Unit for Forestry Promotion and Development of Ecuador (PROFORESTAL)

PROFORESTAL, created in 2008, is the Unit for Forestry Promotion and Development of Ecuador with the goal to execute the National Afforestation and Reforestation Plan (PNFR) through programs and projects related to social plantations and agroforestry systems as well as industrial and commercial plantations, with the objectives of protecting native forests and generating jobs in the rural sector.  PROFORESTAL signs agreements with indigenous groups, local communities and private property owners whereby the former pays the costs of establishing the plantation, including labor, and provides technical assistance.  Following future timber harvest, it is expected that landowners will return a percentage of income from timber sales to PROFORESTAL.  The Board of Directors of PROFORESTAL is composed of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Cattle Ranching, Aquaculture and Fishing (MAGAP), the Ministry of the Environment (MAE), the Ministry of Industry and Production (MIPRO) and the National Secretariat for Planning and Development (SENPLADES).