Yasuní

Yasuní is a national park located in the Amazon rainforest of eastern Ecuador. It is known for its biodiversity and is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The park covers an area of approximately 9,800 square kilometers and is home to an estimated 400 bird species, 400 types of mammals, and 1,300 types of butterflies. It also contains over 250 species of orchids and 1,200 species of trees.

The park was established in 1979 and is managed by the Yasuní National Park Foundation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1989. Yasuní is also a part of the larger Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Yasuní National Park and the surrounding buffer zone.

The park is known for its ecotourism opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. It is also a popular destination for scientific research due to its unique ecosystem. The park is home to the Quijos River, which is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world.

However, Yasuní also faces significant threats, including deforestation, climate change, and illegal activities such as logging and mining. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the park and its biodiversity. The park is also a part of the larger Yasuni ITT Initiative, which aims to preserve the park's biodiversity by compensating local communities for not developing the park's oil reserves.