Hi, we’re Ana and Adolfo, Pacoche Reserve founders. Over a decade ago, our families and we embarked on a mission to safeguard one of Ecuador’s last remaining coastal forests—a biodiverse haven in Manabí with immeasurable ecological and cultural significance.

Pacoche is more than just a forest; it’s home to endangered species like howler monkeys, capuchins, and countless plants and animals. Its importance extends beyond biodiversity. It’s a beacon of resilience, a community pillar, and a sanctuary for those who believe in the power of conservation.

Yet, in recent years, life here has become a battle for survival; this sanctuary has faced unprecedented challenges. 

- In 2016, the earthquake that devastated Manabí left deep scars on the reserve. 

- From 2020 to 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to halt tourism, the reserve’s primary income source. 

- From 2022 onward, political instability and the State of Emergency due to insecurity have reduced tourism drastically, affecting national, international and cruise travelers. 

- In 2024, the energy crisis now leaves us without electricity for up to 14 hours daily, threatening our operations and conservation efforts, while keeping a red alert for the world due to insecurity. 

 These events have tested our resilience but revealed one truth—we cannot do this alone. Now, more than ever, we need your help.

Our Mission:

We are determined to transform the current ecotourism-dependent model into a research and eco-science hub that ensures the reserve’s survival. With your support, we aim to:

1. Create a space for students and researchers to study biodiversity and develop impactful conservation projects.
2. Monitor endangered species, such as howler and capuchin monkeys, and develop preventative measures to ensure their survival. 
3. Empower local communities through environmental education, reforestation, and sustainable jobs. 

This transition is vital to freeing us from the volatility of external factors, and securing a stable and sustainable future for the reserve.

Why Your Help Matters Now:

These funds will allow us to: 

- Keep our reserve open and maintain related jobs and partnerships. 

- Monitor and protect the behaviors of endangered monkeys, ensuring their long-term survival. 

- Create educational spaces to inspire environmental awareness among local and national students. 

- Support local communities with sustainable jobs and training opportunities. 

Your contribution can make all the difference, ensuring this unique ecosystem thrives for future generations. 

How You Can Help:

1. Make a donation: Whether it’s $5 or $5000, every dollar has a meaningful impact.
2. Become a monthly donor: Help us build a steady stream of funding to sustain our efforts long-term.
3. Spread the word: Share our story with your friends, family, and networks to amplify our reach.

Donor Rewards:

We are deeply grateful for your support and want to recognize your generosity: 

• $100: Personalized digital certificate of appreciation.
• $500: Acknowledgment on our social media platforms and a thank-you video from the reserve + personalized digital certificate of appreciation. 
• $1.000: Gain access to an annual no-cost visit, including a one-night stay + acknowledgment on our social media platforms and a thank-you video from the reserve + personalized digital certificate of appreciation. 
• $3.000+: Sponsor a howler monkey. You’ll receive a monthly update on your adopted monkey’s health, behavior, and habitat and a personalized sponsorship certificate + gain access to an annual no-cost visit, including a one-weekend stay  + acknowledgment on our social media platforms and a thank-you video from the reserve + personalized digital certificate of appreciation.

Join Us in Saving Pacoche

Nature cannot wait. Together, we can protect this extraordinary place and turn it into a beacon of hope, resilience, and sustainability.

Your generosity today will shape the future of conservation tomorrow.

Donate now and be a part of this transformative journey.

Together we can show that even in the most difficult of times, we can build a better future for nature and the communities that depend on it.

Thank you for standing with us.