Spanish Ambassador to Ecuador and AECID visit Manabi to review bamboo projects

Communities in Manabí are advancing towards a greener future thanks to bamboo initiatives supported by the Spanish Cooperation

On 6 May, the province of Manabí welcomed the visit of the Ambassador of Spain to Ecuador, H.E. Enrique Yturriaga Saldanha, accompanied by Elena Palomar, Country Coordinator of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and Vicente Duñabeitia, Program Officer at AECID. The delegation visited several initiatives implemented by INBAR, with the aim of witnessing firsthand the results and impacts of projects funded by Spanish Cooperation since 2018.

Over the past several years, INBAR has successfully led four strategic projects in Manabí, focused on sustainable development with bamboo and aligned with key objectives such as the green economy, sustainable construction, post-COVID economic recovery, and strengthening local capacities. Thanks to AECID’s funding and the support of local institutions, these initiatives have made a significant impact across multiple communities in the province.

A journey through territorial and social transformation

The delegation had the opportunity to closely observe projects that illustrate the bamboo value chain and its environmental, economic, and social benefits:

• Sustainable management of Guadua bamboo and technical training: In the canton of Chone, the delegation visited Field Schools (ECAs) for the sustainable management of bamboo groves, which improve the productivity of natural Guadua forests. These are run by technical trainers from the El Carmen local government (GAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

• Training in bamboo construction: Graduates of the Bamboo Sustainable Construction Training School (ETCSB) showcased tools, furniture, structures, and panels made from bamboo. A commemorative plaque was also placed on the bamboo roof of the Technical University of Manabí, in the presence of Chone Mayor Mr. Leonardo Rodríguez and UTM Rector Mr. Santiago Quiroz.

• Bamboo collection and preservation center: In the canton of Junín, the delegation saw a best-practice model for bamboo processing, covering harvesting, transport, preservation, drying, and storage, all promoting the sustainable and efficient use of bamboo.

• Bamboo-roofed housing: Built by graduates of training programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, these homes demonstrate the viability of bamboo for sustainable housing solutions.

• Local cooperatives and entrepreneurship: Particularly notable were the cooperatives led by ETCSB graduates in Portoviejo, who now offer integrated sustainable construction services—with a strong focus on gender equity and women’s empowerment.

Reflections from the Spanish Cooperation

In his remarks, Ambassador Yturriaga highlighted the environmental and economic value of bamboo:

“Working with bamboo was an idea that started in Ecuador. Bamboo reflects the core pillars of Spanish Cooperation: sustainability and environmental protection. I’m impressed by its potential to drive a circular economy that benefits the entire community. Nothing goes to waste—from poles to shavings, everything has a use.”

Elena Palomar, AECID’s Country Coordinator in Ecuador, expressed her satisfaction with the program’s progress:

“It’s a very enriching visit because you can see the entire bamboo value chain. The progress is clearly visible. Bamboo offers a fantastic alternative for sustainable construction, the creation of decent jobs, and the use of local resources. The role of women is essential; it’s wonderful to see them being trained to become entrepreneurs in this sector.”

The visit concluded with optimistic reflections on the importance of international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and technical training as engines of territorial development. Pablo Jácome Estrella, INBAR’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, accompanied the delegation and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to sustainable bamboo-based development.

Thanks to these initiatives, Manabí is not only strengthening its climate resilience but also building an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable local development model—with bamboo as a transformative pillar.