Building a Sustainable Future for the Guardians of the Chocó Forest

The Chachi territory covers more than 100,000 hectares (approximately 250,000 acres), but only 21% is inhabited by their communities. The rest, a breathtaking expanse of lush rainforests and thriving mangroves, has been declared an ecological reserve by the Ecuadorian government, showcasing its rich biodiversity.

These guardians have traditionally lived in harmony with their environment, relying on rotational farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering. In the early 20th century, however, resource exploitation - particularly of tagua, rubber, and balsa wood - began to take its toll. People from outside the Chachi community cleared forests for plantations. Large-scale logging, often from illegal invasions on Chachi territory, further devastated their forests and made access to essential foods more difficult. Today, the Chachi are united in a federation dedicated to protecting their territory and culture and ensuring a sustainable future for their people.

Recognizing the challenges they face, we have chosen to support the Chachi communities of Chontaduro, Gualpi, Sabalito and Corriente Grande, located near our Canandé Reserve. In partnership with the Ecuadorian Network of Analog Forestry (REFA) and its dedicated technical team, we are working to improve cacao production and promote forest regeneration. We have also facilitated the creation of community gardens to encourage food sovereignty and strengthen their deep-rooted connection to the land they have tended for generations.

"The true impact reaches far beyond the 250 individuals who participate in our workshops each month. Through them, another 300 family members are uplifted, gaining new opportunities and skills," shares Paúl Aguilar, coordinator of Jocotoco's Chocó program. "These communities are more than just our neighbors; they are our partners in safeguarding the precious community forests under the Socio Bosque program of the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment, a program that pays communities to protect their forests."

All of our support is at the request of the Chachi, based on their priorities. Through hands-on workshops, we advocate for a holistic approach to improving cacao farming techniques,  diversifying diets with new fruits and vegetables, and reviving the use of ancestral medicinal plants. 

"Before we began working together, the participants struggled to manage just one acre of cacao, barely yielding 100 to 200 kilograms. Their hard work earned them only about $250 a monthfar from enough to make a real difference," Paúl explains. "But today, on that very same acre, they are producing between 300 and 400 kilograms of cacao. This transformation has not only boosted their income but also brought new hope and opportunity to their families and communities."

Iver Añapa, from the Chachi center in Corriente Grande, reports that about 40 people have adopted new cacao farming practices. "We learned how to make biofertilizers for our cacao plants to control pests. We're monitoring their application and preparing fruit treatments to help the plants grow better," he explains. They are using this knowledge to strengthen their production, diversify agriculture and ensure a sustainable future.

The collaboration with the Ecuadorian Network of Analog Forestry (REFA) has been essential in enriching the knowledge of the communities. We have developed learning spaces that not only focus on raw material production, but also pave the way for a variety of cacao-derived products, including wine, chocolate, vinegar, and butter, among others. This initiative is further enhanced by the creation of a workbook in Cha'palaa, the native language of the Chachi communities, making the learning process more accessible and meaningful.

We are planting the seeds for a future where Chachi communities can thrive, deeply connected to their land, their history, and their immense potential. These efforts will ensure that they can continue to protect the priceless lowland forests of the Chocó while improving their quality of life.

Join us in this story of hope! Donate here. Every contribution makes a significant difference in the lives of these communities and the health of our planet.