For Johana, the forest is much more than a landscape: it is the land where she grew up and the home of her community. As a forest firefighter, she knows that protecting it also means understanding the risks, anticipating fires and taking action when it matters most.

Through the regional Amazonía+ programme, Ecuador is part of a network that strengthens capacities to prevent wildfires, reduce emissions and protect biodiversity.

The European Union brings knowledge, science and innovation & Johana turns them into action on the ground.

Her story reflects the connection between Science & Local Expertise.

This is The Power of &.

Knowledge becomes more powerful when it is shared.

In Morona Santiago, the capacities strengthened through Amazonía+ reach local communities, where they become practical tools to prevent wildfires and protect the forest. 

The European Union shares methodologies and knowledge for prevention & Johana multiplies their impact by training others in her community.

Because protecting the land is a collective effort, where innovation meets local knowledge.

Her story reflects the connection between Knowledge & Community Action.

This is The Power of &.

For water to reach families, we must also protect the sources that make it possible.

In Santa Elena, Jully takes part in reforestation efforts and the protection of groundwater recharge areas. At the same time, she strengthens her technical knowledge to anticipate the challenges affecting access to water.

Through initiatives such as the National Water School, European cooperation helps strengthen capacities and promote the sustainable management of water resources & Jully brings that knowledge to her community.

Because protecting water also means protecting the health and future of communities.

Her story reflects the connection between Technical Expertise & Community Work.

This is The Power of &.

True transformative power also lies in creating spaces for new voices to lead the change.

In Manglaralto, Jully works to protect water resources and promote healthier communities. She knows that access to safe water can help prevent disease and improve families’ living conditions.

Initiatives such as Territorios Libres de Desnutrición create opportunities to strengthen capacities and promote locally driven solutions & young women like Jully turn them into action.

Because when a community trusts its leaders, it also opens the door to new opportunities.

Her story reflects the connection between Opportunities & Women’s Leadership.

This is The Power of &.

Transforming public spaces also transforms the way people experience them.

In the Valle de los Chillos, revitalized public spaces, sustainable lighting and better conditions for pedestrians are helping create safer, more accessible places for the community.

Supported by MoVer Ciudades, this work is part of a broader vision for sustainable mobility that brings together experiences from across Ecuador. The European Union contributes resources and expertise & communities bring these public spaces to life by making them their own.

His story reflects the connection between Urban Vision & Community Ownership.

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Seeing children get to school safely changes everything. By transforming public spaces and installing sustainable lighting, San Rafael has become a safer, more welcoming place. Jorge is one of many people whose daily lives have changed as a result, with the community playing an active role in this transformation.

Supported by MoVer Ciudades, this impact extends beyond the Valle de los Chillos. It is part of a broader vision connecting Loja, Riobamba and Ibarra.

The European Union provides the resources and expertise to drive change & local communities make these spaces their own and bring them to life.

His story reflects the connection between Urban Vision & Community Ownership.

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The European Union’s Global Gateway investment agenda in Ecuador boosts sustainable alliances and investments in priority areas:

• Health, Water and Sanitation: Projects are funded to reduce child malnutrition, improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation and waste management, and strengthen vaccination and the public health system. 
• Climate and Energy: It comprises resources for energy efficiency, regional electricity interconnection, green transition and low-carbon urban development. 
• Transport and Biodiversity: It covers the expansion of the urban metro, sustainable mobility, environmental sanitation infrastructure and forest conservation focused on the bioeconomy. 
• Private sector: It promotes the attraction of productive investments and the strengthening of economic policies.