| Conservation and Sustainable Development
at the La Ceiba Reserve
| Protecting 25,000 acres
of threatened tropical dry forest |
NCI’s La Ceiba Natural Reserve protects
25,000 acres of threatened tropical dry forest in southwestern Ecuador,
and is the core area of the La Ceiba Conservation and Development
Area (CDA). Within the CDA, NCI respects the customs and traditions
of the local communities and works closely with the local people
to promote sustainable forms of development within the region. This
methodology ensures the economic well-being of local community members
while simultaneously protecting the ecosystem.
 The
CDA includes 17 communities and 370 families (approximately 1,660
people), the majority of whom subsist on goat and cattle raising,
and growing seasonal corn. The region includes 31 species of birds
found only in this area (11 threatened by extinction), 20 species
of amphibians and reptiles, and 56 species of trees, some of which
are used for construction such as the guayacán and hualtaco.
Within La Ceiba, we are currently working with
local communities on a wide range of sustainable projects including
honey production by native bees, production of several goat’s
milk  cheeses
and yogurts, and the creation of an internationally-marketed
perfume from the fruit of the Palo Santo tree. We are also conducting
a basic needs assessment that includes a nutrition program for children
under the age of six. Through alliances with government institutions
the program has benefited over 300 children and has reduced malnutrition
from 23% to 3%. The construction of an environmental education and
visitor’s center within the reserve is currently planned as
well.
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