Cambugan 2007 Status Report

From CFI

The Cambugan Forest on the eastern slope of the Paso Alto Range near the equator in the Andes of northwest Ecuador

Report of activities for conservation and community development of the Cambugan Forest Protectorate by Instituto ALLPA

Period: March 2005 - March 2007

CONTENTS

1.- Background 2.- Objectives 3.- Main activities and results 4.- Projection

1.- Background

The Paso Alto mountain range is located near 0 latitude in the western cordillera of the Andes in northern Ecuador at 1000 to 3600 meters (3200 – 11,800 feet) elevation. This area of approximately 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) –including the Cambugan Forest Protectorate and the adjacent Paso Alto and Quinde forests- makes up part of the Andes-Chocó Rainforest Corridor to the south of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Paso Alto is the last major link to complete the southern Corridor by connecting with the Pululahua, Maquipucuna and Mindo reserves to the south. This region is within the Tropical Andes Biodiversity ‘Hotspot’ -one of Earth’s 34 biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial regions- which ranks first among all the hotspots in overall diversity and endemism in four of six categories: vascular plants, invertebrates, birds and amphibians.

San José de Minas is a parish in the north of Quito county with an area of over 30,000 has. and a population of around 10,000 distributed between the town center and 25 rural communities (4 indigenous). The average number of families is around 30 per community, but declining due to migration to work in the flower plantations near the town of San José de Minas. Over 90% of the rural population is classified below the ‘poverty line’ with annual family income averaging less than USD 1000. Most rural families are subsistence farmers occupying lands unsuited for agriculture, and relatively recently deforested. Cattle raising and corn, beans, manioc and sugarcane are among the principal crops. Monocropping, burning, overgrazing and clear cultivation on steep slopes are chief causes of land degradation and productivity decline. This combined with low crop prices and excessive intermediation makes farming an extremely marginal enterprise, thus logging is often seen as an economic necessity.

After conducting studies during 1997-98, our conservation work began in 1999 when Instituto ALLPA, Fundación Cambugan and local landholders made a successful alliance to stop a land trafficker invasion in the Cambugan forest. Thereafter we led the process to obtain declaration of the entire 4100-hectare watershed as a Forest Protectorate by the Ministry of Environment (2001), including strategic land acquisitions to make this possible. In 2000 we halted illegal logging in the last forest remnant in the Cala watershed to the east of Cambugan. The only water source for the community of Jatunpamba originates in this forest, which we subsequently purchased to assure its conservation as a community watershed reserve. (With support of PARE – Hannover, Germany).

In 2002 ALLPA began work with the organic coffee growers association ‘AACRI’ to conserve the forests of the neighboring watersheds in Intag. As result of a three year process with AACRI and the support of Rainforest Concern (U.K.), in January 2006 we signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment to create the management plan with the communities of the ‘Paso Alto Forest Protectorate’ (5000 hectares). Studies of the biogeography, land tenure, flora and fauna have been completed, as well as most of the community workshops.

In 2004-05 we conducted a participatory study with the communities of the Quinde forest (AACRI-FBU-Andean Native Forests Program/Swiss Cooperation). On this basis the parish of Selva Alegre is now in the process of creating the 5000-hectare ‘Quinde Forest Protectorate’ with support from the European Union. In the Quinde study we also documented the viability of a native species/ tropical fruit/ organic coffee agroforestry system far superior economically and ecologically to existing production systems. This agroforestry model is now being applied by new community forest projects in the areas of Paso Alto (AACRI-ALLPA-Rainforest Concern), Chontal and Junín (ALLPA-FBU-PRODECI-European Union). Currently over 40 families in four communities of Paso Alto and Quinde are establishing agroforestry plantations on their land.

With processes of community forest conservation and the development of sustainable alternatives well underway in the neighboring areas of Paso Alto and Quinde, now we wish to turn our attention back to where we started: the Cambugan Forest. Although this area is the first to gain formal protected status, it is furthest behind in organizational and community development essential for conservation.

Over the last two years our work here has been possible with a number of donations from distinct organizations, mostly directed toward forestland acquisition for conservation in the Cambugan Reserve. Although land acquisition was the major budget item, it was recognized that this is just a means –and not an end- for conservation, and that a portion of the budget was needed to undertake immediate protection and community work, as well as basic coordination and administration. We have consolidated the reporting of these funds and corresponding activities into a single report to all our donors during this period.

2.- Objectives

The goal of the project is to:

Secure the conservation of the Cambugan Forest Protectorate with community participation in protection, education and development of sustainable economic alternatives.

Specific objectives to date include:

1.- Acquire and legalize forestland for conservation purposes.

2.- Protect the area from destructive activities that threaten the reserve.

3.- Initiate protection, education and sustainable development activities with the community. 3.- Main activities and results

Objective 1: Acquire and legalize forestland for conservation purposes.

