WHAT IS THE CHOCÓ PROJECT ?
The Chocó Project, situated in the NW Ecuadorian Chocoan rainforest, raises two vital questions. The first one is the protection and the rehabilitation of the brown-headed spider monkey, listed on the top 25 most endangered primates globally. The second is the economic empowerment of small scale cacao producers. The near-extinction of this species alongside the degradation of biodiversity is the result of huge deforestation in the region. Promoting the cultivation of cacao and moving away from logging will provide an alternative income to the producers, harmonise the human impact on the environment and generate financial resources for ongoing conservation efforts.
The Chocó Project works with conservation biologists who have identified the region of Tesoro Escondido as vitally important for the survival of this critically endangered species. It is estimated that two thirds of the remaining spider monkeys reside in this region out of a global population of around 250. They provide crucial ecosystem services through seed dispersal for numerous tree species. At present, the forest remains at risk due to rapid land development and increased demand for timber, agricultural products and palm oil. Urgent action is needed to protect this wildlife refuge and to search for economic alternatives for the local people that combine wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
To have a look at what we've achieved so far and what we plan on doing, click here. And to read about or project in Spanish, it's here!
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