Reinforcing the commitment to protect the natural capital of the Galápagos Islands, Los Petreles Reserve was officially inaugurated. The reserve is one of Fundación Jocotocos 18 reserves nationwide and a key site for the conservation of the Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia), one of the archipelagos most emblematic and threatened seabirds.

Jocotoco proudly announces that Dr. Paola Sangolquí, our Marine Conservation Coordinator, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Whitley Award by the U.K.-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), in recognition of her innovative work to protect the Critically Endangered Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia).

The groundbreaking results of a study in western Ecuador’s Chocó rainforests, one of the most complex, biodiverse, and threatened ecosystems on Earth, show that after deforestation, nature can return on its own quickly. In Jocotoco’s Canandé Reserve and nearby areas, abandoned cacao plantations and pastures recover 90% of species diversity and animal biomass in only 30 years, one human generation, once that land is protected and allowed to recover.

Quito, Ecuador (October 10th, 2025) – Fundación Jocotoco proudly announces the official downlisting of Magnolia dixonii from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species a rare and hopeful milestone for global plant conservation. The conservation and downlisting of Magnolia dixonii was achieved by work funded by Fondation Franklinia, Rainforest Trust, Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden, and the College of William & Mary.

Waking up in the heart of our Canandé Reserve, the morning mist slowly lifts, revealing a lush, vibrant forest. You climb to the top of the canopy tower near your cabin as wildlife wakes up in the valley below. The air is thick with the rich aroma of the forest. Rolling, tree-covered hills stretch as far as you can see towards one part of the horizon.

The Galápagos Islands are a global treasure trove of natural wonders. They serve as an invaluable living laboratory for studying evolution, both on land and in the sea. Jocotoco recently helped establish and create a management plan for the La Hermandad Marine Reserve, which links the Galapagos with the Cocos Island in Costa Rica, formally designated in 2022. This marine reserve helps protect a route for migratory marine species like sharks and sea turtles.

Paola Sangolquí, our marine coordinator of the Galápagos Program, has a story to tell about her participation in the Greenpeace Expedition in the archipelago. During this unique experience, Paola not only had the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Marine Reserve but also played a crucial role in the research and conservation of the region’s marine life.

Did you know that we conduct frequent monitoring to understand the status of the species and ecosystems we protect in Ecuador? These regular measurements allow us to make informed decisions based on science and assess our impact accurately. Our monitoring efforts now utilize innovative technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Every day we learn more about the wildlife that inhabits our reserves. We are also learning about how quickly wildlife can return as pastures revert back to forests.

Our Andes – Amazon program covers many ecosystems, from the Antisana glaciers at over 5,000 meters high (16,400 feet) to the Amazon forests at 500 meters (1,600 feet), and boasts an impressive biodiversity with numerous endemic species. Our priority is to establish or reinforce community buffer zones around Sumaco Napo – Galeras National Park and the Antisana National Park to enhance connectivity within the biological corridor formed by our Chakana and Narupa reserves and two public reserves.