The Ecology Institute ECOLAP-USFQ develops projects and provides consulting services for research, monitoring, management, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The Institute of Applied Ecology ECOLAP is a non-profit research and management entity established in 1993 and which is part of the COCIBA College of Biological and Environmental Sciences of the San Francisco de Quito University USFQ.

They offer and propose evaluation services, participatory planning, training, education, interpretation, advice, monitoring, management, management and research for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and the improvement of environmental quality. They work together with communities and organizations with and without profit from the public and private sector, national and international, with emphasis on protected areas and urban areas.

Currently, the environmental component of investment and development projects is becoming increasingly important. Under this premise, ECOLAP directs its actions to the execution of activities that seek environmental quality, a correct use of natural resources, the conservation of natural wealth and the promotion and rescue of cultural diversity. These are essential conditions for sustainable development that is based on social and economic well-being, and respect for the environment.

Mission

ECOLAP is a scientific-technical institute whose activities are related to environmental issues. The mission of ECOLAP is to contribute to the conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of Ecuador by promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and facilitating participatory processes, thus strengthening and creating the necessary spaces for decision-making to local and regional level. The scope of action is mainly Ecuador, with an emphasis on protected areas and urban area, and it works in conjunction with communities and organizations with and without profit from the national and international public and private sector.

Vision

ECOLAP's primary objective is to strengthen the participating actors so that they are able to plan, execute and maintain their projects in the long term. Furthermore, the importance of equitable participation as a key and stabilizing strategy in development actions is stressed, as well as ECOLAP's relations with other organizations and communities, which operate in an environment of freedom of expression and respect.