The following land acquisitions were made with the purchase of the possessions of:

Rafael Vaca: 193 has. completed in September 2005; This property included a small house, pasture, crops, and sugarcane processing equipment and infrastructure. (Purchased with support from Cloud Forest Institute, Rainforest Concern, Botanical Research Foundation of Idaho).

José Fueres: 100 has. completed in May 2006; (Purchased with support from Friends of Cambugan).

Angel Proaño: 80 has. completed in October 2006. (Purchased with support from Swedish Society for Rainforest Protection).

The first two were purchased in the name of Allpa and the third by Fundación Cambugán. Including previous acquisitions this brings the total to over 1150 hectares (2875 acres) within the 4000 hectare (10,000 acre) Cambugan Forest Protectorate.

The land titling of these acquisitions is complicated by the intervention of land traffickers and weak capacity of the government land adjudication agency (INDA). The definitive resolution of this issue is one of the key components of the project. To this end we are working with Ecuador’s leading land rights lawyer (and ex-director of INDA), Dr. Bolívar Beltrán. During the months of January and February 2007 he has:

• Suspended a previous adjudication application we’d made in INDA which is now no longer appropriate for our current legal status and strategy.

• Investigated and requested information from INDA about the adjudication of the land trafficker organization “Pre-asociación Zen”.

• Made an appointment with INDA officials about the status of the land titling process we had initiated since their on-site inspection in 2003.

• Initiated the process for land titling directly with the Ministry of Environment which has jurisdiction in Forest Protectorates.

Objective 2: Protect the area from destructive activities that threaten the reserve.

The major threats to the physical integrity of the Cambugan Forest are from logging, charcoal production, and land traffickers. Thus far we have been able to resolve only partially these problems. Actions over the last two years include:

• In mid-2005 we were informed that a white pick-up truck carrying about a dozen men was entering the area each week via Pusagcocha from the Selva Alegre highway. They were reported to be marking trees with numbers. We gathered sufficient evidence to make a denouncement and request for inspection from INDA. On 22 August 2005 the inspection was conducted by Carlos Pérez -the INDA official assigned to the task- together with property and possession holders affected by the invasion representing the families Flores, Fueres, Guamaní, Herrera, Vera, as well as Instituto Allpa.

On the inspection we found that the road opened along the ridge further into the area had provided access not only to land traffickers, but also to timber and charcoal extraction. That day we were witness to a group hauling out charcoal on mules, as well as new areas that had been recently logged. We confirmed that the numbers marked on the trees with surveyors paint were topographical coordinates which affected the lands of all those present on the inspection and others. We lent our camera to the INDA inspector so that he could photographically document this situation for his report.

As a result of this inspection, as well as direct communications made to members of the group of land traffickers, we succeeded in halting this invasion. Recently our lawyers obtained the report from INDA about the inspection which has been filed as “case closed”.

• Although this outcome was successful in regards to this land trafficker invasion, it did not resolve the problems of logging and charcoal extraction, both of which require intervention by the Environment Ministry. Although legally designated as “Forest Protectorate”, in practice the Ministry does not have the human or economic resources to enforce it. An inspection and possible sanctions are only short-term deterrents if there are not people on the ground to see that the area is effectively protected. More importantly, in this case most of the people directly involved in extractive activities depend upon it for their livelihood. Until we are ready to provide some alternative, at least partially, it is very difficult to prohibit. Thus we decided that this problem needs to be dealt with directly when we have the capacity both for providing economic alternatives and securing forest protection.

This obviously requires resources which we have not had to date. Though we have had funding to hire one forest ranger, this was of limited service without a local coordinator to guide and supervise his work, as well as essential community relations and education. In the San José de Minas area we did not have a person of confidence and capacity to fulfill this role. In June and August of 2006 we had meetings with leaders of the provincial indigenous organization (Federación Indígena y Campesina de Imbabura) in Otavalo to inform them about our activities and to seek their assistance in finding an experienced candidate for field coordinator. Although this was a good contact it did not result in finding the person we needed.

As of December 2006 this situation began to change with the finalization of one of our projects (Cayambe). As a result ALLPA decided to send one of our experienced technicians (Gustavo Iguago) from Cayambe to take on field coordination of the Cambugan project.

Since he began work full time in January 2007 we have been able to make major progress with:

Objective 3: Initiate protection, education and sustainable development activities with the community.

Activities and results from December 2006 to March 2007 include:

• Diagnostic trip of Gustavo Iguago (Allpa) with Edison Jiménez (F. Cambugán) to San José de Minas – Jatunpamba – Las Palmas – Chespí in December 2006. The trail into Las Palmas was almost completely grown over and the bridge over the Cambugan River had fallen, making access slow and difficult. The house and land at Cedropamba (built by Rafael Vaca) was in very poor condition, mainly due to one of the neighbors (Angel Proaño) who had let his cattle loose all over the property. We also discovered that Mr. Proanõ had broken in through the roof to steal implements from the house, and that he had led a group of grave robbers to the arqueaological sites (tolas) on this and other sites in the Cambugan watershed. The tolas were found opened and emptied of their prehistoric relicts, which were most likely sold on the black market.

