In Spite of it All: Ecuador's NGOs

By: Charlie Conner

| Introduction | Locally Managed NGOs |
| International NGOs |

The socio-economic realities of Ecuador are, for many, as grave as they have ever been. Regrettably, 74.9% of the Ecuadorian population remains unemployed or subemployed while well over half of the nation lives under the poverty line. Moreover, as the cost of living has risen drastically in the wake of dollarization, the per capita GNP and the GDP have consistently decreased for the past several years, bringing more hardship and suffering to those who have spent the past decade struggling to hold on. Meanwhile, with neoliberal measures steadily diminishing the State's role in the economy as well as its ability to maintain any kind of social welfare infrastructure, and with the government dedicating roughly half of the nation's resources to keeping up with interest payments on its USD 12 billion external debt, Ecuador has been unable to count on the State to act as a benefactor.

However, in the face of economic hardship, a number of NGOs have been doing a remarkable job helping the nation to get by. Working to fill the gaps left by a faltering economy and a lack of governmental assistance, NGOs have played an indispensable role in helping the nation's marginalized citizenry meet their basic needs, encouraging sustainable development, and protecting the nation's natural resources from exploitation.

Recognizing the importance of the increasingly vital role played by Ecuador's many noteworthy NGOs, EE.com would like to highlight the work of some of the nation's more distinguished non-governmental organizations. What follows is a fairly comprehensive list of some of the nation's most notable NGOs along with links to their web sites (when applicable), a brief description of their work and principle projects, contact information, and information for would-be volunteers.

Locally Managed and Regional Organizations

Fundacion Octaedro - organizes a biannual film festival to promote filmmakers from around the world and educate viewers in Ecuador. Proceeds help cover the costs of its Teacher Training Program which started in 2001 and has benefitted over 5,000 students from poor urban and rural schools.

AmaZOOnico - in an attempt to preserve vulnerable species in the Amazon, AmaZOOnico runs a rainforest animal rehabilitation center. Volunteer positions are available for veterinary, wildlife biology, and conservation biology students and professionals. For more information, please contact Angelika Raiman at Explorer Tours, Reina Victoria 1235 y Lizardo García, Quito.

Amingay Group - through its various projects, the Amingay Group is a testament to the difference an NGO can make. Its Alandaluz ecolodge is proof that ecotourism can be sustainable and give back to the community. Its organic Catalapiedra finca confirms that organic food production can be profitable as well as delicious. And its many other community-based ecological and community development projects are to be praised for the lasting impact they've made in the coastal area of Manabí. The organization sometimes accepts longer term volunteers to assist at the Catalapiedra finca.

Consorcio Camaren - comprised of members from the environmental, agricultural, and academic worlds, Camaren is a training system designed to promote the sustainable management of natural resources. With its success based on the vast array of experience of its members, Camaren was created for with two basic necessities in mind: improving the efficiency with which natural resources are managed and recognizing that a training process depends on a highly specialized pedagogy.

Kallari Craft Cooperative - This cooperative of over 650 Amazon families has discovered the path to sustainable development, rainforest conservation and cultural preservation. Since 1997, Kallari has applied grassroots community organization and direct international marketing to triple prices for their ethnic handicrafts and organic cocoa. Kallari markets 100% natural Fair Trade handcrafts (jewellery, handbags, belts, baskets and wooden pieces) as well as organic certified cocoa, chocolate, coffee and a variety of herbal teas at their must-see café / restaurant / craft gallery in Quito. For more information about helping as a volunteer intern e-mail us - info@kallari.com.

Charles Darwin Station - founded in 1959, under the auspices of UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (previously World Conservation Union), the Charles Darwin Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystems. The Foundation operates the Charles Darwin Research Station to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. The Station has a team of over two hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Volunteer opportunities (some with room and board). For more information, please contact Roslyn Cameron at cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec.

Fundación FEVI, - Ecuador, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to facilitate intercultural education and volunteer community service. FEVI arranges community service visits from people all over the world to smaller, less fortunate communities in Ecuador. We work with homeless children, centers for elderly people, women's organizations, indigenous communities, health care centers, public schools, human rights organizations, and adult education centers. Spanish classes are included in our programs at INTI Spanish School.

Fundacion Maquipucuna - cloudforest conservation project with an emphasis on community development. Fundacion Maquipucuna is a non profit NGO that was created on 1988. One of its projects, The Ecotourism Operation has been awarded with two international recognitions The Ecotourism Showcase 2000 and the Skal International 2003. Fundacion Maquipucuna is currently working on following projects: Ecotourism, Organic Gardens, Organic Coffee, Bambu Furnitures, Environmental Education, Orchids in vitro exportation and others. Address: Baquerizo Moreno E9-153 & TamayoPhone numbers 2507-200 / 2507-203 Fax: 2507-201PO BOX (Casilla): 17-12-167. Email contact: root@maquipucuna.org or ecotourism@maquipucuna.org

Fundación Natura - The mission of Fundación Natura is environmental protection, the preservation of biodiversity, and the sustainable management of natural resources, through the transformation of habits and behaviors, the formation of a national environmental consciousness, and the establishment of a new social ethic. In doing so, their ultimate aim is to better the quality of life for the present generation as well as future ones. The foundation regularly has openings for volunteers willing to work with the organization's reforestation project in Pasachoa as well as its various environmental education and trail maintenance projects. For more information, please contact: naturgye@gu.natura.org.ec.

