Empowering Communities for Conservation

28 Feb 2024
Our Andes - Amazon program covers many ecosystems, from the Antisana glaciers at over 5,000 meters high (16,400 feet) to the Amazon forests at 500 meters (1,600 feet), and boasts an impressive biodiversity with numerous endemic species. Our priority is to establish or reinforce community buffer zones around Sumaco Napo - Galeras National Park and the Antisana National Park to enhance connectivity within the biological corridor formed by our Chakana and Narupa reserves and two public reserves.

The Narupa Reserve was established in 2006 to safeguard a large portion of montane evergreen forest. Since then, we have expanded to connect with neighboring national parks and protect the habitat of globally threatened species, such as the Harpy Eagle, Black Tinamou, Cerulean Warbler, Orange-breasted Falcon, Military Macaw, Coppery-chested Jacamar and the Spectacled Bear.

Additionally, we collaborated with the Kichwa and Kiju communities who own communal forests, many of which are part of the Socio Bosque program (a government program that pays communities to protect their forests), to establish a barrier that would safeguard the Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park and reduce the pressure and threats in this zone that is located within the area declared by UNESCO as a Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

"We have 8,000 hectares (19,700 acres) in conservation with the Socio Bosque program, and the training provided by Jocotoco has been very useful. It is an incentive that has helped us. We are motivated to continue protecting the forest and sharing this knowledge with our children." states Edison Gutierrez, a representative of the Ávila Viejo community.

We recently completed a series of workshops for the communities of Payamino, Pachakutik, Jondache, Nueva Esperanza (Sumak Yacu), Ávila Viejo, Wamaní, and Mondayacu, as well as the Ally Guayusa association in the provinces of Napo and Orellana.

"Approximately 150 people participated in the environmental education program across 8 communities, with an average of 18 participants per community. We also carried out capacity building in bird tourism. A specialized bird identification component was taught and two workshops were held with the participation of local stakeholders such as the Ministry of the Environment, the Loreto Bird Club, and neighboring private reserves," says Felipe Rosero, coordinator of the Narupa Reserve.

We provided a theoretical and practical curriculum covering topics related to wildlife, species monitoring, conservation, threat prevention, identification of local and migratory birds, and sustainable and community entrepreneurship.

Additionally, we supplied educational materials, including a bird identification booklet in Kichwa. The booklet features 60 birds of the sector and is useful for birdwatching tourism ventures.

"These projects implemented by Fundación Jocotoco in the area have strengthened our knowledge of birdwatching and helped us to improve bird identification," says Adriana Vaca, president of the Birdwatchers' Association of Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

By enhancing their capacities, these communities become more aware of the significance of local biodiversity and their natural surroundings, and are better integrated into conservation efforts. This promotes the development of ecotourism activities and provides sustainable income alternatives while safeguarding their lands and natural resources.

To support the conservation of these communities, consider contributing to our Andes- Amazon program and joining our mission to preserve and promote biodiversity!