to 11th, covered strategic locations in the provinces of Napo (Tena) and Pastaza (Puyo). The primary objective was to closely study the morphological and behavioral adaptations of native fauna inhabiting the extreme environments of Amazonian caverns.

The Faculty of Life Sciences at ESPOL hosted the thesis defense sessions for the first cohort of the Master’s Program in Plant Health. The evaluating committee—composed of Dr. Adriana Santos, the respective tutors for each student, and the program coordinator, Dr. Lisbeth Espinoza—assessed seven master’s candidates who presented their degree projects, contributing innovative proposals for the sustainable agricultural development of the country.