This initiative, that has a EUR 5 M financing, will give the communities the opportunity to solve the problem of deforestation, land degradation and mismanagement, promoting collaboration mechanisms to establish effective intersectoral governance that favors synergies between climate change, biodiversity, food security and poverty reduction strategies and objectives. In addition, they will have technical assistance and facilities to access new markets, with an inclusive approach that takes into account the rights of rural women.

Agustín Zimmermann, FAO Representative in Ecuador: “Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Bolívar are four provinces of the Ecuadorian Andes where agriculture generates around 26% of employment and represents more than 20% of the income of its inhabitants. This is the scenario where the project will seek to improve the quality of life of the páramo communities, and responsibly manage the areas to avoid degradation of land and water sources”.

The integrated management of the Andean Landscapes is an engine of innovation, new investments and better jobs for family farming in Ecuador. Based on cleaner, climate-smart and more resilient production, it promotes not only human well-being but also the environment. The inhabitants of the area have traditionally focused towards a subsistence economy with products such as: corn, wheat, potatoes, medicinal plants, legumes and extensive livestock. However, this mode of production is detrimental to conservation areas.

The project contributes to the reduction of the poverty rate, which is currently, on average, 78% among the population of these Andean provinces. In addition, the project will take place over five years on three pillars linked to:strengthening the instruments of national and local governance and policies for sustainable land management;

• the implementation of conservation and restoration mechanisms in forest and productive landscapes;
• and increasing productivity in sustainable value chains.

Charles-Michel Geurts, European Union Ambassador to Ecuador: “This initiative promoting good agricultural and conservation practices is part of a broader EU thematic program at global level for the environment and climate change. EU action for sustainable landscape management is linked to the Global Climate Change Alliance + GCCA + initiative that seeks to help developing countries face this challenge”.