• In mid-January eight people from the community of Jatunpamba and four from Quisaya were hired to open and reconstruct the trail from Jatunpamba to Las Palmas, including construction of a new bridge over the Cambugan River. This hard work in difficult terrain -including clearing of landslides- was completed in three weeks, in less time and under budget from what we’d projected, and at a good level of quality.

• After completing the bridge, the group from Quisaya stayed on another week to work on rehabilitating the property at Cedropamba, including: clear and reconnect water source, fix the roof and other damage to the house, repair fences and gates.

• Mr. Alfonso Estacio from the community of Quisaya was hired as resident caretaker in Las Palmas based at Cedropamba. He and his wife are living there since mid-February. In the month prior Mr. Estacio was also living there with the three others from Quisaya during the time of work on the trail and bridge. Thus the site has had permanent occupation and protection since mid-January.

• Starting in early January, Gustavo began meeting with the teachers and parents at the Jatunpamba school about the importance of the forest, especially as the community’s water source, and of the need for developing alternatives that improve their livelihoods while conserving the forest. As a result of these meetings the work was organized to rebuild the trail to Las Palmas and it was decided to begin practical activities with the planting of a garden at the school.

• In late January we began participating in the mingas (communal work days) to install the garden, starting with building a fence to protect from animals. At the initiative of the parents (especially the mothers), it was decided to hold the mingas every Friday. Gustavo attends every week, working alongside the parents, youth and children. We provided a counterpart of fence-wire, irrigation hose, vegetable seeds, nitrogen-fixing & fruit trees, and medicinal plants. As part of the minga Gustavo also gives practical orientation and training on making compost, raised beds, crop associations & rotations, biological pest control, and related practices for producing healthy organic crops. An average of over 20 community members, youth and children have been participating.

• In early March, Gustavo and two participants from Jatunpamba (chosen by the community) went to the Río Guaycuyacu Field Station in northwest Pichincha as part of a field trip with the Tropical Andes Seed Savers Network. Here they were able to see forest conservation, micro-hydro, and an orchard with the country’s largest collection of tropical fruit species. They went back home with seeds, bamboo and a lot of enthusiasm and new ideas.

• At this point we also decided to take legal measures for forest protection. Gustavo investigated the illegal timber extraction he witnessed passing through Jatunpamba. We established communications with the local (parish) government who are willing to help us resolve this and similar cases. With the assistance of Dr. Bolívar Beltrán, we drew up a denouncement of illegal logging in the area of San Lorenzo in the Cambugan Reserve. This was signed by the president of the parish of San José de Minas and presented in the Ministry of Environment in February 2007.

• Later Gustavo met directly with those responsible for the logging, all three from the community of Jatunpamba. Good relations and practical activities with the community over recent months greatly facilitated this conversation. They were willing to stop logging, but asked for assistance to be able to make a nursery and reforest their lands in some way that would be economically beneficial to them. To this end we have applied for a grant to a German foundation (GEO) to make a nursery and related activities in Jatunpamba and expect to have an answer with a site visit planned for June 2007.

• We also still have pending to resolve the logging and charcoal extraction in the area below Pusagcocha. A diagnostic trip was just completed, but we need a significant level of support as part of a specific project to tackle this problem.

4.- Projection

Until recently our main problem was the lack of qualified and reliable people who could fulfill essential roles: one as legal assistant to Dr. Bolívar Beltrán; the other as a locally-based coordinator of forest protection and community work. These key positions were finally filled in December 2006 with the commitment of Carlos Larco (law graduate and member of Fundación Cambugán) as assistant to Dr. Beltrán; and Gustavo Iguago (rural development worker and member of Allpa) as field coordinator of the project. Now we need a secure budget to pay for their work.

Another limitation has been in the overall direction and coordination of the project. Over the last two years I have been coordinating four ALLPA projects, in addition to consultancy work needed to cover expenses. This overload was a major obstacle to my ability to contribute to the Cambugan project. Of our other projects, one concluded at the end of 2006 (Cayambe) and my commitment to another (Paso Alto) will finish in August of this year. As of then I would be available for a 25% time commitment if there is the mutual decision and conditions to do so.

It is also necessary to take concrete measures to prevent more invasions that are imminent with the arrival of summer. These include the following: - Install a gate at strategic entrance areas (e.g. Pusagcocha) and signs clearly indicating the area as a Forest Protectorate. We also need to hire at least one additional ranger based at this strategic location and equipped for communication (cell phone or radio) in case of an emergency. - Hold meetings to agree on a plan of action with landholders, communities, police and local authorities, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment. Put into action an appropriate legal and political strategy with our lawyers.

