Sangay National Park
Country
Ecuador
Inscribed in
1983
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
With its outstanding natural beauty and two active volcanoes, the park illustrates the entire spectrum of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to glaciers, with striking contrasts between the snowcapped peaks and the forests of the plains. Its isolation has encouraged the survival of indigenous species such as the mountain tapir and the Andean condor. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Outstanding natural beauty
Criterion
(vii)
With an altitudinal range extending from 900 to 5,319 metres above sea level, Sangay National Park includes three volcanoes: Tungurahua (5,016m), Sangay (5,230m), and Altar (5,319m). These volcanoes have a superlative aesthetic beauty, including a rare combination of grasslands, rainforests and many other fragile habitats. The Park also contains one of the largest areas of páramo (a montane grassland vegetation) occurring in Ecuador. Spectacular glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes complement the natural beauty of this striking landscape that plunges from the heights of the Andes down to the plains of the Amazon Basin (UNESCO, World Heritage List).
Outstanding examples of on-going geological processes characterized by volcanic activity
Criterion
(viii)
The currently active Sangay and Tungurahua volcanoes are some of the highest volcanoes in the world and provide outstanding examples of on-going geological processes characterized by explosions of steam and ash and lava flows. The Altar volcano exhibits the characteristics of an extinct volcano with a heavily eroded and glaciated caldera that contains a crater lake. A number of large rivers, draining eastwards into the Amazon Basin, are characterized by fast and dramatic variations in water level. Run-off is extremely rapid due to high rainfall and steep slopes. Erosion is a constant danger, although controlled by thick forest vegetation. Numerous waterfalls occur, especially in the hanging valleys of the glacial zone along the eastern edge of the Cordillera (UNESCO, World Heritage List).
High diversity of vegetation types with altitudinal variations
Criterion
(ix)
The large size and altitudinal variations of the Park provide the natural landscapes for the maintenance of on-going ecological processes typical of the eastern tropical Andes. A high diversity of extensive and extraordinarily well preserved vegetation types are present, ranging from alpine zones of the high paramo to the subtropical rain and wet forests of the upper Amazon Basin. Fauna species distributions correspond with vegetation zones and there is a distinct altitudinal zonation. The principal physical factors influencing vegetation are altitude and rainfall, with more luxuriant vegetation growing on the wetter eastern slopes. Subpáramo has formed at the highest levels below the snowline, and is dominated by lichens and bryophytes. A subalpine rain Páramo zone occurs below this. Montane wet forest is found in valleys to the west. At lower elevations, there is a greater variety of small trees and shrubs. Montane rainforest has developed on the wetter eastern slopes and occurs below 3,750 m. The vegetation of the upper half of this zone attains approximately 5 m. Below 3,000 m, the vegetation develops into forest up to 12 m high; between 2,000 m and 3,000 m lower montane rainforest occurs on steep-sided valleys. Subtropical rainforest occurs below 2,000 m where temperatures range from 18 °C to 24 °C and rainfall may reach 5,000 mm annually (World Heritage Centre website, retrieved February 2014).
High species diversity and important habitats of endangered species
Criterion
(x)
As a consequence of its relative isolation and pronounced altitudinal variation, species diversity is very high, and many species which are threatened elsewhere are found in abundance. Of particular importance are the endangered mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), spectacled bear (Tremactus Ornatus), Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) and jaguar (Pantera Onca). At least 3,000 species of flowering plants are expected to occur in the park and reports describe 107 mammal, 430 bird, 33 amphibian, 14 reptile and 17 fish species (UNESCO, World Heritage List). 10 new species located in Sangay National Park were registered after 8-year study (two mammals and eight amphibians) (El Universo, 2018). In March 2020 the Museum of Zoology of the Catholic University reported a new species of frog in Sangay National Park. Sangay is one of the largest amphibian wealth centers in the world and has over 100 described species, with new species constantly in the process of being described (Bio Web-Ecuador 2020). Within Ecuador, the Amazonian Montane Forests is the region with the highest species richness of Pristimantis and where most species have been discovered during the last years. For example, Ortega et al. (2022) reported 6 new species of Pristimantis in Llanganates and Sangay National Park.
