MISSION
Fundación Jocotoco is an Ecuadorian conservation NGO founded in 1998. Our mission is to conserve Ecuador`s biodiversity, especially its threatened species and ecosystems, guided by scientific evidence and local leadership.
VISION
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Jocotoco strongly believes that nature has an intrinsic value, that wildlife has a right to exist with us. We act on our belief by creating protected areas and by supporting the conservation efforts of communities.
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We also believe in people. It is our incredible community of people who inspire us and who achieve conservation successes.
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We strive to provide opportunities for personal growth for everyone who works with us, and for the next generation of conservation heroes.
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Our work is guided by treating others honestly, transparently, and fairly. We always strive for effectiveness and excellence.
SISTER ORGANIZATIONS
By joining forces, we can make a bigger impact and make our efforts even more valuable.
Jocoambiente
Jocoambiente provides unique conservation services to our partners, helping them create, manage, and restore their protected areas. Jocoambiente draws on Jocotoco's decades of experience, its staff, and its infrastructure. Jocoambiente will help us achieve regional conservation strategies, even beyond Ecuador's borders, and its revenues support Jocotocos work.
Jocotours
For more than a decade, Jocotours has been providing all-inclusive travel experiences in Ecuador. Jocotours tailors services to suit your needs and interests. Our reserves are open to visitors, and five of our reserves have beautiful lodges with everything you need for your stay. When you travel with Jocotours, all proceeds go back to Jocotoco's conservation work.
OUR COMMUNITY
OUR STAFF
Our staff includes everyone from international experts in their field to the most passionate people who live in the communities we work. View More
OUR BOARD
Our incredible Board of Directors drives us to keep our lasting commitment to nature and communities. View More
OUR PARTNERS
Our partners come from all over the world and from right at home in Ecuador. View More
OUR STORY
Many years ago, a small group of people were exploring a mountain slope in southern Ecuador. Few from outside the community had ever visited this stretch of cloud forest. They heard a song in the distance, an unknown song. They walked closer, and the song grew louder. Suddenly, a bird jumped from the forest floor onto a branch, and stood in front of them. It was a bird unknown to science, never before seen by the outside world. It would soon be called the Jocotoco Antpitta. To protect this new species, they acted quickly to purchase that forest. It became the Tapichalaca Reserve. Over the years, Jocotoco expanded. We saved rare species and habitats on new reserves across Ecuador. We restored forests that were lost. We started conserving wildlife in the oceans. Now, years later, we protect ecosystems across entire regions. Jocotoco is now a model for the rest of the world, showing how a small, local organization can grow to have an impact across an entire country.
