Great Leaf
LA ESPERANZA FOREST PROJECT
RE-CONNECT
“La Esperanza” Forest is an exciting project located in the Ecuadorian Chocó region, in Manabí, combining conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable development. Initiated in 2020 in collaboration with Anelio Loor, a forest guardian for over two decades, this project has unveiled threatened species such as howler monkeys and new types of trees. This biodiversity sanctuary, isolated from other forests, plays a vital role in preserving the health of many species and providing essential ecosystem services.
The project focuses on three key pillars:
- Ecological Restoration: This includes the reproduction and planting of native plants, reforestation of areas damaged by livestock, and continuous monitoring to improve practices. Creating connectivity corridors is a goal to strengthen landscape resilience.
- Education and Community Work: Promoting training for local communities in agroforestry, agroecology, ecological restoration, bio-entrepreneurship, and ecotourism.
- Scientific Research: The project also contributes to scientific knowledge about biodiversity, ecology, animal behavior, and restoration processes, supporting its other areas of work.
Project funding comes from international funds, individual and corporate donations, collaborations with universities, and volunteer efforts. This sustained growth is due to the generosity of companies and institutions from various sectors of society, either through one-time donations or the development of institutional projects contributing to the achievement of restoration and community development goals around this magical forest.
“Re-connect” is a project aimed at improving the connection between green areas within urban zones. It began in September 2022 with the Biological Corridor in Quito, Ecuador, connecting Rumipamba and La Carolina parks. This corridor has been created using existing green spaces and adding green infrastructure such as rain gardens, pollinator gardens, green roofs, and living tree pits.
Nature conservation in the city is crucial because this green infrastructure not only addresses urban issues like biodiversity loss and poor air quality but also provides recreational and environmental education spaces.
The project actively involves the community in environmental education activities and plantings in intervened spaces. Additionally, biodiversity information is collected through citizen science.
“Reconnect” is made possible through the joint efforts of the Great Leaf Foundation and Nativus, funded by the Environmental Fund and the Environment Secretariat of the Municipality of Quito. Collaboration from professionals, institutions, and companies such as the Quito Zoo, Fonag, Quito Vivarium, Rumipamba Archaeological Park, DHL, and San Gabriel School has been essential.
The project can continue with the ongoing support of companies and institutions that can make donations or collaborate on institutional projects to restore and increase urban biodiversity. Join the change, and be part of Reconnect!
How to help
If you want to be part of these initiatives, you can support us by collaborating with the following donation packages in USD or simply contributing any amount of your choice.
Seed Donor Package
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1 tree planted and monitored for 1 year in Bosque La Esperanza or...
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3 plants to enrich pollinator gardens in Quito's biodiversity network.
Leaf Donor Package
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5 trees planted and monitored for 1 year in Bosque La Esperanza or...
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15 plants to enrich pollinator gardens in Quito's biodiversity network.
Hope Donor Package
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10 trees planted and monitored for 1 year in Bosque La Esperanza or...
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30 plants to enrich pollinator gardens in Quito's biodiversity network.
Want to visit ?
La Esperanza Forest Project
Re - Connect
Everyone is welcome to explore the natural wonder of Bosque La Esperanza, a reserve located in the heart of the lush Ecuadorian Chocó Forest. This biodiversity sanctuary offers visitors from all around the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of the region’s flora and fauna. With winding trails through exotic landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, including the chance to see howler monkeys, a species currently endangered. We invite you to ask your travel advisor to include a 2-day, 1-night visit, during which you can enjoy exciting guided walks, informative conservation talks, and the thrilling opportunity to explore the nursery, restoration plot, and participate in tree planting. A journey that promises not only to be an unforgettable adventure but also a significant contribution to the preservation of this natural treasure. Join us on this journey of discovery and connection with the beauty and importance of Chocó’s biodiversity!
We encourage you to ask your travel advisor for the fascinating opportunity to explore the research and native plant production space in the Reconnect project. In this educational journey, you will have the chance to delve into an explanatory tour revealing the intricate details of the work done in the nursery, as well as the diversity of native species cultivated with dedication. This space, located in Puembo, just 45 minutes from the bustling city center, offers a unique experience to understand the valuable process of local flora restoration and conservation. Enjoy this enriching opportunity and immerse yourself in the beauty and purpose behind the preservation of native plants in the Reconnect project.
If you want to donate...
Thank you for considering donating! Your generosity makes a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. To streamline the donation process, we have enabled a secure payment link that you can use to make your contribution quickly and easily.
*The donation packages mentioned above do not include additional fees charged by platforms such as WeTravel or PayPal.
For voluntary donations, please contact us to generate a personalized payment link. Also, if you prefer to make a donation via bank transfer, feel free to get in touch.
Additionally, we understand that some donors prefer to contribute directly to charitable organizations without intermediaries. If this is the case for you, we would be delighted to provide you with the direct contact information for the foundations, allowing you to communicate with them directly and coordinate your donation.
Please feel free to reach out to us at mariapaula@egt.ec to obtain the contact details of the organizations you wish to contribute to directly or to address any questions you may have.
We appreciate your generosity and commitment to the well-being of the community. Every donation counts and makes a difference!