Fundación Niñez y Vida - Tierra de Hombres Ecuador, is a legally recognized NGO with over 25 years of experience helping the nation's economically challenged children and adolescents. Focusing its energy on the most integral areas of the child's development - health, education, nutrition, and the family unit - the foundation shares with children the experiences and positive encouragement of its staff, volunteers, and other adult role models. The foundation currently runs several centers in Quito and in the province of Chimborazo and regularly accepts volunteers. For more information, please contact futierra@andinanet.net.

Fundación de Proteción Animal - established in 1999 by Peace Corp volunteer and DVM Elizabeth Dautis along with several veterinary students and citizens concerned about rampant animal abuse in Ecuador, FPA is the first animal-welfare organization in southern Ecuador. They are working to create a more humane world for animals through educational and outreach programs and legislation. Their projects include running the nation's first spay and neuter clinic, working to educate the public about environmental- and animal-related issues, and lobbying with politicians to pass more animal friendly legislation. Contact - fpa@loja.telconet.net.

FUNEDESIN -works to find sustainable solutions in the struggle between the ideals of rainforest preservation and the realities of life in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. The organization work with local communities to improve their education, to develop community-based medical care, and to set up environmentally sustainable micro-enterprises. Their more notable projects include the Mondaña eye clinic, their many innovative medical programs, Yachana Gourmet, and Yachana Lodge. You can help FUNEDESIN conserve the Ecuadorian Amazon by adopting an acre of rainforest, help them finance sustainable microenterprise by adopting a chocolate tree, or assist in a variety of projects by becoming a volunteer in the Amazon Rainforest.

Galo Plaza Lasso Foundation - is currently managing the Condor Huasi project, designed to accomplish the conditional reintroduction of captive condors into the wild while conserving the paramo ecosystem in which the condors dwell. The foundation is also running a women's community embroidery project which helps local indigenous families earn revenue while preserving, revitalizing, and reaffirming a sense of cultural pride and century old traditions. For more information, you can write the foundation at hacienda@zuleta.com.

La Tola - established over 25 years ago, La Tola was originally dedicated to providing a stable home for orphans. However, with the escalating downfall of the Ecuadorian economy, La Tola now works extensively with street children and indigenous families who have voluntarily left their homes in the countryside in an attempt to earn money in the streets of Quito, as well. La Tola regularly accepts willing volunteers. For more information on volunteering, contact: the South American Explorer Club´s Quito clubhouse at quitoclub@saexplorers.org.

New Era Galapagos Foundation - realizing the vital ecological, culture, and economic importance of the archipelago which they call home, the New Era Galapagos Foundation is preparing the youth of San Cristóbal island for the challenges of conserving the Galapagos Islands. Their approach is twofold: to promote and provide educational alternatives while helping develop an appreciation and respect for the natural environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. The organization runs foreign language programs, art programs, dance programs, and environmental education program. They accept qualified volunteers. For more information, visit their volunteer page or contact them at info@neweragalapagos.org.

New Horizons - is the NGOs' NGO, so to speak. Working with NGOs and not-for-profit organizations of all stripes, New Horizons provides a variety of them with the labor, donations, toys, books, and medicine that they need to effectively make a positive change in the lives of underprivileged Ecuadorians. Working in all corners of Ecuador and Galapagos, New Horizons spearheads and assists in a wide variety of social, educational, community development, environmental, business, and healthcare projects. For more information, please contact laucord@hotmail.com.

Río Guaycuyacu Reserve - located in the rainforests of the northwestern lowlands, Río Guaycuyacua operates a nature reserve and family fruit farm in which they promote sustainable agricultural and conservation practices. In addition, they offers research facilities for biologists and tropical agricultural apprenticeships/volunteer work. Please feel free to address any questions or concerns to guaycuyacu@hotmail.com.

Río Muchacho Organic Farm - situated near the beautiful Bahía de Caraquez, this coastal farm manages a variety of reforestation, permaculture, and environmental education projects. Volunteers accepted to assist with these projects live with local campesino families and assist in all aspects of the organization's work . For more information, you may contact Nicola at ecopapel@ecuadorexplorer.com.

Volunteering Ecuador - created with the purpose of helping the nation's most underprivileged women and children, Volunterring Ecuador works to help disadvantaged children and youths aware of their inner strength, creativity, and abilities, so that they may use these as tools to raise their self-esteem and integrate them into society. The organization offers a variety of volunteer and cultural exchange programs dealing with homeless and other disadvantaged children in Ecuador. Contact - beto_10017@hotmail.com.

International Organizations

Amnesty International - has worked for over 40 years to defend human rights all across the globe. In addition to the many other countries in which the organization has worked, Amnesty International has sponsored a number of different campaigns throughout Ecuador.

Red Cross International - is a worldwide organization recognized for their unsubsiding efforts to help the needy, impoverished, diseased, displaced, and disaster-afflicted in every corner of the planet. In Ecuador, the Red Cross runs a free ambulance service as well as spearheading a program designed to save the lives of 100,000 children by the year 2002 who would otherwise likely die of a variety of preventable and treatable diseases. The Red Cross does accept qualified volunteers. For more information, please contact: info@usa.redcross.org.

UNICEF - mandated by the General Assembly of the United Nations, UNICEF works to protect the rights of children worldwide, ensuring that their basic needs are met and that they grow to reach their full potential.

*If you know of or work with an NGO worthy of mention which is not listed here, please feel free to let us know by sending a comment to info@ecuadorexplorer.com.

| Introduction | Locally Managed NGOs |
| International NGOs |