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 ...

About You

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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

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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.

Explain in detail why your approach is innovative

Impact

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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?

How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?

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.

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Sustainability

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How is your initiative currently financed? If available, provide information on your finances and organization that could help others. Please list: Annual budget, annual revenue generated, size of part-time, full-time and volunteer staff.

Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? Is there a potential demand for your innovation?

What are the main barriers you encounter in managing, implementing, or replicating your innovation? What barriers keep your program from having greater impact?

What is your plan to expand or further develop your approach? Please indicate where/how you would like to grow or enhance your innovation, or have others do so.

The Story

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Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers' marketing material.

What is the origin of your innovation? Tell the Changemakers and media communities what prompted you to start this initiative.

Describe some unique tourist experiences that your approach provides. Be specific; give illustrative examples.

What types of partnerships or professional development would be most beneficial in spreading your innovation?

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