Mangrove ecosystems are important to communities throughout coastal Ecuador. Current uses include crab and shellfish collection, and fisheries. In recent history, mangrove ecosystems in Ecuador were impacted by aquaculture (shrimp farms) and urban expansion. However, recent laws have raised the status of protection for mangroves. Approximately one third of existing mangroves in Ecuador are managed by conservation agreements with local communities.

When mangroves are conserved the the well-being of fishermen is achieved through increased income and opportunity from robust and sustainable fisheries. Mechanisms like conservation agreements allow people to access goods and services that materialize into better living conditions and more sustainable livelihoods. 

CI Ecuador worked across scales, from informing and collaborating with the national government in support and implementation of current policy to directly on the ground with local fishing associations to provide direct benefit to communities dependent on healthy mangroves.  CI worked to identify bottlenecks for implementation and increase awareness to reduce these barriers to participation in these programs. These policies are funded and created at the national level but have direct impact on local communities.

Outreach and support were given to communities to facilitate the creation of fishing associations, including assistance with documentation and paperwork such as invoicing and agreements. Support to increase the access and resiliency to the market was increased through better distribution networks.