Ecuador: Conservation and Sustainable Management of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve

This Joint Programme's goal was to support the conservation and management of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve (YBR), one of the world’s greatest areas of biodiversity, and a national priority for Ecuador. The programme focused on implementing community-based economic alternatives for the most vulnerable populations, and on initiatives to deal with climate change through adaptation and the non-emission of greenhouse gases.

The programme contributed to the achievement of MDG 1, poverty reduction, giving priority to disadvantaged populations. It also contributed to the protection of the rights of indigenous populations living in voluntary isolation (PVI). The conservation of the YBR is one of the country’s national priorities and the Ministry of the Environment was the programme’s main partner.

1. Integrated management of the territory of the reserve;
2. Capacity building to reduce the negative impacts of large-scale economic activities;
3. National policies and strategies for the protection of tribes;
4. Country initiative to maintain oil reserves underground.

1. Development of environmentally sustainable community productive activities in the buffer zone of the reserve;
2. Strengthening local capacities for management of the reserve;
3. Development of financial sustainability mechanisms for the conservation and management of the reserve.

Main achievements included: