Increasing adaptive capacity of local communities, ecosystems and hydroelectric systems in the Río Blanco upper watershed (Toachi-Pilatón watershed) with a focus on Ecosystem and Community Based Adaptation and Integrated Adaptive Watershed Management

The proposed project general aims at strengthening the adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations, ecosystems and hydroelectric systems in the Río Blanco upper watershed and develop a model of adaptation to climate change that can be replicated in similar context in the country and in the region.

The specific objectives of the project are:

• Reduce the impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle under integrated watershed management
• Promote sustainable agricultural practices adapted to the new conditions of climate change and efficient technology in production processes supported by
  credit.

The project consists of three components:

• Component 1: Conservation of vegetation cover on an area of 230,000 ha, supported by the introduction of the active sustainable forest management and conservation technologies
• Component 2: Adaptation of farming practices to new climate change conditions and enable their climate smart financing
• Component 3: Strengthening of local capacities and share lessons