In an effort to ensure the conservation and restoration of water sources in southern Ecuador, 51,000 potential hectares have been identified for restoration actions. This initiative is led by Foragua, a leading member fund of the Latin American Network of Water Funds (RedLAC), directed by Francisco Gordillo.
The complete restoration of water sources requires three main approaches:
The purchase or expropriation of land, the exchange or relocation of landowners, and the provision of incentives and compensation for environmental services. The purchase of land is presented as an option that guarantees tenure and makes it possible to revert its use when it is declared to be of public utility. However, in this case, the cadastral appraisal and the availability of resources are determining factors. To acquire the water sources in southern Ecuador, it is estimated that approximately US$280 million would be needed. Although environmental taxes could help solve part of the problem, 90% of the properties are privately owned.
The application of swaps, that is, the relocation of landowners to other areas of municipal property outside the water sources, is also presented as a viable option. However, it requires identifying the municipal properties and establishing conditions and possibilities that allow for negotiations beneficial to all parties involved.
Through the analysis carried out, it has been determined that the signing of agreements with landowners and the delivery of incentives may be the most convenient alternative for the restoration of water sources. These incentives are based on the opportunity cost of the farms and commitments for land use change, promoting sustainable production and bio-enterprises in areas of lower impact in the lower watersheds. The resources to finance these incentives come from citizen contributions through an environmental tax collected on drinking water consumption, which amounts to US$1,000,000.00 per year. In addition, there is support from international cooperation managed by Foragua within the framework of REDD+ and the reduction of greenhouse gases.
This initiative has the support and participation of leading organizations and entities committed to water and forest conservation in the region. Among them are PROAmazoníaThe Latin American Alliance of Water Funds, Green Climate Fund (#GreenChampions), UNDP Ecuador, RedLAC, Aves y Conservación, Nature and Culture International and Andes Amazon Fund.
Ecuador's water coalition is united in its goal to safeguard water sources and ensure their long-term conservation. The restoration of the 51,000 hectares identified in southern Ecuador represents a significant step towards protecting the region's water resources and biodiversity.
"We are excited about the potential that these 51,000 hectares represent for the restoration of water sources in southern Ecuador, the collaboration between different actors, both nationally and internationally, allows us to address this challenge in a comprehensive and efficient manner."
Francisco Gordillo, Executive Director of FORAGUA.
The importance of preserving and restoring water sources lies not only in the provision of this vital resource for local communities, but also in their impact on climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests and ecosystems play a fundamental role in regulating hydrological cycles and protecting wildlife.
The joint work of Foragua and other allied organizations is fundamental to achieving conservation and restoration objectives in the region. It is hoped that this initiative will inspire other relevant institutions and actors to join in the protection of water resources throughout the continent.
As the restoration process progresses, periodic assessments will be conducted to monitor results and adjust strategies as needed. The active participation of local communities and landowners will be critical to ensure the long-term success of these restoration initiatives.
For more information about Foragua's work and its role in Ecuador's water coalition, please visit Foragua's official website at http://www.foragua.org.
RedLAC Communications Coordinator
pablo.portillo@fiaes.org.sv pablo.portillo@fiaes.org.sv