Assessment information
Current threats from agriculture, grazing, hunting are relatively minor in extent, however the trend is that of expansion and combined these factors are of high threat to the site's OUV. Of great concern are the impacts of hydroelectric dams in the vicinity of the Park, associated with transformation of the entire ecosystem. Additionally, the development of roads within and near the park boundaries is associated with increase anthropogenic pressure overall which has led to land cover changes. Between 1992-2022 there has been a 30% reduction of páramo cover and native forest. Associated with the habitat loss is an increase of 20% of agricultural and urban areas with increasing agricultural and pastoral pressure on the Park's boundaries and overall ecosystem integrity, which is of concern.
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Dams)
Outside site
In recent years, Ecuador has continued to expand its use of hydroelectric power, focussing especially on its mountainous terrain and numerous rivers (EIA, 2023). CELEC EP is the national - public institution responsible for most of the dams and water capture for power generation. In southern Sangay National Park, CELEC EP constructed the Paute-Integral system of dams on the Paute River (2 dams with generation) and 2 separate generation sites (CELEC EP, 2012). None of these projects are inside the Park, but all are located 50 to 100 meters from Park boundaries. Four power plants in cascade (Mazar, Molino, Sopladora and Cardenillo) use water from the Paute River watershed for power generation (CELEC, 2017; Vicepresidencia de la República, 2017). Currently Mazar, Sopladora and Molino are in operation. Cardenillo is in the pre-construction phase and expected to become operational in 2026 (Global Energy Monitor, 2024). Studies have shown that hydroelectric power plants in Ecuador negatively affect natural water flow patterns, provide habitat for introduced species, accumulate sediment and have anoxic bottom water with knock-on effects for species downstream. The freshwater fishes of Ecuador are severely threatened by a number of anthropogenic factors and many aquatic ecosystems have already been severely degraded. Although it is apparent that the development of hydropower plants has a negative impact on freshwater fish populations, further studies are needed to more specifically report the magnitude of the problem (Aguirre et al., 2021).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Poorly planned and uncontrolled road construction)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
The Highway of Guamote - Macas crosses the National Park for about 39 km. Of this section, 7.85 km fall within the World Heritage site and 31.23 km within the widened buffer zone. 1.11% or 3004.82 ha of the World Heritage zone lie within the 2km-radius of the road and that 712.92 ha or 0.26% of the natural vegetation in this area of the World Heritage site has been modified to become pasture or cropland (UNESCO, 2008). Construction of the Guamote-Macas Road has opened the area to potential colonization. There is pressure to build other roads in and around the Park, especially in the southern section, including Zula-Pomacocha-Juval-Huangras-San Francisco road with estimated 20 kilometres inside the Park (Cañar and Chimborazo province) which will be the first ever road through the entire southern section of the Park (IUCN Consultation, 2014). The primary known threat is agricultural land conversion associated with the recent completion of the Riobamba-Macas highway (Ojala-Barbour et al., 2016). The Park was seriously affected by the construction of the road, which now separates the World Heritage site from the southern extension of the park. In 2005 the management plan adopted strategies for the restoration of the zones affected by the road, as well as developing participative management of the park in order to reduce conflicts over land use and the relationship between the local population and wildlife (UNESCO, World Heritage List). The road connecting the Chimborazo with Morona Santiago provinces was finalized in 2012 (El Universo, 2012). Between 1992-2022 there has been a 30% reduction of páramo cover and native forest due to high anthropogenic pressure on these critical ecosystems, including the impacts from the Gualaceo - Plan de Milagro highway. Associated with this is an increase of 20% of agricultural and urban areas with increasing agricultural and pastoral pressure on the park's boundaries and overall ecosystem integrity (Ortega, 2024). Due to the close correlation between road construction and increased anthropogenic pressure, this threat can be considered high.
