The workshop started on a wetland managed by FONAG that currently consists of several small ditches connected by ponds that drain the water downstream to a river. A small ditch was selected to instruct the participants how to install wooden plugs to reduce the water flow in order to retain more water in the wetland. At Antisanilla wetland a prototype of another type of plug (bags made of biodegradable material filled up with organic matter) was installed to reduce the water flow in one of the bigger perpendicular canals. It was discussed that the use of these plugs is recommended when dealing with wider and deeper canals where wooden plugs are not very effective.
It is important to monitor the current situation of a wetland before restoration and then establish the right restoration plan. The plugs installed during this workshop are the first to be installed in Ecuador and will serve as pilot projects for restoration planning in other wetlands in Ecuador and South America.
Photography Credit: Michaël Moens