RALPH RUIZ ZAPATA

Don Esteban Aguilar Ayabaca never talks without mentioning Cuyas woods. His eyes light up, his voice changes. Often happens to all who have ever walked this magical space, located just ten minutes from the highland city. Don Esteban is one of the guardians of that mysterious forest, a haven for beautiful and rare orchids, hummingbirds, bearded turkeys and other species of flora and fauna. Don Esteban, however, knows that every year the area of ​​this ecosystem is reduced significantly. this is what he Intuitively senses when he climb the hill and overlooks the forest.

There are three routes to enter the Cuyas forest. From Ayabaca, which is the best known trail, from Ambasal in the district of Montero, or also by the community of Joras, if coming from Ecuador. It is quite dense forest with tall and lush trees , like repraguero [which, incidentally, is the tree most logged in the area], and amazing waterfalls, from time to time along the way .

UNPROTECTED
Biologist Távara Salazar Blanca, the NGO Nature and Culture International (NCI) loves also this forest. For four years she investigates this natural area, and one of their findings is that urgently they need to protect this area before it disappears. According to “ecological and economic zoning,” Regional Government of Piura, presented a few days ago an information in which they mention that, in recent years 30 thousand hectares of foggy and humid forest in the region has been lost.

Salazar Tavara says that the extension of the Cuyas Forest is 600 hectares, which represents half of what it was in the past ” Its the illegal logging of wood, which they use for house construction, burning of terrains and the extension of the agricultural borderlines which threatens this forest and its species. Nobody (Except the Aguilar family and other villagers) watch over this forest. Anybody can enter this forest”, explains the Biologist.

CATCH ‘THAT ORCHID
Before, to Don Esteban, orchids could be found when you entered the forest. But now the situation has changed. Outsiders takes them to sell, which have high demand in Lima and Ecuador. With it agrees Távara Salazar, who argues that there has been a looting in the forest.

“Now the orchids are in the most remote and inaccessible. There are organized gangs who come to Ayabaca and take away orchids to sell to the highest bidder. They are ordinary people not from the village,  they are foresters. The people of Cuyas do not know how much an orchid may cost or why the people fight over them, “says the biologist.

For that motiv, Don Esteban has organized his family and protects 150 hectares of the forest. Salazar Tavara supports him with a project which will promote  ecotourism in this area.

The routes have already been designed, and family members of Esteban have been also trained so that they may work as official guides during the tour and in October taking advantage the Senor Cautivo Feast, this tour will be officially launched. This is a opportunity in which that it is possible to make a forest profitable.

POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED
In the forest there have been 200 species of birds, including bearded turkey. In addition to mammals, amphibians, reptiles and orchids.

The best time to visit the Cuyas forest is between June and November. The rest of theyear is not recommended due to frequent rains and landslides. Travelers are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing for long walks.

Currently a photography exhibition is taking place concerning to this article at the University of Piura. Admission is free.