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Land tenure, agricultural and livestock grazing)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Grazing of domestic livestock in the Tungurahua Volcano area is of concern. Cattle grazing occurs both within park boundaries and directly adjacent to Sangay Volcano. An estimate of the area influenced by human intervention is about 7.40% for Sangay National Park in comparison with 1.67% for El Cajas National Park (SENPLADES, 2010). New roads and land conversion threaten mature habitats– cloud forest between 2050 and 3500 mts. (Ojala-Barbour et al., 2016). In this area, the lack of control of the "roza-tumba-quema" activities (practice of deforestation of a piece of land with the aim of turning it into a field for cultivation) to promote livestock and the advance of the agricultural border, added to eroded lands, has accelerated land fragmentation without control despite being inside a national park. Livestock is the largest agricultural activity in the three provinces of the corridor Sangay-Podocarpus. This livestock is mainly bovine. According to the Continuous Agricultural Area and Production Survey the area of pastures cultivated is: in Morona Santiago 172.70 ha, in Zamora Chinchipe 81,692 ha and in Azuay 81,003 ha (IUCN, 2020). Some of the most recent research conducted in Sangay National Park has revealed that an emerging threat is land tenure and occupation, particularly in the southern and eastern zones of the protected area. Multitemporal analyses using Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite imagery were carried out in 2024 to assess land use changes and variations in vegetation cover between 1992 and 2021. The findings reveal that, in this period, 20% of the páramos and native forests in the southern of the area, were replaced by agricultural and livestock activities, as well as urban settlements (Ortega, 2024). A large part of the subtropical forest in the eastern border of the Park has been converted to grassland, and according to the information provided in the third periodic report, this was identified as one of the most significant threats to the property (State Party of Ecuador, 2023).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Fishing, Harvesting & Controlling Aquatic Species
(Illegal hunting)
Other targeted species names
Tapirus pinchaque
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Illegal hunting is a problem in areas near settlements. Considerable progress has been achieved in extending and enhancing patrolling activities within the park and its buffer zone (IUCN, 2020); however, hunting still occurs in the southern part of the Park (IUCN Consultation, 2014). Evidence of poached Tapirus pinchaque were found in 2011 (IUCN Consultation, 2017). The Ministry of Environment reports that 70% of fishing activities in the Palora canton use chemical or explosive elements. 100% of the fishery product is illegal, 50% is for self-consumption and 50% for selling in local markets (Diario El Espectador, 2019). The management effectiveness assessment from 2019 notes that this problem remains the same as it was 10 years ago (IUCN, 2020).
Recreational Activities, Other Human Disturbances
(Harmful tourism activities)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Studies have increasingly reported on the negative impact from tourism in Sangay National Park, due to organic and inorganic waste, destruction of vegetation and campfires. For example in the Black Lagoon tourist activities have been shown to generate more negative than positive impacts on the environment (e.g. poor water quality, removal or burning of vegetation), which is mainly attributed to deficiencies in tourism management, lack of awareness among tourists and residents, and insufficient implementation of maintenance practices in the lagoon (Rodríguez Rosero, 2023). Also in other locations within the site, increasing water pollution has been recorded due to tourism activities (Quigla Lara, 2023).
Climate change is already being felt in the site but is expected to become more pronounced in coming years with effects on the site’s paramo ecosystem. The site is also highly threatened by further hydroelectric and water management developments.
Dams & Water Management/Use
(New dams)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The PUMA Project - Proyecto Multipropósito de Agua - aims to link drinking water management and hydropower generation within the boundaries of the Sangay National Park and its buffer zone. The activities planned in these areas include construction of a dam and a reservoir. Potential impacts would include habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity and soil erosion (Hidralia Energia, 2013).
More recent information on the project has not been found, but it is likely to be carried out and its potential impacts must be taken into consideration.
More recent information on the project has not been found, but it is likely to be carried out and its potential impacts must be taken into consideration.
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Climate Change)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
While some effects of climate change are already apparent (increased temperatures, drier dry seasons, wetter wet seasons) the full effects will likely be more pronounced in the coming years. However, the large altitudinal differences in the Park will enable the migration of habitat and species, most of which will be to higher elevations. Lowland forest is expected to become much drier and prone to fire, giving way to dry savannahs within the next 100 years (Urruita et al., 2009). The Amazon Regional University IKIAM, in association with the Technical Institute of Florida and the University of Amsterdam, started in 2017, a study on the effects of climate change in the Cormurán y Chimirella lagoons inside the Park. The study focuses on collecting sediment samples to understand the actual conditions of the water sources as well as the changes that have occurred in these lagoons (Diario El Productor, 2017). However, the results of the studies are not available to date.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
In 1992 the limits of the National Park were extended to the South and leaving inside the park Shuar and Finqueros communities. Today the communities Saant, Tzekeankaz, Los Angeles, Tuna, Kanzas and Diamante continue practicing agriculture inside the Park. Although the Park maintains a strict control to avoid the expansion of the agricultural frontier, rapid population growth in these communities has increased pressure on biodiversity (Brito et al., 2016). There remain social conflicts related mainly to illegal land tenure and hunting, inadequate use of natural resources and deforestation in buffer zones, as well as concerns related to the expansion of agricultural and livestock production areas on the borders of the park (IUCN, 2020). According to the information provided in the third periodic report, the management system of Sangay National Park does not include mechanisms for the participation of Indigenous peoples living in the buffer zone, and the relationship between them and the park managers is considered poor (State Party of Ecuador, 2023). Local communities, authorities, landowners, and women, as social stakeholders, have some involvement in decision-making processes but there is resistance from the communities that are part of the buffer zone to abide by the current legal framework.
