Maquipucuna & Chocó Andes: Geo-tourism & certification of origin protecting the Earth’s top hotspots
Maquipucuna’s mission is unfolding on the Chocó Andean Corridor - northwest Ecuador, recognized internationally as one of the Earth’s most biodiverse regions under the highest threat of destruction. With about 50% of Ecuador’s plant and bird diversity, or about 2% of the plant and almost 10% of the bird diversity of the world at risk, the region requires extreme innovative conservation measures. Its diversity of ecosystems from the Andes to the sea requires forest connectivity for viability. Diverse sustainable production strategies in the Corridor, from shade-grown cacao in the lowlands to shade-grown coffee in the mountains, and ecotourism throughout the region provide critical ...
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Name Your Project
Maquipucuna & Chocó Andes: Geo-tourism & certification of origin protecting the Earth’s top hotspots
Describe Your Idea
Maquipucuna’s mission is unfolding on the Chocó Andean Corridor - northwest Ecuador, recognized internationally as one of the Earth’s most biodiverse regions under the highest threat of destruction. With about 50% of Ecuador’s plant and bird diversity, or about 2% of the plant and almost 10% of the bird diversity of the world at risk, the region requires extreme innovative conservation measures. Its diversity of ecosystems from the Andes to the sea requires forest connectivity for viability. Diverse sustainable production strategies in the Corridor, from shade-grown cacao in the lowlands to shade-grown coffee in the mountains, and ecotourism throughout the region provide critical ...
Innovation
What is the goal of your innovation? Please describe in one sentence the kind of impact, change, or reform your approach is intended to achieve.
Please write an overview of your project. Include how your approach supports or embodies geotourism or destination stewardship. This text will appear when people scroll over the icon for your entry on the map located on the competition homepage.
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Impact
Describe the degree of success you have had to date. How do you measure, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact on sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How has it transformed or contributed to the power of place or demonstrated the sustainability of tourism? How does your approach minimize negative impacts?
In what ways are local residents actively involved in your work, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?
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Describe how your work helps travelers and local residents better understand the value of the area's cultural and natural heritage, and educates them on local environmental issues.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
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Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? Is there a potential demand for your innovation?
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The Story
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| 208 weeks ago Zenobia Davis said: Maquipicuna is an ideal model for community-based tourism which has gained momentum in recent years as the planet has become a lot less ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago Colette Wabnitz said: I have often brought honors students to Ecuador specifically to expose them to the Choco Andean Corridor project. This project ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago Stephannie Stoyle said: Protecting this region is of utmost importance within the context of sustainability of natural resources. The work that Fundacion ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago chetan bharaj said: We have used Maquipicuna for several natural history groups, including the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and an upcoming trip for the ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago Rosa Carson said: The Cafe Choco Andes, Orchid/Bromelia, Organic Farm tours should be listed! ---------- Rodrigo Ontaneda rodrigo@maquipucuna.org ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago Simplice Tankoua said: ---------- Dr. David Saiia SMBA Program Duquesne University about this Competition Entry. - read more > | |
| 208 weeks ago Rosa Carson submitted this idea. |

