Business Details
33 Years
experience
Empowering Communities for Environmental Conservation
Ecologic Development Fund has dedicated over three decades to empowering rural and Indigenous communities in Central America and Mexico to restore and protect tropical ecosystems. Founded in 1993, our organization operates on the principle that local communities are the most effective stewards of their natural resources. We facilitate participatory processes that integrate conservation, human well-being, and community development, ensuring initiatives are locally contextualized and sustainable. Our approach combines access to tools, training, and economic incentives with a commitment to solidarity, honesty, and transparency. With partnerships spanning 382 communities across 404,914 hectares of biodiverse ecosystems, we focus on reforestation, agroforestry, environmental education, and capacity-building.Our team brings expertise in conservation and community development, adapting strategies through continuous learning and collaboration. We advocate for policy changes and support grassroots leadership to address deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Our work has demonstrated measurable outcomes in food security, ecosystem resilience, and community-led conservation. By prioritizing local ownership and culturally appropriate solutions, we ensure long-term environmental and social impact. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donor support to sustain and expand our mission.
Services
Reforestation
Sustainable Agriculture
Environmental Education
Capacity-Building
Healthy Homes
Economic Incentives
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We prioritize local community leadership in conservation efforts.
- Our participatory approach ensures culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions.
- We provide tools and training for ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
- Our work spans 382 communities across 404,914 hectares of biodiverse ecosystems.
- We advocate for policy changes supporting Indigenous land stewardship.
What people say
Community-led conservation success
Strong Indigenous partnerships
Effective agroforestry training
Transparent operations
Services
Reforestation
EcoLogic leads reforestation efforts by growing and planting native seedlings in degraded ecosystems. We focus on watersheds, wildlife corridors, and forest buffers to combat deforestation and climate change. Our initiatives restore biodiversity while supporting community-led conservation.
Sustainable Agriculture
We train farmers in agroforestry techniques that integrate trees into agricultural landscapes. This reduces slash-and-burn practices, improves soil health, and enhances food security while promoting climate-resilient farming systems in Central America and Mexico.
Environmental Education
Our programs educate communities about ecosystem interdependence and climate resilience. By engaging adults and children, we foster stewardship practices that protect biodiversity and empower marginalized groups like women and Indigenous leaders.
Capacity-Building
We strengthen local governance through participatory processes, teaching communities to design conservation projects, advocate for their rights, and manage resources independently. This ensures long-term sustainability of environmental initiatives.
Healthy Homes
We implement fuel-efficient cookstoves and home gardens to reduce deforestation and improve nutrition. These solutions address immediate family needs while promoting eco-friendly practices in rural households across Mesoamerica.
People
Barbara Vallarino
Executive Director
Barbara leads EcoLogic's global strategy, focusing on community-led conservation and sustainable development. With decades of experience in environmental policy, she champions Indigenous rights and ecosystem restoration across Central America and Mexico.
Mario Ardany de Len
Program Officer, Guatemala
Mario oversees projects in Guatemala, fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities. His work emphasizes agroforestry and watershed management to combat deforestation while improving local livelihoods through participatory approaches.
Marco Acevedo
Program Officer, Mexico
Marco coordinates conservation initiatives in Mexico, specializing in forest restoration and biodiversity protection. He works closely with rural communities to implement sustainable land-use practices that balance ecological health with economic needs.
David Barton Bray
Board Member
Dr. Bray contributes expertise in environmental policy and community forestry as a Florida International University professor. His research informs EcoLogic's strategies for empowering Indigenous land stewardship across Latin America.
Maria Uriarte
Advisor
Dr. Uriarte advises on ecosystem dynamics and climate resilience at Columbia University. Her scientific insights guide EcoLogic's reforestation projects, ensuring they align with ecological best practices and community needs.
Questions
What is EcoLogic's primary mission?
EcoLogic empowers rural and Indigenous communities to restore tropical ecosystems through reforestation, agroforestry, and community-led conservation initiatives in Central America and Mexico.
How does EcoLogic involve local communities?
We use participatory processes to co-design projects with communities, providing tools, training, and economic incentives for sustainable land management and biodiversity protection.
What regions does EcoLogic operate in?
EcoLogic works in Central America (Guatemala, Honduras) and Mexico, focusing on biodiverse ecosystems threatened by deforestation and climate change.
How can I support EcoLogic's work?
Support through donations, volunteering, or corporate partnerships funds community-led conservation projects. Visit our website to explore giving options and volunteer opportunities.
What environmental challenges does EcoLogic address?
We combat deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change by promoting sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and policy advocacy with Indigenous communities.
Does EcoLogic offer educational programs?
Yes, we provide environmental education initiatives that teach ecosystem stewardship and climate resilience to adults and children in partner communities.
Videos