Legal framework
The Ecuadorian Government recognizes environmental principles in its 2008 Constitution, declaring the State as responsible for the management and administration of its protected areas in order to guarantee biodiversity conservation and to maintain ecosystem ecological functions (IUCN, 2020). Until 2016, the main legal framework for Protected Areas was the Strategic Plan of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) 2007-2016 and the Guidelines for the establishment of state protected areas and subsystems of the Decentralized Autonomous Governments at provincial and municipal levels, allowing these instances to declare protected areas and to conserve their territories locally (Redparques, 2016). The Strategic Plan of the National System of Protected Areas (2019-2030) is currently being updated to further strengthen the National System and link it to other conservation mechanisms based on sustainable use (IUCN, 2020). Additionally, there is a Organic Environmental Code (COA for its Spanish acronym) which entered into force in 2018. The COA regulates environmental quality, climate change, natural heritage, coastal marine areas, urban fauna, environmental reparation, among others; and revokes various environmental regulations (IUCN, 2020). The Regulations to the Organic Code of the Environment (RCOA for its Spanish acronym) issued in 2019 (RECOA, 2019), recognize and implement new categories of management of protected areas, establishment of delegation mechanisms for management and administration, as well as management tools. At a national level, Ecuador has an adequate legal framework to protect the values and attributes of Sangay National Park and its buffer zone but there are some deficiencies in its local implementation. Regarding technical-legal instruments, they are outdated (Management Plan, Technical Plans), which limits the actions of personnel in the territory, in addition to not having legal support from the authorities for the pertinent legal processes (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Governance arrangements
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition is the primary body overseeing the NSPA, working closely with local governments and communities. Management of the Park is shared by three different provinces (Chimborazo, Cañar and Morona Santiago) and overseen by the national office. There are three coordinators that report to a national coordinator who also oversees 5 other parks as well.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The Sangay - Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor is the first corridor in Ecuador to protect the biodiversity that is in the process of declaration with 567.097 ha in the southeast of the country (Mongabay, 2018). This corridor connects the south of the Sangay National Park to the northern area of the Podocarpus National Park. The objective of this corridor is to become a reference for the implementation of a model based on sustainable development and territorial planning (IUCN, 2020). The Ministerial Agreement for the technical standard for the establishment of connectivity corridors has been signed. Following this, in 2021, the Sangay-Podocarpus Corridor was officially established through Ministerial Agreement No. MAAE-2021-021 (Ministerio de Ambiente y Agua, 2021).
Boundaries
Sangay National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1983. In 1992, the National Park was extended to the south, increasing its area by 245,800 ha, although this extension was not included as part of the World Heritage site. 15,651 ha of park were excluded in May 2004, but the area inscribed as World Heritage was not reduced. Today, the Park covers an area of 502,105 ha of which 271,925 ha is considered as World Heritage (IUCN, 2020). Pressure to reclaim lands from the Park, and conflicts had been reported in the past (IUCN Consultation, 2012). However, the situation seems to have improved (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Overlapping international designations
N/A
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
World Heritage Committee decisions have had been implemented in the past, which was acknowledged when the site was taken off the List of World Heritage in Danger (World Heritage Committee, 2005). No decisions have been taken by the Committee with regards to this site recently.
Climate action
According to primary information, climate change analyses are not incorporated into conservation strategies and analysis, and the results of climate change assessments are not available.
Management plan and overall management system
Management of the Park is shared by three different provinces (Chimborazo, Cañar and Morona Santiago) and overseen by the national office. There are three coordinators that report to a national coordinator who also oversees 5 other parks as well, and is unable to dedicate sufficient time to managing Sangay National Park (IUCN Consultation, 2014).
The Management Plan (2013–2018) for this protected area has not been updated, and no information is available regarding progress on its implementation. However, several efforts have been undertaken to address key threats. For instance, the Ministry of Environment has been continuously monitoring the area and implementing local measures since the park was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2005.