The following are the most immediate funding priorities:

• Project Coordinator (25%): $600/month including expenses = $7200/year • Field Coordinator salary: $600/ month including expenses = $7200/year • Ranger salary: $300/month including expenses = $3600/year • Second ranger: $300/month including expenses = $3600/year • Third ranger (if possible): $300/month including expenses = $3600/year • Legal fees for 2007-08 (approx. 12 months): $6000 • Topographical studies and maps (minimum estimate): $3000 • Gates, signs, workshops with local authorities: $3000 • Basic initial equipment, tools and materials for field coordinator, rangers, agroforestry/reforestation work: $3000

Total roughly $44,000 including 12% administration with 2 rangers …or…$48,000 with 3 rangers.

This budget is of higher priority than that for further land acquisitions, which are now of little sense until we have the means to preserve them. However, beyond dealing with emergencies and immediate funding priorities we need to implement a project of the magnitude required to truly protect this area in a sustainable way. This means adequate investment in personnel, infrastructure and equipment, community education and development of economic alternatives. The amount required is well beyond what we can expect from fundraising campaigns. Thus we need to identify cooperation partners to formulate and channel an integrated conservation & development proposal for multi-year funding.

With this projection, our strategy for a community-based system for forest protection, education and economic development includes the following elements:

• Facilitate wider participation and commitment to forest protection by monthly rotation of rangers between members of the community. This would be by family based upon meeting minimum requirements and record of participation, honesty and responsibility. Community members from Jatunpamba would be stationed on the farm at ‘Cedropamba’, those from Quisaya at ‘Zamboloma’, and from Pusagcocha at the páramo entrance. In addition to the monthly salary of $300 (for a couple), they would have the right to plant and cultivate agroforestry systems -designed and supervised with the project- in which they are ‘partners’ with a percentage of the harvest.

• Provide employment to local youth in reforestation by paying them one-half the day wage; they recover their own one-half investment with right to proportional harvest (on an organized group basis) from the agroforestry systems to be established in deforested areas in and near the reserve. • Develop educational and recreational sites (e.g. swimming holes, ball fields, study & music halls) at Cedropamba and Zamboloma, especially oriented to the youth of the nearby communities of Jatunpamba, Quisaya, Ily, Minaschupa. This is their idea and would recover a tradition from years back. The complementary function would be for outside visitors, but the main idea is as educational camps for local youth and families. Here they would also learn the skills required as guides and facilitators to receive visitors as another alternative source of income.

• Protect and reforest the water sources of the communities adjacent to the Reserve. This is priority as low water flows and lack of irrigation during the summer months is already a problem. Also one existing hydroelectric dam and another being planned are in the process of privatizing water in the entire watershed, both with water concessions and land purchase. Something similar to the Community Watershed Reserves in Intag (DECOIN-Rainforest Concern) would be ideal.

• Create a plant nursery, seed center and community garden operated in partnership with the women of Jatunpamba, and in cooperation with the school. As well as a source of plants for reforestation, this will be the center for learning and biodiversity to be replicated on their farms, and potentially as the basis for formation of a producers association or cooperative. This is the women’s idea which has already begun with the creation of the garden. We have a good chance of funding (we’ll know in June) to build the nursery including greenhouse, water tanks and small animal systems.

• Experiment with the plantation, processing and utilization of native species for ecological restoration and economic development. In addition to the agroforestry system being planted in the communities of Paso Alto, bamboo (Guadua angustifolia) is another native species alternative with great potential. It is under-utilized, fast growing, apt for selective management, and extremely versatile for construction and handcrafts with literally hundreds of uses. Currently we are experimenting with Guadua at our site in Tumbaco, as it’s the most seismic-resistant building material and new techniques for its wide application would greatly contribute to meeting construction needs at lower cost and higher quality than conventional materials. At the same time it could help reduce pressure on primary forests, lower energy consumption, and is one of the species most efficient for carbon absorption.

If local people are provided with viable alternatives to meet their economic needs (including short-term), they are willing to change current practices. If we could pay them to conserve the forest and plant trees for at least the amount they earn from cutting them (which is very hard work at very low pay), we could simultaneously stop deforestation and start reforestation at minimum cost. This is yet more effective if the caretakers/planters are not just hired hands, but ‘co-owners’ with a stake in production. Also these are the folks sure to be the most effective in defending the forest from outside invasion.

We need to access funds from the ‘CO2 market’ for this kind of investment which is truly sustainable, both for the local communities and for our own work. We hope to connect with good brokers and partners who can make this connection and earn enough for their service to justify and sustain their effort. This kind of assistance is now most welcome and necessary.

Jefferson Mecham Tumbaco, 30 March 2007