Regional Water Fund: FORAGUA, Southern Ecuador

Fabián Rodas, Naturaleza y Cultura Internacional 

Before deforestation and degradation activities  could affect their land, the municipalities of Loja, Celica, Pinal, Puyango and Macará, implemented a unique conservation initiative, issuing ordinances for the management and protection of micro watersheds and forests. They include the official guidelines for the reserves, incentives for land use change and the collection of environmental conservation taxes.

Additionally, these municipalities joined together to establish the Regional Fund for Water – FORAGUA, in order to simplify ongoing international, state, business, and donor cooperation. FORAGUA is taking a broad regional perspective on environmental issues, and is looking to include 39 municipalities in El Oro, Loja y Zamora Chinchipe and Solidaridad.

Today, 50% of the hydric zone in Loja is protected; Alamor 21%; Celica 25% and Macará 11%. More than 35,000 hectares of municipal reserves have already been created through local ordinances, and three additional municipalities plan to begin a similar process this year. 

FORAGUA website: www.foragua.org