The Management Plan (2013–2018) for this protected area has not been updated, and no information is available regarding progress on its implementation. However, several efforts have been undertaken to address key threats. For instance, the Ministry of Environment has been continuously monitoring the area and implementing local measures since the park was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2005.
Law enforcement
No recent information available.
Sustainable finance
In the past, the main source of funding for Sangay National Park were government allocations and fundings from the Fondo Ambiental Nacional, a protected area trust fund, which operated several projects for the park (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Ecuador had a Financial Sustainability Strategy (Ministerio de Ambiente, 2015), which resulted from a gap analysis between needs and sources of financing and the lessons learned from the GEF Financial Sustainability Project of the SNAP, which includes a diagnosis of legal, institutional and diversification needs of sources (UNDP, sf). Nowadays, there is very limited stable funding and the National Park would not be able to function adequately without external funding. The sources of funding remain the allocations from the Government and those of the Sustainable Environmental Investment Fund (FIAS) (IUCN, 2020). Currently, the situation appears to remain unchanged. According to the information provided in the third periodic report (State Party of Ecuador, 2023), funding sources for Sangay National Park are limited and rely primarily on national or federal government entities, covering 85% of project costs and 92% of operating costs for the park's management. No additional funding sources were identified. The available budget is deemed insufficient to ensure efficient management (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Staff capacity, training and development
The "Aula Verde" program was implemented by the Ministry of the Environment with the support of Ecofondo Foundation and the Popular Education and Promotion Center developing capacities of protected areas and wildlife management. The program trained about 475 officers from 50 protected areas (IUCN, 2020). Currently, protected areas staff participate in workshops and use different training tools, however there is no structured technical process of strengthening and developing their capacities (IUCN, 2020). Lack in the quantity and quality of park personnel remains an issue and mechanisms for the professionalization of protected area personnel are urgently needed (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Education and interpretation programmes
There was the "Ecotalleres" initiative of the Provincial Environment Directorate of Chimborazo, the Ministry of the Environment and the UNDP Small Grants Program which trained 13 community environmental promoters within Sangay National Park (IUCN, 2020). There is a program for communication and environmental education but its influence and implementation are considered as limited (IUCN, 2020). Additionally, and according to Ruiz (2024), Sangay National Park is the least recognized World Heritage site by Ecuadorians. Only 2.1% of the 385 surveyed individuals mentioned this Park. In comparison, 52.7% mentioned Galápagos National Park, 29.2% mentioned Quito, and 16% mentioned other sites. The lack of a communication strategy, along with the limited or absent digital presence of Sangay National Park, hampers the promotion of its natural and cultural heritage and reduces the opportunities to enhance environmental education and awareness of its Outstanding Universal Value. This gap also was identified as a main conservation issues in other sources (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Tourism and visitation management
An agreement was signed in 2016 between the local governments of this area for the development of cultural and community tourism (Andes, 2016). In the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development of Ecuador, the Sangay National Park is considered an important tourism product thanks to it outstanding landscape values, active volcanoes (Tungurahua and Sangay), inactive volcano (El Altar), as well as 327 lagoons (Ministry of Tourism, 2020). Even though the impacts of tourism, visitation, and recreational activities in Sangay National Park were considered not relevant by the government (State Party of Ecuador, 2023), several scientific publications have identified these impacts, offering recommendations and proposals for the design of a tourism zoning plan. One such case is the Cubillín Lagoon, one of the most visited sites within the park, which currently lacks a tourism management plan, affecting its state of conservation (Palma, 2024). A similar situation exists in Laguna de Magtayán (Robalino, 2023). Additionally, tourism facilities were considered poor or non-existent (State Party of Ecuador, 2023). Despite this, no further or updated information regarding the establishment of a specific Sangay National Park Tourism Management Plan has been found to date.
Sustainable use
Activities related to the use of resources within the park's limits are not allowed by law. Growing population in the surrounding areas will most likely increase pressures on the park (Brito et al., 2016). There are increasing pressures over the resources along the borders of the park from the expansion of the agricultural frontier, increasing fires, unsustainable use of natural resources by local communities, and illegal hunting and deforestation (IUCN, 2020).
