NGO founded: 1998
Partnership formed: 1999
Organisation’s aim: To protect the habitat of globally threatened species of birds in the Andes of Ecuador, together with all associated biodiversity. Fundación Jocotoco own eight reserves that protect a range of habitats for threatened species including ones discovered on the reserve as new to science, such as the Jocotoco Antpitta.
Partner history
Fundación Jocotoco was established with the aim to protect the globally threatened bird species in the Ecuadorian Andes. Since then eight reserves have been created successfully protecting bird species and other wildlife depending on a wide range of different habitats.
Partnership with WLT
Initially approached by Nigel Simpson, a founding Trustees of Fundación Jocotoco and now a WLT Trustee, WLT has been funding land purchase and protection with Fundación Jocotoco for several years.
Projects with WLT
The Ecuador Rainforests
WLT has supported a series of land purchases with Fundación Jocotoco to create new reserves and extend existing ones.
Carbon Balanced
WLT has Carbon Balanced projects in three reserves; Buenaventura, Tapichalaca and Yanacocha.
Tree Planting
Tree planting is being carried out on the Buenaventura, Tapichalaca, Yanacocha and Jorupe reserves since 2006 with funds from WLT’s Reforestation programme.
Keepers of the Wild
WLT also supports Fundación Jocotoco through the Keepers of the Wild appeal, which funds rangers on our partners' reserves.
Other projects and activities
- Organising community programmes, including hosting school visits at the Buenaventura Reserve to educate local children about the conservation of the El Oro Parakeet;
- Running tree nurseries that grow tens of thousands of seedlings for use in reforestation projects;
- Research has resulted in many scientific papers being published, with topics including the Pale-headed Brush Finch programme, reforestation and management plans for the area.
Awards and achievements
- In 2007, the Buenaventura Reserve was presented with an award for tourism, for promoting eco-tourism to the Province of El Oro area.
Executive Director: Rocío Merino Utreras
