Ecuador

Building trust for co-management of vicuñas

In keeping with renewed interest in the Chimborazo Faunal Reserve by the Nature Conservancy and World Bank, the importance of biodiversity conservation in the reserve has grown. In the surrounding area, however, median family incomes amount to $45 USD per month. The community also suffers high rates of unemployment and associated social problems. Families could supplement their income by producing fibre from the vicuña – a relative of the llama – but the practice raises concerns about the sustainability of the species.

In addition to completing field work and mapping of vicuñas in the reserve begun during an earlier LACREG project, researchers consulted community stakeholders, established a system to monitor water quantity and quality in wetlands, and conducted a rapid assessment of water quality in the reserve. In the process, Brian McLaren uncovered mutual misconceptions among community members and the national government about their commitment to invest cooperatively in vicuña co-management and share benefits equitably. Both parties, however, want to learn more on preserving water for multiple uses in the reserve. During his stay in Ecuador, Dr. McLaren was commended for raising awareness of wildlife conservation and management.