NATURAL CAPITAL SOLUTIONS

Strengthening local value chains for artisanal fishermen in Santa Elena Province with gender-based approach

Implementation Partner:
Biogennia Cía. Ltda.
Project Timeline:
June 2025 - November 2026
Impact Areas:
Sustainable Livelihoods
Education, Skills and Training
Organization:
Private Sector
Location:
Santa Elena Province
Climate Rationales:
Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystem Resilience
Climate Adaptation: Social Resilience

The artisanal fishing communities in Santa Elena Province, face multiple challenges that threaten their economic stability, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. This program aims to strengthen the economic resilience and sustainability of fishing communities in the province by equipping three artisanal fishing associations with improved equipment such as freezers, vacuum sealing and packaging machines, as well as the provision of training in sustainable fisheries practices, hygiene, marketing, entrepreneurship and local business development.

To ensure long-term impact, the project promotes environmental responsibility through community engagement, including education activities for children, awareness campaigns on mangroves, ocean conservation and climate change. The expected results include improved product quality, reduced fish losses, stronger commercialization, enhanced environmental stewardship and inclusive economic opportunities particularly for women.

IMPACT INDICATORS

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OBJECTIVES

The programs’ goal is to support climate adaptation in Santa Elena’s fishing communities by improving access to improved equipment/ technologies, strengthening skills in fish handling, hygiene, and commercialization, empowering women to take leadership roles in seafood markets, and fostering environmental awareness in coastal communities.

EXPECTED RESULTS

  • Access to refrigeration technology for improved fish storage
  • Strengthened capacities for fish handling, packaging, and marketing
  • Promoted strong hygiene and good handling practices for seafood processing and marketing
  • Increased women’s economic empowerment through leadership roles and participation in formal markets
  • Increased environmental awareness and citizen participation with improved cleanliness and public image

Biogennia Cía. Ltda. is an Ecuadorian firm with a solid trajectory in delivering environmental, social and territorial planning services. Its mission is to promote sustainable development through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate scientific knowledge with community participation. Biogennia seeks to generate transformative impacts in both ecosystems and livelihoods, with a particular focus on gender equity, environmental resilience and inclusive economic growth. The company is committed to supporting public and private institutions in the design, execution and evaluation of projects that foster sustainable natural resource management and climate adaptation.

KEY PARTNERS

Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena (UPSE)
Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Artesanal Guerreros en Alta Mar (COOPPROPESGUEM)
Asociación de Producción Pesquera Artesanal Lango Pez de San Pablo Santa Elena (ASOPROPESLANPEZ)
Asociación de Producción Pesquera Artesanal 19 de Septiembre Jambelí (ASOPESCAR)
Local non-profit environmental organizations and volunteers