Reserve

Ornithology

Farming

Workshops and Environmental Education with Schools, Universities & NGOs

Status: Completed

Workshops and seminars, discussion and implementation of proposals for the solution of the diverse environmental problems that confront Ecuador.

In 1998, the Foundation organized 8 workshops and discussions about different forms of mineral exploitation. These workshops were conducted by Quito’s leading universities.

In the same year, the Foundation initiated a pilot plan for environmental education in the capital’s high schools. In accordance with an analysis of the target audiences, a private high school of average size was chosen and work with its primary and secondary sectors began. Through this program the Foundation has participated in educational talks, workshops and site visits with the high school.

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Research Projects, Conservation, Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and their Biodiversity

Status: Ongoing

In 1999 members of the Foundation, the Ornithological Foundation of Ecuador (CECIA), and the grassroots organization Ecological Defense and Conservation of Intag (DECOIN), designed the "Toisán Project and alternatives for conservation and community development". This pilot plan won an award from the BP Program of Conservation. The project was developed near the Toisán Corridor and in the community of Cerro Pelado, Intag Zone, Imbabura Province. It included the following elements:

Ornithology

The study of endemic and endangered native species, at three distinct altitudinal levels. Particular emphasis was given to the search for three species of scientific interest: the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis), Giant Antpitta (Grallaria gigantea), Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens) and Tanager Finch (Oreothraupis arremonops ).

Botanical

Study of local flora, in particular palms and epiphytes, at three altitudinal levels and compilation of a list of wild plants and their uses.

Environmental Education and Community Development

We focused on meeting with mothers, children and the general public, holding workshops to compile and disseminate information about local social and environmental problems and discussing how they could be realistically resolved. We also held environmental education workshops with children and created alternative educational tools such as puppets and masks. In addition, we conducted field trips with sports and environmental games.

With the direct participation of the community the project resulted in organic orchards at various homes and a group of women were trained to create craftwork from local resources.

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Sustainable Farming Project

Status: Future Project

A mid to long-term project to provide local farmers with alternative, sustainable methods of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry.

Objectives:

1. To improve working conditions for local families
2. To offer environmental education and a qualification related with natural resources
3. To encourage sustainable usage of the countryside and revival of some traditional methods of cultivation and marketing, including exchange of products and services
4. To protect the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Intag Zone

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Environmental Education, Tree nurseries and Reforestation in the Alto Chocó Reserve

Status: Ongoing

In May 2000 we received funding from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Finland, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Department of Environment of Finland.

This project involves the creation of a tree nursery of 100,000 plants and provision of training and reforestation services. The environmental education activities have been strengthened by the appointment of the local youth as park guards, training of future local facilitators and the identification of alternatives for community development. Elementary school children in the area participated in ecology clubs. As part of this project we also conducted a diagnostic plan for community participation.

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Community-based Eco-tourism Development Project

Status: Future

Already planned and we are in search of financial support.