A Review to Update the Protected Areas in Ecuador and an Analysis of Their Main Impacts and Conservation Strategies

Establishing new protected areas (PAs) is one of the first steps needed to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation, protect ecosystems that are vital importance conserve biodiversity, even traditional cultures. The correct management a PA can be beneficial for different forms life found within it provide multiple benefits humanity continued functioning productive ecosystems. Protected Areas act as buffers while serving sanctuaries strongholds species in face climate change. Within these areas, genetic diversity enabled evolve response pressures natural selection. causes biodiversity include changes land use due agriculture urbanization, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution. As stipulated, current study aims update National System (SNAP) by applying review scientific gray literature. This presents updated information; Ecuador currently has 74 with state, decentralized autonomous, community, private subdivisions. main social environmental impacts included SNAP presented existing Finally, strategies proposed improve focused on strengthening conservation their responsible ecosystem services through more efficient spaces.