CHOICE Ecuador Internationally Recognized by the EU and the FAO for Sustainable Development

CHOICE Humanitarian’s Ecuador team has been recognized by the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for their role in the Paisajes Andinos Initiative.

This initiative is a multi-stakeholder effort supported by government and international partners across the Andean region, focused on strengthening agriculture, local economies, and environmental sustainability. It brings together communities, government institutions, and international partners to improve how land is used, how food is produced, and how families earn a living across the Andean region.

On March 3, during a formal recognition gathering in Peñaherrera in the Intag Valley, CHOICE Ecuador Country Director Raquel Tuston was presented with an award from the FAO and thanked for CHOICE's involvement. The award acknowledged CHOICE’s "close and effective collaboration, fundamental to the implementation of the initiative and the achievement of significant results for sustainable development in the Ecuadorian Andes."

Photo caption: Raquel Tuston, CHOICE Ecuador Country Director, is presented with an award and recognized by the EU and the FAO for CHOICE's sustainable development work.

“This recognition represents the collective effort of communities, local partners, and institutions working together,” said Tuston. “It highlights the active role of communities as leaders in their own development.”

What Community-led Work Looks Like in Ecuador

As part of the Paisajes Andinos Initiative that spans Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, the FAO specifically acknowledged the community-led efforts of key projects and activities supported by CHOICE Humanitarian in Ecuador. 

1. With economic development as a primary objective, members of the Asociación Apueleños Sembrando el Futuro have been working together to develop a business plan to connect their products to markets beyond their immediate region. This integrates with broader efforts across communities to strengthen how people grow and sustain their livelihoods.

2. Savings groups, known as cajas de ahorros, is another effective economic growth activity supported by CHOICE. In rural Ecuador, members are contributing, accessing small loans, and making financial decisions together. These saving groups support participants and their families as they manage expenses, invest in small businesses, and plan ahead.

Photo caption: In a recent savings group training supported by CHOICE Humanitarian, community members lead discussions. Participants take notes, ask questions, and work through decisions together, learning how to manage and strengthen their savings group over time.

3. Improving agricultural livelihoods is also an important focus of community-led work in Ecuador. Farmers are working toward certification in good agricultural practices, increasing productivity while protecting soil health and natural resources. Community members are also being trained as agricultural promoters—local leaders who share knowledge, support their neighbors, and help sustain progress long after projects conclude.

Each of these efforts is strengthened by The CHOICE Way, which is CHOICE's unique, integrated approach to sustainable development. Voice, ability, and access must work together so communities can define their priorities, build skills and capacity, and connect to the resources and opportunities that support their progress.

“Recognition from the European Union and the FAO reflects the strength of community-led development,” said Heather Hammond Cruz, CEO of CHOICE Humanitarian. “Lasting progress happens when communities and local leaders guide their priorities. Our role is to work alongside communities to strengthen those conditions so the solutions they build can continue long after any single project ends.”

What this Recognition Means

This recognition reflects alignment with global priorities such as food systems, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, linking locally led work in Ecuador to solutions supported at a global level.

For CHOICE Humanitarian, this strengthens the partnerships and trust that make this mission possible. It opens doors to continued collaboration, expanded opportunities, and the ability to grow this work in more communities.

“This recognition strengthens credibility and opens new opportunities to expand impact,” said Tuston. “It supports communities as they continue to grow stronger and more connected.”