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Charapa Turtle Conservation in Yasuni
A Community-Led Project in Mandari Panga

Welcome to the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the Kichwa community of Mandari Panga and Wild Mandari are leading a powerful initiative to protect one of the region’s endangered species: the charapa turtles (Podocnemis expansa and Podocnemis unifilis). This project is a shining example of Amazon turtle conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable ecotourism in Yasuní National Park.

A Conservation Effort Led by the Community

The Charapa Turtle Conservation Project began in 2017 with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Ecuador. In 2023, WCS provided further training on wildlife management and species protection. Since then, the people of Mandari Panga have fully embraced this mission and are now leading the effort independently.

Recently, WCS Ecuador recognized Mandari Panga’s work as a model of community-based turtle conservation in the Amazon.

Read the WCS article here.

Why Charapa Turtles Need Protection

The charapa turtles are essential to maintaining the health of Amazonian rivers, helping to balance vegetation and support aquatic ecosystems. However, their populations have been severely impacted by:

 

  1. Illegal hunting
  2. Egg poaching
  3. Habitat destruction
  4. Pollution
  5. Climate change
Learn more about charapas

What the Charapa Turtle Conservation Project Does

What the Charapa Turtle Conservation Project Does

  1. Improved nesting areas and hatcheries (arenarios)

  2. Daily care and monitoring of charapa eggs and hatchlings

  3. Long-term tracking of released turtles in the Tiputini River

Environmental Education and Awareness

  1. Workshops for the local community, schools, and tourists
  2. Awareness campaigns about the importance of aquatic ecosystems
  3. River clean-up events to reduce pollution and protect turtle habitats

Women’s Leadership and Community Empowerment

  1. Training Kichwa women as tour guides and conservation leaders
  2. Promoting women’s participation in tourism management and decision-making
  3. Gender equity workshops within the community

Ecotourism to Support Conservation

  1. Turtle adoption and release programs for visitors

  2. Community-led turtle experiences as part of Wild Mandari’s tours

  3. Sustainable income generation through conservation-focused tourism

Ecotourism That Protects and Empowers

At Wild Mandari, visitors can directly support the Charapa Project through responsible travel. Tourists have the opportunity to:

  1. Visit the turtle nesting sites

  2. Participate in turtle adoption programs

  3. Join community-led river clean-up activities

This community-based ecotourism model helps protect biodiversity and generates sustainable income for local families, especially for women working as conservation guides.

Join the Charapa Conservation Effort

By visiting Mandari Panga and supporting the Charapa Project, you contribute to:

 

  1. Amazon rainforest conservation

  2. Endangered turtle protection

  3. Empowering indigenous women

  4. Sustainable tourism in Ecuador

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