The Quito Water Conservation Fund (Fondo para la Protección del Agua – FONAG) is an endowment fund that receives money from the government, public utilities, electric companies, private companies and non-government organizations. An independent financial institution manages and invests the money. Part of the funding goes to an endowment to ensure long-term sustainability and part of the funding goes directly to activities for watershed protection. FONAG’s goals include: improve/maintain water quality and quantity for downstream users, maintain regular flows of water throughout the year, maintain/enhance natural ecosystem biodiversity (both freshwater and terrestrial) and improve/maintain human well-being and quality of life for upstream human communities.

Project Results

The water fund protects the main water sources of Quito city with 2.5 million people. In addition to this, the water funds supports local communities that live close to the water sources. They receive permanent support from FONAG through different programs, from environmental education to community-based projects that invest in rural livelihoods.