FAMILY & BIOGRAPHY
Welcome to the private Ecological Reserve Bombolí. This beatiful cloud forest is cared for by an Ecuadorian couple who firmly believes in the conservation and preservation of nature. Oswaldo (Oswaldito) Haro Aguirre, 72, and his wife Mariana (Marianita) Pérez, 62, bought this property over 34 years ago with only one goal in mind, to restore the land. Never did they imagine that the reserve would gain such recognition. The name “Bombolí” was second in line for this paradise, first was “El Eden” or “Eden” but Oswaldito was not satisfied with the name. He thought the name should be more significant, which is why he chose “Bombolí” keeping it basic and naming it after the hill it is on. The hill has a shape like a “bomba” or a balloon.
Oswaldito spent his entire life on a farm always dedicated to the looking after of livestock, veterinarian work, ecological and biological work, so daily life in Bombolí was nothing new for him. Marianita also grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Quito and always had a passion for animals. However, all the knowledge that she has gained aside from animal care, she has learned through hands on experience side by side with her husband.
With their three children, they made the caring for Bombolí a family practice. When they purchased the land, it was barren and the only green that existed was a primary forest in the highlands of the property. Together, they sowed each tree, flower and plant with such delicacy and love that about 10 years later they began to see the progress of what is now Bombolí. They viewed this act as a way to grow spiritually and humanely and wished to instill those characteristics in their children for future generations.
LIFE PHILOSOPHY
Bomboli Cloud Forest is committed to a sustainable approach for tourism grounded in the proper use of the natural landscape and the support of its local economy, offering the traveler a unique and localized experience.The house and infrastructure are completely made from wood that comes from renewable forest plantations of the region to prevent the harvesting of primary forests. Water comes from the natural creeks and springs that flow through the forest. Ninety percent of the energy the Ecolodge uses comes from clean sources; however, propane is needed for hot water showers because of the lack of energy.
Most of the food offered is grown and processed in their organic farm. In the past development agencies promoted the plantation of foreign tree species, as can be seen along the road that comes into the house. We are currently committed to the restoration of cloud forest ecosystems through the planting of native trees and other natural vegetation that is important for local wildlife and for our neutral carbon commitment.
The makeup of the ecosystem continues to change and enrich itself with the interactions of the natural vegetation with local wildlife. This modification combined with our expertise in forest ecology and agro forestry systems, and our philosophy of life, to live simply and in harmony with nature, is continuously shaping our approach to how we manage the reserve on a daily basis, and give the visitor a truly unique experience that integrates all the necessary elements.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
REFORESTATION
- Forest restoration with native tree and woody plant species.
- Forest Protection: conservation easements to give long term protection to restored and vulnerable forests.
AGRICULTURE
- Improve production and soil fertility on existing crop land.
- Promote and improve fruit tree production.
- Process, add value to, and market organic food and handmade products.
ECOTOURISM
- Educational tours and cross cultural exchange program visits.