Ecuador

Agenda for Change members working on systems approaches

Please note this is a summary of information. You can learn more on the CARE Ecuador website.

Through the Adaptation to Climate Change for Andean Populations (ACCRE) program (2016-2019), CARE Ecuador sought to facilitate adaptation and resilience to climate change within high altitude communities of the Pichincha province. 

Systems strengthening activities

CARE’s ACCRE project included management, conservation, and restoration of the region’s páramos, (mountain grasslands) where over 70% of the nation’s water supply originates. CARE’s district-wide landscape model promoted agroecological practices and the conservation of the paramos. CARE’s hydro-social territorial approach had five main components: ensure responsible production processes based on agroecology;  development local regulation for the conservation of ecosystems that provide water services; delineation of the agricultural boundary; conservation and restoration of paramos and recharge areas; the inclusion of women as central actors of change.

As part of the project, CARE Ecuador worked with juntas (WASH committees), and through these committees, farmers have been able to make community action plans to adapt to changes in climate—and specifically, differences in quantity and quality of water available at traditional sources. CARE also worked with local government and public utilities to negotiate the creation of a revolving water fund at the municipal level and worked specifically with the often marginalized Andean populations in rural communities to reduce negative impacts of climate variability locally.