ECUADOR – Aglomerados Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s leading forest products companies , recently hosted a significant discussion in partnership with FSC Ecuador to highlight the country’s pivotal role in sustainable forest management.

Ecuador’s extensive forest coverage, totaling 12 million hectares (48.7% of its territory), plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, maintaining critical ecosystem services, and supporting local communities.

According to data from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition, Ecuador has seen a notable 15% increase in the use of sustainable materials in construction projects over the past five years. This growth is driven by supportive public policies and a rising commitment from the private sector towards sustainability. Currently, 52,000 hectares of Ecuadorian forests are FSC-certified, ensuring adherence to strict international standards for responsible forest management, which encompass social, environmental, and economic criteria.

Since obtaining its FSC certification in 2011, Aglomerados Cotopaxi has managed 18,200 hectares of forest plantations that annually capture 225,000 tons of CO2. The company’s efforts exceed its carbon neutrality goal, maintaining a surplus of approximately 190,000 tons of CO2. This achievement underscores their commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible practices.

In addition to its environmental initiatives, Aglomerados Cotopaxi is deeply invested in social responsibility. Their projects include water governance programs that benefit nearly 15,000 people by providing access to clean water for consumption and irrigation. The company also supports a community dehydrator project, empowering local women by facilitating the harvest and commercialization of non-timber forest products. Another initiative focuses on communal grazing, providing 900 hectares for livestock, reducing the need for purchased feed and saving families around USD 2,000 annually. Additionally, the “Imaginario Forestal” project educates local children on environmental stewardship. These comprehensive efforts not only support community development but also reinforce Aglomerados Cotopaxi’s role as a leader in sustainable forestry.