The Bilsa Biological Reserve Project in Ecuador will preserve 2,000 hectares (ha) of tropical rainforest through the purchase and incorporation of these lands into the newly created Bilsa Biological Reserve in the Montaà ±as de Mache in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. By preventing the conversion of these lands to marginal cropland and cattle pasture, the project will avoid over 1 million tons of carbon emissions over 30 years. The project site has been identified as one of the most important in the world for biodiversity. The project provides environmental education and employment opportunities to the local communities. The (Oregon) Climate Trust is funding the project.
