La Floresta
La Floresta, a historic neighborhood in Quito, was founded in 1917 as part of the “Garden City” initiative, featuring residential homes, gardens, and public spaces. Over the years, it became a center for social activism and cultural diversity, particularly for European migrants, including Jewish refugees. The area is home to universities, an independent movie theater, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Its native flora, with trees recognized as part of Quito’s Natural Heritage, adds to the neighborhood’s charm. However, La Floresta faces increasing environmental challenges. Rapid development, including new businesses and infrastructure, has led to the destruction of gardens and historic buildings, raising pollution levels and intensifying the urban heat island effect. Wildfires in 2024 further damaged the area’s plants, while rising temperatures and flooding threaten its infrastructure. In response, residents launched “Mi Barrio Verde La Floresta” in 2024, a community-driven initiative focused on sustainability, with projects like composting and promoting biodiversity. Through strong community participation, La Floresta is working to protect its heritage and build resilience against climate change.
