| Sustainable Development Through the La Ceiba
- Pilares Project
| Sustainable development
initiatives to help some of the poorest people in Ecuador and
Peru |
The La Ceiba – Pilares project is a binational
initiative in Ecuador and Peru that seeks to strengthen local capacity
in an effort to conserve the forests of the cross-border Tumbesian
region. At the same time, it seeks to improve the health and living
conditions of local community members through a number of sustainable
development initiatives. This region is one of the most important
biodiversity preservation areas in the world, but in contrast to
its natural wealth, the people living in the rural communities are
among the poorest in both countries. This project helps to identify
sustainable sources of income, while recognizing the rights and
responsibilities of the local people and respecting local customs
and resources.
 So
far, several hundred families spread out over 11 Ecuadorian and
6 Peruvian communities have initiated an organizational process
of participative management of approximately 25,000 acres of dry
forest. Some activities include sustainably produced goat’s
milk products from locally-bred animals, honey production using
native bees, the creation of community microcredit banks for small
corn plantations and other necessities that require financing, and
a program to promote infant nutrition. Another activity is the creation
of zoning policies to regulate the use of the forest; designating
certain areas for community and individual use, and leaving out
other areas meant for regeneration and conservation.
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