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MASHPI LODGE IS A PROMOTER OF WELLBEING AND PROSPERITY
At Mashpi Lodge, prosperity and wellbeing are fundamental principles that guide our actions and shape our relationship with the environment, both natural and human.
We are committed to creating a positive, lasting impact in the Andean Chocó region by preserving its biodiverse forests while supporting ongoing community development.
Your role
Our Impact
Our sustainability pillars
Conservation
Conservation
- The Mashpi Tayra Reserve protects a total of 3,017 hectares.
- Fundación Futuro manages conservation and sustainable development projects across a 22,600-hectare area of influence.
Ecological Restoration
- In partnership with CONDESAN, FONAG and Fundación Futuro, we are restoring 1,200 hectares, 306 of which are being directly restored alongside our neighboring communities in 13 farms surrounding the Mashpi-Tayra Reserve are involved in this effort.
- We are working with 136 species of trees, including both forest and fruit-bearing varieties.
- Of all the fruit trees planted, 91.4% are native species and 8.6% are introduced, prioritizing the regeneration of the local ecosystem.
Local Governance
Fundación Futuro promotes projects aimed at strengthening local territorial governance by encouraging participatory processes with communities and stakeholders. Through dialogue with key stakeholders, we collaboratively address critical issues for community development — fostering a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable approach to landscape management.
As part of this commitment, we support the regularization of land tenure, a crucial step in securing the rights of rural communities and advancing conservation models rooted in social justice.
Community Impact Highlights:
- 1,111 hectares topographic surveys completed in 2024.
- 30 landowners actively engaged in land title processing.
- Support provided for the formal establishment of two community organizations:
- Corporación para el Desarrollo San José de Mashpi
- Fundación San Francisco de Pachijal
- Participatory Community Development Agendas created in three communities: Mashpi, Guayabillas, and Pachijal.
Contribution to Scientific Research
By staying at Mashpi Lodge, you are directly funding our in-house research team whose mission is to deepen our understanding and ensure the preservation of our extraordinary natural environment. Over more than a decade of operations, the lodge has become a facilitator and hub for ground-breaking research in this yet-unexplored region. Through science, we are committed to protecting this invaluable heritage for future generations.
- 23 new species discovered in 13 years of research and biology.
- Several active projects with national and international universities and related organizations. Among them:
- Over 50 scientific articles published
Local Development
We promote projects that foster the economic and social development of the community.
Local Employment
- 55% of our employees are from neighboring communities
- 30 training agreements provided to foster local talent and skills development.
Local Purchasing
- 13% of our food and beverage purchases come from communities near the lodge, working directly with 20 families who supply fresh products and 8 families who provide processed goods.
- 82% of dishes use at least one emblematic local ingredient (focused on preserving culinary diversity).
Entrepreneurship Development
Fundación Futuro leads the development of sustainable community-based enterprises, strengthening local capacities and creating new opportunities.
- At least 72 families benefit from direct sales to the lodge.
- Creation of the Chocó Andino Producers Network (Red de Productores del Chocó Andino).
- Strengthening of ASOMEG, a legally registered group of 8 women entrepreneurs with 9 products currently on the market.
Educational Programs
- We work with educational units in five communities—San José de Mashpi, Pachijal, Guayabillas, Pacto Loma, and La Delicia—impacting 333 students and 21 local teachers.
We also offer a virtual high school program for adults who were unable to complete their education:
- 20 students have already graduated, and 10 more are currently enrolled in 2024.
To support sustainable livelihoods, 51 youth and adults have been certified as community-based sustainable tourism guides, broadening employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
- Dual Education Program: 12 employees are enrolled in this program to enhance their skills and expertise.
- We receive 10 annual visits at the lodge from local schools.
Environmental best practices in hotel management
At Mashpi Lodge, we operate with a sustainable approach by reducing our carbon footprint and preserving the cloud forest through comprehensive environmental management.
Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
We use renewable energy from the national hydroelectric grid, minimizing the use of fossil fuels. This approach not only optimizes our energy efficiency but also ensures that our operations respect and protect the delicate balance of the cloud forest ecosystem.
- All of our light bulbs are LED.
- 14% reduction in electricity consumption in 2024 thanks to the implementation of a more efficient hot water system equipment.
Reuse, Classify, Recycle, and Minimize Waste
Committed to reducing single-use plastics: We are actively working to reduce single-use plastics in our operations by adopting reusable alternatives and collaborating with like-minded partners
- Water refill stations: To date, we have prevented the consumption of 179,640 plastic bottles.
- We offer to our guests biodegradable soaps and shampoos in recycled plastic bottles.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
We have an electric vehicle charging station, promoting more eco-friendly travel. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner future.
Wastewater Treatment
Your stay with us is carbon neutral
When you stay at Mashpi Lodge, all carbon produced is offset through our Carbon Neutral program, administered by Fundación Futuro.
How do we do it?
A host of strategic allies bolster our efforts and drive meaningful impact
Sustainability News
Lepanthes mashpica: New orchid species discovered at the Mashpi Reserve in Ecuador
Orchid species diversification has taken an exciting turn with the recent discovery of a new
Research and Biology News: new specie of insect and solid and lasting alliances with academia
In this edition, we introduce species #22 described in our reserve. Additionally, we share insights
Life Center News
Nixon works at the Life Center in Mashpi Lodge and is in charge of maintaining
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