The Issue:

The project addresses the lack of permanent protection for a privately owned, high-biodiversity area that contains one of only eight known populations of the Critically Endangered Ecuadorian Vizcacha. After 15 years of informal stewardship, the property is at risk of being sold and converted for incompatible uses such as illegal mining, livestock grazing, and other development. More broadly, the project highlights a common challenge in Ecuador, where ecologically important lands often rely on the goodwill of private landowners rather than long-term legal protection. If ownership changes, these habitats can be quickly degraded or lost. The project seeks to secure the land under permanent conservation while creating a community-based ecotourism model that provides local economic incentives to protect the area over the long term.

What are Measurable Outcomes Expected from the Funding of this Project?

• 35 hectares of priority habitat secured through a formal purchase commitment, preventing conversion to mining, grazing, and other incompatible land uses.

• Three local residents become the first certified tourism guides in Quilanga's history, completing guide and Wilderness First Aid training.

• A low-impact interpretive circuit is established with signage, wildlife viewing points, and visitor protocols, ready to pilot responsible ecotourism and scientific visits.

What Would a Successful Project Result In?

A formal purchase commitment secures 35 hectares of priority habitat for the Ecuadorian Vizcacha, while three local guides are certified and ready to lead low-impact species-watching experiences that connect visitors to conservation and support future community-based ecotourism.