Ecuador Amazon Project
This project involves working with the community to protect the endangered rainforest and residents.
History
After an initial visit in 1999 by Quest Overseas Founder and Director Michael Amphlet and Peter Bennett (Director of Rainforest Concern), Quest began working in Yachana, Ecuador. Closely working with FUNEDESIN (Foundation for Integrated Education and Development) since 2001, Quest has been involved in organising 13 teams of volunteers and nearly £150,000 of donations. Objectives
Quest works with Rainforest Concern and FUNEDESIN to raise environmental awareness and conserve the Ecuadorian Amazon by promoting the sustainable use of resources and providing viable economic alternatives to logging, cattle ranching and the production of illicit crops. The project supports groups through a variety of conservation, micro enterprise, agricultural assistance, healthcare, community development and education programs. Achievements
- Built a butterfly farm and interpretation centre
- Renovated and rebuilt primary school
- Created, marked and maintained over 20 kilometres 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
- Sponsored over 1000 acres of rainforest
- Developed of medicinal garden
- Assisted in development of chocolate factory
Future Plans
By September 2007 the Yachana High School will have over 100 pupils and this is where the local community has highlighted Quest donations will be optimally used in the future. Volunteers will work alongside the students at the high school in several areas such as working in the computer centre, completion of student lodges, planting and harvesting crops, maintaining the trails, the medicinal plant gardens and butterfly farm. 
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