Flower of Magnolia Mashpi in the Chocó Andino
Mashpi Lodge, ubicado en el corazón del bosque nublado del Chocó Andino, continúa posicionándose como un referente global en turismo sostenible, ciencia y conservación. Dentro de la Reserva Mashpi-Tayra, con 3.000 hectáreas de áreas protegidas, el hotel ha sido clave para el descubrimiento de 22 nuevas especies para la ciencia, incluyendo la extraordinaria Magnolia mashpi, un árbol que crece exclusivamente dentro de esta reserva.
In an innovative partnership with The Red List Project (TRLP), a nonprofit organization focused on botanical species conservation, and MANE, one of the world's leading fragrance companies, Mashpi Lodge aims to protect this botanical gem through science and sustainability.
The alliance focuses on creating a fragrance inspired by the essence of the Magnolia mashpi flower. Using a nature-friendly method, a single extraction of its flowers was conducted without disturbing its natural environment. This essence was then recreated in a laboratory using 100% biodegradable materials, setting a precedent for sustainable conservation.
Some fragrant flowers of the tree were carefully collected without altering their natural surroundings. This process was carried out using La Libélula, an aerial tram that traverses two kilometers of the reserve, offering guests a unique experience with panoramic views of the majestic cloud forest—home to this extraordinary tree in its natural habitat.
An Innovative Conservation Model
This alliance benefits all involved parties while also supporting local communities.
Mashpi Lodge, selected by TRLP to implement the Magnolias of the Andean Chocó conservation project, will use the resources from this initiative to protect not only Magnolia mashpi but also two other endemic species of the region: Magnolia chiguila and Magnolia mindoensis. By working closely with local communities, the project aims to identify remaining populations of these trees, define priority conservation sites, and collect fruits and seeds for germination trials. In the medium term, the goal is to protect existing trees in the region while also reforesting with these endangered species.
Additionally, awareness talks on these species and conservation, in general, will be conducted, existing nurseries will be strengthened to propagate the seedlings of these species, and reforestation actions will ensure the preservation of these emblematic trees.
The sustainability of the project is guaranteed, as a percentage of sales from the Magnolia Mashpi fragrance will continue to support this and other conservation projects led by Mashpi Lodge’s Research and Biology team.
Magnolia Mashpi Fragrance Amenities
"Marketing the fragrance based on the essence of Magnolia mashpi without endangering the trees is an innovative strategy to preserve this species, providing a sustainable, safe, and long-term means for the conservation of this tree in the Ecuadorian Andean Chocó," stated Mateo Roldán, Research Director at Mashpi Lodge and leader of the Magnolia conservation project.Currently, guests at Mashpi Lodge can enjoy exclusive products infused with this fragrance, such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, and soap.
Additionally, these products are available in the lodge's boutique and have expanded to other iconic destinations such as Casa Gangotena in Quito and the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel.
Through this initiative, Mashpi Lodge reaffirms its commitment to protecting the Andean Chocó and Ecuador’s unique biodiversity, blending luxury, science, and sustainability in a model that inspires others to safeguard our planet.
