The Government of Ecuador has announced a new agreement aimed at restoring the Los Samanes National Recreation Area, an important urban natural space in Guayaquil. The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC EP), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT).
Under this agreement, CELEC EP will provide $800,000 through its Transelectric Business Unit to fund restoration efforts. The MIT will be responsible for receiving, managing, and executing these resources. Meanwhile, MAE will oversee technical support, environmental assessment, and prioritization of interventions to ensure compliance with current regulations and conservation objectives.
Byron Franco, Vice Minister of Services and Transport, stated: “With this project, the National Government will not only improve existing infrastructure but also generate 50 direct jobs and 100 indirect jobs benefiting workers living in the area.” He added that over one and a half million residents from Tarqui, Pascuales, and Ximena parishes would benefit directly or indirectly from this long-awaited project.
The restoration plan is divided into two phases. The first phase involves preparing a preliminary technical study to assess the current conditions of the protected area. The second phase focuses on implementing ecological restoration actions to recover key ecosystems and environmental services in sensitive parts of the park.
The planned interventions will use approaches such as green and blue infrastructure, ecological connectivity, ecosystem service recovery, and climate change adaptation. These measures aim to position Los Samanes as a national example of sustainable management and ecological resilience within an urban setting.
Since its designation as a protected area in 2010, Los Samanes has faced challenges due to ongoing urban growth. In October 2023, an executive decree transferred administration to the Municipal Government of Guayaquil; however, their management plan was not approved by MAE because it did not meet environmental standards.
In September 2025, an inter-institutional cooperation agreement was signed between MAE and the municipal government to establish shared management responsibilities. This arrangement aims for technical coordination to ensure conservation while balancing urban development.
The government describes this tripartite agreement as a move toward technical solutions that address both conservation needs and community well-being for families in Guayaquil.
“The New Ecuador advances with firm decisions, responsible investment and a clear vision: protecting nature is protecting life, health and the future of present and future generations,” reads part of the official statement.
