Permaculture, Regeneration, Eco-tourism and a Sloth Sanctuary

Tambaco - Home of the world's tallest mangrove tree

'Tambaco' farm is located on the north-west coast of Ecuador, in the state of Esmeraldas. This is a region of crippling poverty in the face of  magnificent and irreplaceable natural wonders that are disappearing at the  fastest rates in Ecuador (yes - even faster than the Amazon!). Clearly there is no way to protect the forests of Esmeraldas without addressing the legitimate development aspirations of the local people.

A coalition of international environmental NGOs from Japan, the USA and Australia (including the Rainforest Information Centre) are working with the owner of the site to create a model for ecologically sustainable and socially just development.

The site combines coast, mangroves, tropical forests and a wetland that is also a significant pre-Incan archeological site (Laguna de Ciudad). The mangrove area contains the world's tallest mangrove tree and the 1000 ha  area is still brimming with diversity despite many years of conventional cattle farming. It is a perfect place for eco-tourism (ready to begin right now!), with visitors able to explore the vast and diverse area on horseback.

The owner, Patricio Tambaco, is embarking on a very different course to the majority of farmers and landowners in Ecuador and we are hoping this will become a replicable model that may help to stop the continuing destruction and restore the ravaged forests of Esmeraldas. Instead of selling his inherited land to the highest bidder (to become a shrimp farm or palm oil
plantation) he is working with us to try something very new in this region - an integrated model of an ecologically sustainable lifestyle.

The specific activities include; protecting the remaining forest, regenerating natural forest, creating a significant permaculture plan, setting aside an area of tropical forest for a Sloth Sanctuary (see related web page) and setting up eco-tourism facilities.

Since this project is currently in very early stages, we would like to invite interested groups and individuals to find out more and support the considerable work ahead. A specific need of the Rainforest Information Centre is to find volunteers to help us design and implement a permaculture plan on a massive scale. 

We are in the excellent position of having a fruit tree seed bank at our Permaculture Centre in the nearby town of San Lorenzo. Since the 100 fruit tree species are all around 8 years old, they are now ready to harvest and collect seed.   All we need is your help! Please contact: Anja Light, Rainforest Information Centre, Australia/Ecuador alight@ecuanex.net.ec