60 Pageviews Read Stories
Causes: Animals, Environment, Forest Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation & Protection, Wildlife Preservation & Protection
Mission: Dedicated to the establishment of community based wildlife and nature reserves, PAN pursues an innovative strategy predicated on the active cooperation of the people whose standard of living depends on the exploitation of the areas we seek to protect. In 1994, we approached the people of Loma Alta, a small indigenous rural community in coastal Ecuador with a view to preserving their beautiful, biologically diverse and critically endangered fog forest. In 1996, in response to PAN's creative mix of community development, participatory research and educational programs, the villagers opted to establish the very first Communal Ecological Reserve in western Ecuador. More than 1,500 acres were set aside for future generations. In the ensuing seven years, PAN has built a model relationship with Loma Alta founded on mutual trust, respect, and affection. In the years 2000 and 2003, PAN's efforts were again rewarded when the community voted to expand their Ecological Reserve to 4,500 and 7,500 acres respectively. Today, the Reserve encompasses nearly 40% of Loma Alta's land.