local community

Long-term benefits for communities are sought wherever possible in World Land Trust Carbon Balancing projects.

Earth Day, Cerro Blanco, Ecuador
© Fundación Pro-Bosque

One route is through employment and income. Some jobs are permanent – wardens and land managers are local recruits. Much of the maintenance work is seasonal, complementing the agricultural cycle and giving a good supplementary income where there are few other opportunities. The family tree nurseries used in Ecuador are particularly effective – the seedlings are bought from the families who run small nurseries and this can result in additional extra revenue of several thousand US$, a substantial proportion of the total family’s income.

Education and training is another route. Local communities and students make a significant contribution to planting at Cerro Blanco as part of their outreach programme. Fire training is extended to local voluntary and community workers. Finally, all the projects have a direct effect on conserving clean water supplies by protecting the upper catchments. 

Meeting the financial needs and gaining the support of the local community is vital in any conservation project, and is a priority when initiating projects, to ensure the long term security of the forest and its wildlife.