Fondo de Páramos Tungurahua y Lucha Contra la Pobreza (Fund for the Tungurahua Paramos and the Fight Against Poverty) is an innovative model of public-private-community partnership for the paramos, its water, and its people. Created in collaboration by the Unidad de Movimientos Indígenas de Tungurahua (United Indigenous Movements of Tungurahua), local and provincial governments, private companies, and local communities, the fund has mobilized US$2,188,497 to conserve and restore over 4,000 hectares of paramos and developed 27 management plans to improve water security in the Ambato and Pastaza River Basins. The fund’s alternative livelihood programmes have raised incomes by 30 percent in the area, while its environmental education programme has reached over 7,600 children. All activities of this unique financial mechanism are implemented in partnership with indigenous peoples and local communities living in the area, benefitting approximately 400,000 people through conservation of the paramos, sustainable management of ecosystem services, and enhanced community well-being.

Key facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2019

Founded: 2008

Location: Tungurahua, Ecuador

Biodiversity: Forests, Wetlands and Rivers