The Green Heart - Protection and Regeneration of the Amazon Rainforest

The Green Heart Project of the non-profit organization LOVE FOR LIFE is a unique local initiative for the protection and restoration of the rainforest in the upper Amazon headwaters in Ecuador. The focus is on the regeneration of biological and cultural diversity in a region that has been massively affected by environmental degradation and deforestation caused by oil exploration and agro-industry.

The protection and regeneration of these valuable ecosystems has a direct positive impact on the health of people and the planet.

Through environmental education, exchange, and awareness raising in the areas of food sovereignty, regenerative agroforestry, water purification, and the production, processing, and marketing of organic products, communities are empowered to sustainably protect and restore the health of their families, forests, and territories. This is an important contribution to a healthy and good life (buen vivir) for the people and ecosystems of the Amazon, which is also in line with their traditional values and Indigenous cultures.

The Green Heart project targets approximately 150 Indigenous and local communities living in the Amazon rainforest in the provinces of Sucumbíos and Orellana. In a consortium with local organizations (such as Amisacho Restauración and Clínica Ambiental), traditional knowledge and new research on regenerative agroforestry are being gathered, disseminated and put into practice in collaboration with over 150 Indigenous/local communities.

An area of 10 hectares of rainforest has already been successfully regenerated and reforested with native tree species, more than eight community tree nurseries have been established, ecological "Markets of Hope" (Ferias de la Esperanza) have been strengthened, and the first certified laboratory for the ecological processing of natural products has been co-built.

The mission of LOVE FOR LIFE (LFL) is to create conscious and sustainable change to empower people and protect nature. LFL is committed to climate, environmental and social justice, conciousness raising, ecosystem protection and regeneration, access to renewable solar energy, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples - the rightful and best custodians of the tropical forests and global biodiversity.