In January 2016, more than 80 howler monkeys (Allouatta palliatta aequatorialis) were reported dead in the Solita and Pacoche area. This fact was investigated extensively by the Environment Ministry, discarding viruses, fungi or bacteria. Studies were conducted to determine the likelihood of poisoning ingestion; however, nothing could be ascertained. The population of monkeys in the area was highly affected by this event.
The answer to this problem was not solved, however, it became clear the importance and the need to maintain permanent studies in the area and to look for protection and conservation plans that could ensure the life of the fauna and flora of the place, and to maintain permanent plans to conserve existing species; moreover, considering that the species of Cebus albifrons aequatorialis monkey (white capuchin monkey) is endangered along with 20 other species of fauna.
On April 16, 2016, Manabí lived an unfortunate event that affected the province and the entire country. The earthquake of 7.8 on the Richter scale, in addition to hundreds of victims, left a fractured economy, destroying businesses and homes, eliminating its main source of income and affecting not only physical but psychosocially the population of Manabi.
The need to generate sources of employment existed before this regrettable event; More so, when the country at that moment was going through a difficult stage in its economy by the fall of the oil price. This natural disaster not only affected the country, but specifically the province of Manabí. In addition, the emergency generated new priorities to be addressed, leaving aside the progress of research projects and the results of the problem of howler monkeys in previous months.
Four years later, Ecuador and the whole world is going through a pandemia that has affected the tourism and all the economy. Specifically in our country, not only the pandemia, but the oil going under 0 and our previous economical situation lead us to aim toward new possibilities to help local communities in their resilience.
Objectives
– Have a Investigation Center in the Ecuadorian coastal zone dedicated to the monitoring and conservation of the biodiversity of the area.
– Generate research projects, exchange of knowledge and experiences on the flora and fauna of ecosystems, aimed at understanding their vulnerability as a result of climate change or other human factors (settlements, population growth, unsustainable practices, etc.).
– Regenerate the Pacoche Forest, within the areas of influence in charge of the Foundation, in a sustainable way, contributing to the conservation of its ecosystem and biodiversity.
– Develop educational projects framed to generate environmental awareness in the communities that surround it.
Expected Positive Changes
– Provide a space for projects research, education, awareness and development for the local and foreign population as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.
– Provide environmental awareness to both local and international public through the long-term protection of the forest and its endemic species.
– To have a self-sustaining ecological reserve that guarantees the protection of the forest and its endemic species, becoming a management model for similar reserves at the country level.
– Contribute to local development through the generation of sustainable economic resources, opportunities for honest work and poverty reduction.
Infraestructure to Develop
The reserve currently has a minimum infrastructure to handle 10 students per night. The goal is to increase the capacity to receive up to 20 students per night. We will generate an exclusive study space for our visitors, where several activities can be developed, such as talks, research, studies, etc. This will consist of a space with work tables, access to computers, possibility of projection, a small laboratory or space to work with samples and a small library.
