Source: TH
Context: El Cajas National Park, located in the highlands of Ecuador near Cuenca, has been severely impacted by wildfires exacerbated by a prolonged and severe drought.
- The Ecuadorian government has declared a 60-day national emergency to address the raging forest fires, which threaten not only the park’s ecological integrity but also its critical water resources.
About El Cajas National Park:
- Location: Highlands of Ecuador, 30 km west of Cuenca in Azuay province.
- Area: Spans 285.44 km² with altitudes between 3100m and 4450m.
- Declared: National Park status granted on November 5, 1996.
- Topography: Features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and about 270 lakes and lagoons, with Luspa as the largest lake.
- Rivers: The Tomebamba and Yanuncay rivers originate here, contributing to the Amazon basin. Western drainage connects to the Pacific Ocean.
- Highest Point: Cerro Arquitectos (4450m).
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