Awacachi

The rainforest of Ecuador has amongst the highest levels of biodiversity found anywhere on the planet.

The Awacachi Corridor is a key strategic site that along with adjoining areas reinforces the conservation of over 350,000 hectares of unique rainforest. Working with local partners, Cool Earth is helping to secure this corridor of land by investing in its protection system and in local community development that values forest conservation above forest destruction.

By sponsoring an acre of the Awacachi Corridor you will plug a gaping hole in the defences of the Ecuadorean rainforest.

Since the project started Cool Earth has supported local organisations and communities to develop alternative income streams that value forest protection over forest destruction.

This year we have funded specialized tools and raw materials to make products ranging from baskets to decorative bowls, placemats, coasters, pencil holders, hair accessories and earrings.

In order to reduce pressure on forest resources we also support initiatives with local people to diversify their livelihoods. In Ecuador this means supporting native bamboo production and cacao growing in the communities around the Awacachi Corridor. So far our supporters have helped fund the planting of 21 acres of bamboo and 10 acres of cacao, which is used to make chocolate. This reduces pressure on intact forest by giving people ways to earn income other than by cutting down the forest.

Save an acre of AwacachiThe current focus is on supporting cacao farmers through the provision of seeds and technical advice from agro forestry specialists to improve their yields of cacao. The local Ecuadorian organisation, Fundación Sirua, leads this work in the communities to raise awareness of and help protect the Awacachi Corridor.