Population concerned: 1’969,626 inhabitants (2001 census)
Surface area covered: 5,025 km2

FONAG’S AREA OF WORK
Guayallabamba River basin
a. Communities in the Cayambe-Coca Reserve (Oyacachi micro river basin)

b. Communities in the Antisana Ecological Reserve (Papallacta micro river basin and La Mica Lagoon)

c. Communities in the Cotopaxi National Park (Pita micro river basin)

d. Communities in the Los Ilinizas Reserve (San Pedro micro river basin)

The activities implemented by FONAG are the result of different processes reached by consensus with the institutions that comprise it. FONAG has awarded priorities to the work in the following areas:

Papallacta and Oyacachi River Basins
In order to avoid the degradation of these basins, FONAG undertakes actions directed to dynamically improve sustainable management of productive activities for communities located in these areas.

Through CESA -Ecuadorian Center for Agricultural Services- the Fund seeks to conserve water resources, improve sustainable productive activities such as animal husbandry, promote agricultural activities, reinforce local management and provide access to financial services. All these components will be developed during a first stage that lasts fifteen months, with an estimated cost of US$78.000. FONAG, The Nature Conservancy and CESA provide these resources.

Since April 30th 2004, project starting date, actions are carried out to obtain a diagnosis of the productive and livestock systems in the areas of Oyacachi and Papallacta.

Among other practical actions, work is being done to genetically improve livestock herds living around the Oyacachi basins, through a campaign to vaccinate, identify and execute a program to provide these herds with vitamins and rid them of parasites.

Antisana River Basin
Activities in the Antisana River basin are directed to the protection of the water quality that feeds the Mica Quito Sur reservoir, part of the project that provides potable water to the city of Quito. The main problem of this basin is related to an improper management of livestock practices in surrounding properties, which pollute water, erode the soil, and affect the preservation of wildlife of the Antisana Reserve. At the moment, studies estimated at US $22,000 are being prepared. These represent equal contributions by FONAG, TNC, with an additional counterpart of the executing institution.