Fundación para la Agricultura Tropical Alternativa y el Desarrollo Integral (FUNDATADI, Foundation for Alternative Tropical Agriculture and Sustainable Development) works with rural Piedemonte Andino communities in Barinas, Venezuela, with the aim of conserving local forests while promoting sustainable community development. Agricultural diversification is promoted through the organic cultivation of native medicinal plants in family plantations, and training communities in the installation of greenhouses for the cultivation of native trees.

Community organizations have been established to process raw materials harvested from family plantations, to develop a line of marketable products including artisanal infusions, soaps and syrups, and establish commercialization strategies for these products. The Foundation successfully petitioned the national government to establish a local medicinal plants centre, and community 'reforestation festivals' help raise local awareness of biodiversity conservation efforts.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2010

Founded: 1996

Location: Barinas, Venezuela

Beneficiaries: 49 families; a total of 273 people

Biodiversity: Ramal de Calderas forest corridor

 

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