Monitoring
Monitoring of different species is taking place mostly through individual research projects. There is a Condor monitoring program promoted by the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente, s.f.). An Information System for Biodiversity has been established in Ecuador, where findings of this nature are reported and also monitoring of volcanic activity by the Geophysical Institute. There is also a guideline for evaluating the effectiveness of monitoring programs in each area (IUCN, 2020) for all areas of the SNAP. However, there is no dedicated repository where this information and documentation can be accessed, and most of the results are unavailable. It is also unclear whether these results are utilised for management purposes.
Research
Several research studies on population behaviour of species are published in scientific journals such as Guevara et al., 2010; Reed Ojala - Barbour et al., 2013; Brito, 2016; Brito et al., 2017 have contributed to the inventories of birds, mammals and amphibians, as well as the identification of new species or unregistered species of marsupial mouse (Caenolestes sangay), frog (Pristimantis tinguichaca) and arboreal rat (Rhipidomys albujai), justifying the high endemism and diversity by area in the park. A study was also carried out to determine the water quality in the Ozogoche, Pichahuiña and Pomacoche rivers which run through the park, which concluded that the three micro-watersheds present good quality (Coello et al., 2013). The Amazon Regional University IKIAM, in association with the Technical Institute of Florida and the University of Amsterdam, initiated in 2017 a study on the effects of climate change in the Cormurán y Chimirella lagoons inside the Park. The study focuses on collecting sediment samples to understand the actual conditions of the water sources as well as the changes that have occurred in these lagoons (Diario El Productor, 2017). However, results are still not available. Ten new species located in Sangay National Park were registered after an 8-year study (two mammals and eight amphibians) (El Universo, 2018). In March 2020 the Museum of Zoology of the Catholic University reports a new species of frog in Sangay National Park. The Park is one of the largest amphibian wealth centers in the world, has 100 described species and several new species that are in the process of being described" (Bio Web-Ecuador, 2020). Nevertheless, there is additional need to communicate and disseminate research results to raise awareness of the site's value (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Given the limited human and financial resources for management, there is only limited capacity to address threats outside the site. However, some interinstitutional agreements are enabling control of activities like tourism.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Ecuador presents momentous advances in the efficient management of information through the "Biodiversity Information System - SIB" platform (Ministerio del Ambiente, 2020), which provides online information for decision making (Redparques, 2016). This platform is operative but it is not available for public access. The results of the Management effectiveness assessment (2019) show 54% corresponding to a satisfactory management. This means that the means that enable management are being adequately addressed; necessary activities are carried out normally and with good results, but they can be improved. The whole set tends towards the satisfactory fulfillment of the objectives (Ministry of the Environment, 2019).
Protection and management is constrained by the relatively low level of human and financial resources available. There is no clear long-term financial strategy. Some aspects, such as research and monitoring have been largely project-based and dependent on individual project funding, with no overarching strategy or contribution towards improving management. There are also some concerns related to the expansion of agricultural and livestock production areas on the borders of the park. A 2019 management effectiveness evaluation concluded that 54% corresponded to a "satisfactory" management. Some positive developments include the establishment of the Sangay-Podocarpus Conservation Corridor - the first connectivity corridor in Ecuador. However, the Management Plan has not been updated, and sustainable financing sources to support effective management and protection remain an unresolved issue.
Good practice examples
1. The programs that are part of the management plan of the inscribed property have been implemented in the areas where there has been greater conflict in order to reduce existing threats and to enhance synergies among stakeholders, effective management and the state of conservation. 2. The establishment of the Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor in 2021 marked a significant step towards enhancing ecological connectivity and biodiversity conservation.
Outstanding natural beauty
Low Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
With the growing population and resource use, there is some evidence of transformation, however there are efforts to reduce landscape fragmentation (e.g. Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Sangay-Podocarpus Conservation Corridor). However, with increasing anthropogenic pressure, native forests are being lost to agricultural and urban areas, which is concerning. Between 1992-2022 there has been a 30% reduction of páramo coverance and native forest due to high anthropogenic pressure on these critical ecosystems. Associated with this is an increase of 20% of agricultural and urban areas with increasing agricultural and pastoral pressure on the park's boundaries and overall ecosystem integrity (Ortega, 2024).
Outstanding examples of on-going geological processes characterized by volcanic activity
Good
Trend
Stable
The geological features of the site are well preserved. It is known from the monitoring of the Geophysical Institute that the volcano is in constant activity and it is common to generate pyroclastic flows, lava and lahars (Instituto Geofísico, 2020).
