Forest conservation through sustainable supply chains

Context

Ecuador is rich in biological diversity. The country has been able to protect ecosystems through numerous measures, but natural forests continue to be cut down. In the last ten years, around 86 per cent of agricultural, aquaculture and plantation areas have been created by clearing forests. Environmentally damaging agriculture is thus an extremely significant driver of deforestation. The national framework conditions have not yet been able to counteract these activities and incentives for deforestation-free production are largely lacking.

Objective

Forests are better protected in selected agriculture and aquaculture supply chains in the provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas.

Approach

The project advises the Ecuadorian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on improving the national framework conditions for deforestation-free supply chains and introducing long-term financing as an incentive for deforestation-free production for farmers.

To reduce deforestation and restore forest landscapes, it concludes agreements with the provincial governments of Manabí and Esmeraldas and responsible parties at local level.

Measures also focus on forest-friendly production and marketing along the supply chains, such as for cocoa, timber, livestock, shrimp and dragon fruit, in order to reduce the pressure on forest resources. For example, the projects supports farmers by improving access to markets for verified deforestation-free products.

Last update: December 2023