Enviro News Asia, Quito — Ecuador is strengthening its position as a global model for sustainable forest management through the PROAmazonía programme, which promotes deforestation-free production while improving livelihoods in the Amazon region.
The initiative, launched in 2017, integrates forest conservation with sustainable agricultural practices, targeting key commodities such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and livestock. It aims to address deforestation driven primarily by agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching, while maintaining economic opportunities for local communities.
Implemented with support from international partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the programme provides training through farmer field schools that promote sustainable land management techniques.
These efforts have enabled Ecuador to transition more than 93,000 hectares toward deforestation-free certification. Products from these areas are now entering traceable international markets, supported by partnerships with companies such as Lavazza Group and Silva Cacao.
The programme places strong emphasis on gender inclusion, particularly the empowerment of Indigenous women. Participants have reported increased economic independence and leadership opportunities within their communities, reflecting broader social transformation alongside environmental progress.
According to programme stakeholders, sustainable practices such as preserving forest cover, improving pasture management, and adopting environmentally friendly farming methods have reduced pressure on fragile Amazon ecosystems while enhancing productivity.
The initiative also demonstrates how coordinated climate finance and policy frameworks can support both conservation and development goals. By aligning national strategies with international funding and private-sector engagement, Ecuador has created a scalable model for other countries facing similar challenges.
Officials from Ecuador’s environmental sector emphasized that integrating conservation with economic development is essential to protecting biodiversity while ensuring long-term community resilience.
The PROAmazonía programme is now being highlighted as a reference for South-South cooperation, encouraging knowledge exchange among countries in the Amazon basin and beyond. (*)
