The Ecuadorian Chocó was entirely forested in 1938, but by 1988, only 50 years later, 95% of the forests in western Ecuador below 3,000 feet (900 m) had already disappeared. There is a consensus that less than 3% of western lowland forests of Ecuador remain, yet deforestation continues.

Save the Chocó has been working with and supporting Fundacion Jocotoco's work in the western Andes and the northwest lowlands of Ecuador for the last nine years. With our support and many others, Jocotoco hasbeen able to protect over 40,000 acres inthe Canandé region and another 10,000 in Buenaventura since we collaborated. These reserves protect over 50,000 acres of critical habitat in western Ecuador.

With such success comes a great amount of responsibility. Our goal is to support the success Jocotoco has had over the last 20 years in the region. Save the Choco is working on raising $50,000 for Jocotoco’s Canandé and Buenaventura Reserves infrastructure.