Ecotourism and Orchid Hunting in Ecuador
For many years, developing countries have promoted ecotourism as a way for indigenous people to make a living without cutting down the forests. Ecuador is particularly rich in biodiversity and has set aside 23% of its land in national parks, reserves, refuges, and recreation. In addition, the government pays private land owners to keep their acreage wild. Over 5000 species of orchids have been identified throughout Ecuador with more being discovered each year.