Since 2019 Sangay experiences continuous low activity, marked by mild explosive events. The change in eruptive style towards more explosive dynamics in 2020–2021 was probably associated with the feeding of a more mafic and gas-rich magma from deep. The consequence, reflected in the groundmass glass chemistry and componentry data, is the “excavation” of the partially crystallized magma stalling in the conduits, which led to the observation of the more diverse compositions in the juvenile material (Vizuete et al., 2025). Eruptions are becoming more likely in the future.
Since 2019 Sangay experiences continuous low activity, marked by mild explosive events. The change in eruptive style towards more explosive dynamics in 2020–2021 was probably associated with the feeding of a more mafic and gas-rich magma from deep. The consequence, reflected in the groundmass glass chemistry and componentry data, is the “excavation” of the partially crystallized magma stalling in the conduits, which led to the observation of the more diverse compositions in the juvenile material (Vizuete et al., 2025). Eruptions are becoming more likely in the future.
High diversity of vegetation types with altitudinal variations
Low Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Relative to the large area and isolation of the site, human impacts from agriculture, livestock, hunting and roads, although increasing, are still minor and have only localized effects on biological diversity and threatened species (Urrutia, 2009; Ojala-Barbour et al., 2016). Nevertheless, between 1992-2022 there has been a 30% reduction of páramo coverance and native forest due to high anthropogenic pressure on these critical ecosystems, including the impacts from the Gualaceo - Plan de Milagro highway. Associated with this is an increase of 20% of agricultural and urban areas with increasing agricultural and pastoral pressure on the park's boundaries and overall ecosystem integrity (Ortega, 2024). Due to these changes, the trend for this value seems to be deteriorating.
High species diversity and important habitats of endangered species
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Recent and historical inventories and registers are evidencing that despite of the growing pressures, bird, mammal and amphibian species maintain their populations and that new species are being found, proving the Sangay National park an exceptional laboratory of scientific research (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Ornithological inventories have registered a populations of at least 127 species belonging to 39 families; findings also suggest that some species considered rare and scarce might be more common when in appropriate habitat, which highlights the importance of these special bird areas; this could be the case of Aburria aburri and Ramphastos ambiguun, both considered endangered. The National Biodiversity Institute (INABIO) reported the identification of 10 new species for science (El Universo, 2018). Of the 10 species identified, one of the mammals, Thomasomys is considered endemic to the Sangay National Park (Brito et al., 2019). In March 2020, the Museum of Zoology of the Catholic University reports a new species of frog in Sangay National Park. The park is one of the largest amphibian wealth centers in the world, has 100 described species and several new species that are in the process of being described (BioWeb-Ecuador, 2020).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
The outstanding natural beauty and the geological features of the site remain relatively intact. Relative to the large area and isolation of this national park, human impacts from agriculture, livestock, hunting and roads, although increasing, have only localized effects on biological diversity and threatened species. Recent and historical inventories and registers are evidencing that despite of the growing pressures, bird, mammal and amphibian species maintain their populations. However, there is some evidence of landscape transformation and therefore there is some threat to maintaining the outstanding natural beauty of the site. Some of the natural values are being partially degraded but the state of conservation of the World Heritage property has not been significantly impacted according to the State Party. It remains clear that regular monitoring and reporting is necessary to ensure the OUV is not irreversibly damaged by increasing anthropogenic pressures. With the focus on hydropower developments at the national level and several plants near the site, the aquatic environment also needs careful monitoring.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Though tourism to the Park related to mountain climbing, and visits to its many lakes and forests is currently at a low level, the potential is large.
The Sangay National Park is one of the most important protected areas in Ecuador, its Ecosystems have 80% importance for water regulation, its geological processes have shaped its flora and fauna in a unique way, unfortunately the lack of research and dissemination of the site causes it to go unnoticed by the general population and authorities at all levels (national, regional and local) (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wildlife Conservation Society, Ecuador | Andean Bear Conservation in the Sangay/Llangantes Corredor | |
| 2 | Fundación Cordillera Tropical | Research, Environmental Education, Park Delimitation, Cadastre production, park guard training in southern Sangay National Park (Cañar Province) | |
| 3 | Aves & Conservación | Important Bird Areas, working in the corridor Llanganates - Sangay | |
| 4 | Tapir Fund | Research on Mountain Tapir |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
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| 2 |
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| 3 |
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| 14 |
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| 15 |
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| 17 |
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| 21 |
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| 22 |
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| 24 |
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| 25 |
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