Our history

In 2004, Paul Luzuriaga, was looking to start a farm co-op in Ecuador. During his search for plots, he was introduced to this Delfina farm in the Santa Elena province, a coastal area in Ecuador, suffering for recurring critical droughts every year since 1960, around the time the oil extraction begun in the region. The land was completely depleted and not able to sustain any crop production, even with artificial irrigation. Instead of discarding the property, Paul partnered with the owner and other venture investors to develop a methodology to recover those lands.

After several years of field research and field trials, our research group finally found a methodology to propagate and grow endemic species, creating micro-climates, and restoring biodiversity in those plots. We are now preparing the methodology to be tested on a larger scale and in different locations.

For that, our immediate goal is to start a new nursery to prepare at least 10,000 seedlings of endemic species that in about a year will be ready for transplant to the open field. There is a community in Progreso, Guayas, Ecuador that is willing to lend the area for the nursery, then we have created a crowdfunding campaign, to raise funds for the nursery expenses, with a goal of $10,000. Your contribution will be very much appreciated. HERE.

Today, the first plot in the experimental farm, has more than 7,000 trees about 15 years old, and getting closer to the cut age of 25. Recently, Fundacion Bellamada, a local nonprofit, became interested in acquiring all rights to the land and forest to keep the experimental farm for research and conservation purposes. That nonprofit is working on the structure and details with those investors.