Reconnecting forests for pumas and watersheds in the Andean Chocó, Ecuador
Ecuador
Restoration, Conservation, WaterEQ
Equilibrio Azul
Ecuador
NonprofitEquilibrio Azul is an NGO focused on research and conservation of Ecuador's ecosystems and species through research projects that lead to in-situ conservation, restoration and education projects. We work locally to conserve some of Ecuador's most threatened species and their habitats; we have worked with sea turtles since 2007 learning about them and protecting and restoring their nesting habitats and foraging reefs. We are also working in protecting the highly threatened rainforests of the Andean Chocó through a private reserve and regenerative farm, working within the reserve and with local actors such as researchers, neighbors, farmers and visitors.
Project story
Finca La Chacra: Protecting Forests and Pumas
Finca La Chacra Reserva is a regenerative farm dedicated to forest conservation and ecosystem restoration. Through biodiversity research and strategic reforestation, we've documented remarkable wildlife—from banded ground cuckoos to five feline species, including the majestic puma (Puma concolor)—and uncovered a critical opportunity: protecting pumas as a gateway to safeguarding vast watersheds and forest corridors.
But our region faces an existential threat. Rampant vacation home development is destroying forests, contaminating water sources, and driving devastating gentrification. Local communities suffer severe water scarcity despite living in one of Earth's wettest regions—a crisis caused entirely by deforestation and watershed degradation.
Our solution is ambitious yet achievable: unite neighboring landowners to establish a connected conservation corridor along our river. This initiative will restore riparian forests, create safe passage for pumas and countless species, and secure clean water for everyone.
By protecting the watershed and forest connectivity, we protect the puma. By protecting the puma, we protect an entire ecosystem—and the future of our community. Together, we can transform crisis into conservation.
Project updates
Team
Reconnecting forests for pumas and watersheds in the Andean Chocó, Ecuador
Ecuador
Restoration, Conservation, WaterEQ
Equilibrio Azul
Ecuador
NonprofitEquilibrio Azul is an NGO focused on research and conservation of Ecuador's ecosystems and species through research projects that lead to in-situ conservation, restoration and education projects. We work locally to conserve some of Ecuador's most threatened species and their habitats; we have worked with sea turtles since 2007 learning about them and protecting and restoring their nesting habitats and foraging reefs. We are also working in protecting the highly threatened rainforests of the Andean Chocó through a private reserve and regenerative farm, working within the reserve and with local actors such as researchers, neighbors, farmers and visitors.
Project story
Finca La Chacra: Protecting Forests and Pumas
Finca La Chacra Reserva is a regenerative farm dedicated to forest conservation and ecosystem restoration. Through biodiversity research and strategic reforestation, we've documented remarkable wildlife—from banded ground cuckoos to five feline species, including the majestic puma (Puma concolor)—and uncovered a critical opportunity: protecting pumas as a gateway to safeguarding vast watersheds and forest corridors.
But our region faces an existential threat. Rampant vacation home development is destroying forests, contaminating water sources, and driving devastating gentrification. Local communities suffer severe water scarcity despite living in one of Earth's wettest regions—a crisis caused entirely by deforestation and watershed degradation.
Our solution is ambitious yet achievable: unite neighboring landowners to establish a connected conservation corridor along our river. This initiative will restore riparian forests, create safe passage for pumas and countless species, and secure clean water for everyone.
By protecting the watershed and forest connectivity, we protect the puma. By protecting the puma, we protect an entire ecosystem—and the future of our community. Together, we can transform crisis into conservation.
Project updates
Team
Location
Ecuador