WATER

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Water as a tool for conservation

Everyone understands the need for clean, abundant water. Healthy ecosystems provide fresh water, air, and food security. Preserving important water sources is a powerful tool for encouraging overall ecosystem health. By leveraging local support to protect key water sources, Nature and Culture garners support for conservation projects, which in turn helps protect biodiversity and improves the overall health of nearby ecosystems. 

We harness the need for clean abundant water to drive local conservation action.

Preserving local access to a sustainable water supply

Working locally to fight water scarcity.

We evaluate potential protected areas based on their strategic importance as water sources for human consumption and to guarantee food security for local communities.

Read more about our work to map and protect areas of hydric importance in Ecuador, in partnership with local communities and local and national government authorities. 

Water map blog
Water Protected Areas

Water Protected Areas, (WPAs) are nationally recognized, legally protected areas in Ecuador that conserve important water sources and ban extractive activities like mining that pollute water supplies. These areas ensure clean water supplies for local communities and wildlife.

WPA safeguards water for 39,000 people
Municipal Water Funds in Ecuador

Municipal water funds were first introduced by Nature and Culture in 2007 to fund the protection and management of forests and watersheds to ensure viability of local water sources.

In 2009, the FORAGUA and FONAPA water funds were created and support multiple municipalities throughout Ecuador. 

FORAGUA Water Fund Receives $500,000 for Reforestation
Water School

Nature and Culture created and developed the curriculum for Water Schools that provide local governments with skills they need to manage their drinking water sources. 

This school accelerates the enrollment of new municipalities into existing water funds.

Protecting water at the source

With the support of our donors, Nature and Culture has worked to protect water by helping establish municipal funds, protected areas, and educational resources. Join us in preserving this precious resource.

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