Sustainably harvested timber to promote wise stewardship of the tropical forest and create livelihoods for indigenous communities

Uncontrolled logging is one of the main threats to Ecuador’s primary tropical forest. Many of the communities living in these areas are dependent on timber for income, but ironically the current rate of deforestation puts their livelihood at risk as biodiversity and other natural resources are depleted.

A local wood production company is working with various indigenous communities to produce sustainably sourced wood. The company transfers 10% of its shares to its wood suppliers, and in exchange these communities strive for FSC certification. The venture offers education and training on sustainable harvesting practices so that suppliers may more easily achieve certification. Value is added to the wood by converting it to high quality parquet flooring, which is sold to Europe for a higher price than in the domestic market. Overall, local people benefit from greater employment, higher prices for their produce, and a better managed forest.

The money loaned to the company by the Low Carbon Enterprise Fund has enabled it to purchase the equipment necessary to produce quality parquet for export.