The successful implementation of the environmental and social action plan (ESAP) of the Yasuní legacy program is reflected in significant progress across key areas. As of April 2025, nearly 70% of the planned measures are either underway or completed, while most of the remaining actions are still on track. Only a small portion is delayed (9% implemented, 30% in progress, 28% initiated, 27% not started but within deadlines, and 6% delayed). The finalized stakeholder engagement and FPIC protocols have ensured inclusive participation, while new community-based resource management plans and strengthened governance platforms have empowered Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Enhanced law enforcement tools and infrastructure upgrades are improving biodiversity protection and operational capacity, marking a strong foundation for long-term conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Stakeholder Engagement
The stakeholder engagement plan was finalized in February 2025. Stakeholder mapping and threat hotspot analysis informed the prioritization of communities, based on conservation pressures and WCS’s long-standing presence and relationships in the region.
Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)
The FPIC protocol was finalized and applied during the 2025–2026 planning process. It follows a six-phase approach that respects Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ (IP&LC) governance and decision-making structures, ensuring informed and meaningful participation from project design to monitoring.
Community-based natural resource management plans (CBNRMP)
WCS supported the development of new CBNRMPs for Martinica, Alta Florencia, and Llanchama, including participatory territorial zoning with field-verified coordinates. In May 2025, a field mission was carried out in eight Napo River communities—Pompeya, Indillama, Sani Isla, San Roque, Martinica, Mandaripanga, Alta Florencia, and Llanchama—to define activity priorities for 2025–2026. In parallel, updated work plans were finalized with the local fishers’ association, NASE and NAWE.
Infrastructure and connectivity
WCS with LLF funding is supporting the 2025 operational plan for Yasuní National Park, which prioritizes improvements to basic services and operational capacity across control posts as part of a long-term strategy to improve staff occupational, health and safety conditions—with emphasis in Ceilan (Curaray River) and Tambococha (Yasuní River). Planned upgrades include infrastructure, water and energy systems, internet connectivity, and surveillance equipment to strengthen field operations and monitoring.
Grievance redress mechanism (GRM)
The updated GRM was shared with stakeholders and incorporates existing tools and platforms. It enables the submission of both complaints and general feedback, promoting transparency and accountability.
Law enforcement tools
Two new protocols were finalized to strengthen safeguards related to law enforcement and provide more effective responses to wildlife crime:
- Protocol for handling traces and/or evidence related to infractions and crimes against wildlife
- Administrative and criminal procedures manual for combatting illegal wildlife trafficking
Landscape governance and management
- The Yasuní Biosphere Reserve management committee (CGRBY) remains a key participatory platform, representing IP&LC and institutional stakeholders. Governance indicators—legality, representativeness, legitimacy, authority, and capacity—were finalized, and a strengthening plan through 2028 was developed.
- WCS is supporting the implementation of the three annual general assemblies mandated by the committee’s statutes. During the first assembly in April 2025, stakeholders co-developed a 2025 action plan and defined key commission objectives using participatory tools.
- To advance the strengthening plan, five special commissions—tourism, territory and environment, communication, youth, and entrepreneurship—were created to lead priority actions and foster inclusive governance.
- Early development of the participatory platform for territorial management of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve has begun. This multi-stakeholder tool will support biodiversity monitoring and enhance coordination across the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, with the CGRBY as its primary user.