PIONEERING CONSERVATION IN ECUADOR
Less than 2% of Ecuador’s Chocó—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth—remains intact. This lush forest, a critical refuge for countless species, is disappearing at an alarming rate. Rampant deforestation for agriculture, mining, and urban expansion is driving a devastating loss of habitat.
We have come a long way by achieving UNESCO’s recognition for the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, but without your help, the future of this extraordinary ecosystem—and the iconic Andean Bear—hangs in the balance
The Chocó Andino is a haven for life: the elusive Andean Bear, vibrant toucans, rare orchids, and over 600 bird species call this forest home. Its pristine rivers and ancient trees sustain not only wildlife but also local communities who rely on its resources. Protecting this habitat means safeguarding an irreplaceable part of our planet.
From this Giving Tuesday until the end of 2024, we have an urgent goal: to raise $200,000 to expand and protect Maquipucuna Reserve, securing over 14,000 acres of critical Andean Bear habitat. Every dollar you give or pledge for 2024 and 2025 will be quadrupled (X4)!
Your contribution will help us:
Together, with your support, we can make a real difference. Please give generously today and help us protect the heart of the Chocó Andino, the home of the Andean Bear and thousands of other species.
Donations in the US are tax deductible
We have come a long way by achieving UNESCO’s recognition for the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, but without your help, the future of this extraordinary ecosystem—and the iconic Andean Bear—hangs in the balance
The Chocó Andino is a haven for life: the elusive Andean Bear, vibrant toucans, rare orchids, and over 600 bird species call this forest home. Its pristine rivers and ancient trees sustain not only wildlife but also local communities who rely on its resources. Protecting this habitat means safeguarding an irreplaceable part of our planet.
From this Giving Tuesday until the end of 2024, we have an urgent goal: to raise $200,000 to expand and protect Maquipucuna Reserve, securing over 14,000 acres of critical Andean Bear habitat. Every dollar you give or pledge for 2024 and 2025 will be quadrupled (X4)!
Your contribution will help us:
- Conserve vital bear corridors and ancient forests.
- Support local communities in sustainable development.
- Continue groundbreaking research and conservation efforts
- Develop nature-based economic solutions, such as bear biodiversity credits, to ensure the financial sustainability of conservation efforts. These initiatives aim to connect biodiversity and carbon conservation with direct benefits for those managing and protecting habitats.
Together, with your support, we can make a real difference. Please give generously today and help us protect the heart of the Chocó Andino, the home of the Andean Bear and thousands of other species.
Donations in the US are tax deductible
Fundación Maquipucuna is an Ecuador-based nonprofit organization, Reserve and Ecolodge situated on 14,000 acres within the Chocó-Andino bioregion, one of earth's top 5 biodiversity hotspots. It offers global inspiration that leverages collective wisdom and creativity to foster regenerative development, emphasizing holistic conservation practices, climate refugia, and valuing and nurturing ecosystem services across multiple scales.
Together with local communities and governments they have created the Chocó-Andino Biosphere Reserve which works to:
Maquipucuna has sustainability ingrained into virtually all aspects of their model. They support environmental preservation initiatives that simultaneously generate income and security for local communities; they conduct an eco-tourism program to fund their own operations and they seek collaborations and partnerships with municipal government that will protect and expand their critical work. This is the type of approach Pennywise values most and we are proud to lend our support!
Together with local communities and governments they have created the Chocó-Andino Biosphere Reserve which works to:
- Preserve local wildlife (including endangered species such as the Andean (spectacled) bear);
- Promote environmental education, sustainable economic development, and research
- Demonstrate that the preservation of natural assets yields much greater long-term economic and societal benefits than the economic activities that damage these natural assets for short-term profit.
Maquipucuna has sustainability ingrained into virtually all aspects of their model. They support environmental preservation initiatives that simultaneously generate income and security for local communities; they conduct an eco-tourism program to fund their own operations and they seek collaborations and partnerships with municipal government that will protect and expand their critical work. This is the type of approach Pennywise values most and we are proud to lend our support!
Levels of Giving:
We are proud to partner with Colombian artist, Andro Rendon, who has designed special murals of Andean Bears and Maquipucuna's biodiversity on location at the bioreserve ecolodge and at a local school. He has designed a special engraved bear token for NFTs as well as to bear tokens on Pacche wood and other gifts from the Pacche brand in return for your generous support. Pacche is the type of tree that contains lipid-rich avocado fruits, a true delicacy that attracts the bears to Maquipucuna.
We are proud to partner with Colombian artist, Andro Rendon, who has designed special murals of Andean Bears and Maquipucuna's biodiversity on location at the bioreserve ecolodge and at a local school. He has designed a special engraved bear token for NFTs as well as to bear tokens on Pacche wood and other gifts from the Pacche brand in return for your generous support. Pacche is the type of tree that contains lipid-rich avocado fruits, a true delicacy that attracts the bears to Maquipucuna.
Rebeca Justicia, PhD. & Rodrigo Ontaneda, Maquipucuna is an Ecuador-based nonprofit organization, Reserve and Ecolodge situated on 14,000 acres within the Chocó-Andino bioregion.
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Wetherbee Dorshow, PhD.
Specializing in science-based design, implementation, and management of geographic information systems for energy and conservation projects. |