News of this project, located opposite an active volcano El Reventador, comes to us by way of Mark Thurber, an American living in Ecuador, friends of Friends of Ecuador, and an accomplished mountaineer who has written travel guides about climbing and hiking in Ecuador. They have a fantastic Facebook page of photos on the progress they are making in building a cabin and supporting conservation of this unique cloud forest. The project website describes the intent:
This project was originally conceived by two environmentalists living in Quito, Ecuador. Now, the Alto Coca Conservation Group is a dedicated community of persons interested in preserving, understanding, and sharing 1000 hectares of privately owned cloud forest located in the Eastern Andes of Ecuador. In 2013, the Alto Coca property received conservation status from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment.
They posted an amazing photo of the active volcano in view from the cabin construction site.
The project website describes more about the vision of the group, its aims and progress:
Our Vision:
Protecting the ecological integrity of the Alto Coca Area for future generations
Our Mission:
Protecting Alto Coca from anthropogenic development
Improving our understanding of the biological and physical features of the area
Facilitating opportunities for interested persons to explore and appreciate the area
Values:
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Development
Here is a little bit more on the location:
The Alto Coca property is located in the Province of Napo, Ecuador and is flanked by Sumaco Galeras National Park to the East and the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve across the Rio Quijos to the West.
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Alto Coca is a great place to volunteer. It has amazing scenery and wildlife. There is Reventador, the most active volcano in Ecuador, glacial covered peaks, and cloud forest. The accommodations are top notch. It is high end camping. There is a bunk house with hammocks and, always, a great view. The kitchen area is set up around an open fire. Alto Coca is a great place to volunteer there are many different types of work from placing steps to clearing trail and exploring. The best way to relax after a long day is going for a swim in one of the rivers that flow nearby. Alto Coca is a place where it is easy to spend a lot of time.
Micah,
Sounds fantastic. Did you meet Mark Thurber? He’s an old friend of ours at Friends of Ecuador!