Bellavista  is a founding member of “CONSERVACIONISTAS COMPROMETIDOS DEL ECUADOR ”. This foundation, approved by the Ecuadorian authorities, has developed from the realization that work needs to be done to genuinely protect and preserve natural lands, particularly native forests, in Ecuador .  Direct land purchase for conservation  , particularly in areas where forest is under threat, or where endangered or restricted range species have been identified, is one important goal of this foundation, as it is of other worthy foundations within the country. Where Conservacionistas Comprometidos goes a step further is in financing projects to genuinely ensure protection of the lands conserved, both  in the present , and into the future, via

1) Education of local people, including providing practical and realistic advice in strategies for conservation-oriented land use, and most importantly,  financing transport for school groups to visit reserves such as Bellavista, and eventually, national parks, etc.

2)  Supporting legal battles where conservation land holdings are threatened by land invaders (people who try to illegally take possession of land, and claim title to it),  or by such destructive projects as mining, dams, etc.   

A website with greater details of the work of this new foundation is being developed, and a link will be created from this Bellavista website.

Very importantly, a collaborating  foundation has been set up in USA to help fund these projects – SAVE THE CLOUD FORESTS FOUNDATION.  A website is also in the process of being set up, but in the meantime, further information can be obtained through this Bellavista website. This Foundation has received IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

US citizens who wish to support these activities can make tax-deductible contributions to: 

Save the Cloud Forests Foundation, Inc.
c/o Robert C. Kihm, Executive Director
8858 East Nichols Place
Centennial, Colorado  80112
(303) 893-6552 

Contributions made to this Foundation will be distributed to the Ecuadorian Foundation based on specific grant requests.