ECUADOR – As the construction industry seeks more sustainable materials, wood stands out as a key alternative to traditional options like cement and steel, thanks to its ability to store carbon and its lower environmental impact.

In this effort, Ecuador is emerging as a leader through innovation in sustainable forest management.
Ecuadorian company Novopan is at the forefront, leading a decade-long program of tropical eucalyptus plantations in Buena Fe, Los Ríos province. Using advanced forest biotechnology and genetic improvement techniques, the company has focused on selecting trees with fast growth, disease resistance, and adaptability to diverse climates.
Through macro and micropropagation methods, Novopan has developed over 240 genetically selected varieties, representing 14 species and hybrids of tropical eucalyptus. These improved trees enable more efficient and uniform wood production while promoting sustainability.
“We’re working on trees that are more resilient and adaptable through applied biotechnology, selecting the best natural specimens and reproducing them to create stronger, faster-growing individuals,” said Cristian Durán, Novopan’s Forest Manager.
The use of genetically improved material offers several key benefits: enhanced CO₂ capture, optimized land use, higher plantation yields, and job creation in forestry and harvesting—positively impacting local communities along Ecuador’s coast.
By March 2025, Novopan will have reforested over 7,500 hectares, with 38% planted with genetically enhanced species. This achievement positions Ecuador as a growing force in the regional forestry sector, with the potential to surpass traditional leaders like Chile and Brazil in growth rates.
Tropical eucalyptus is proving to be a strategic crop for Ecuador, opening doors to new industrial wood projects such as paper, cardboard, and roundwood production. With these advances, the country is moving steadily toward a responsible forestry model that balances productivity with environmental conservation.
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