Achievements in Ecuador
Ecuadorian Amazon Project - Yachana
Quest4Change was working with Rainforest Concern and FUNEDESIN (Foundation for Integrated Education and Development) between 2001 and 2009. Over that time we saved thousands of acres of rainforest and were involved in invaluable conservation work.
Achievements
- Sponsored over 1000 acres of rainforest
- Renovated and rebuilt primary school
- Created, marked and maintained over 20km of trails in an area of protected forest
- Developed tourist infrastructure, including water systems, signage, example plantations and viewpoints.
- Restored and helped create a research centre
- Planted over 1000 native tree species
- Developed a new area of land to accommodate a technical “eco-agricultural” college
- Built a Tilapia pond to help provide income for students at the technical college.
- Developed of medicinal garden and worked on the first exciting 'Black Earth' scheme to increase nutrients in soil and crop yield.
- Built a butterfly farm and interpretation centre
- Assisted in development of chocolate factory
- Introduction to water purification schemem for Napo schools
- Construction of a chicken coop trail
- Building of a tradition thatched Mirador.
- Building of a raised greenhouse to protect plants and crops against flood damage
- Quest was been involved in organising 13 teams of volunteers and nearly £150,000 of donations.
Ecuador Maquipucuna Community Project
This was Quest’s first project working with Rainforest Concern; the project supports community-driven sustainable development through alternative income generating schemes with special reference to eco-tourism. The Quest project ended in 2001, however the Maquipucuna Foundation continues to be dedicated to the conservation of Ecuador's biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Achievements
- Constructed an extension for the eco-tourism facility.
- Constructed roofing of a community building in a nearby village, as part of a UK Lottery funded project.
- Constructed 2 interpretive trails (approx 15 km) Planted 1000 palm trees planted to provide thatch for the local communities.
- Planted 800 pioneer species as part of a reforestation programme.
Santa Lucia Project Ecuador
Quest4Change worked with the communities of Santa Lucia to develop sustainable reforestation, community and education projects. To improve infrastructure and develop alternative income generating schemes, such as eco-tourism. After careful consideration with the local community and Rainforest Concern, in 2004 it was decided that after four years and nearly £100,000 worth of investment that the formal project would cease.
Achievements
- Created extensive banana, coffee and sugar cane plantations (2 hectares each)
- Constructed a sugar extraction facility
- Constructed bird viewing tower
- Development of around 30km of interpretive trails
- Constructed a footbridge to help restore an ancient trading route
- Planted approx 1000 bamboo plants, to help provide sustainable construction material for the local communities
- Assisted in construction of various other facilities for tourists which in turn led to the lodge becoming an internationally recognised and award-winning eco- lodge.
