Sustainable Sucumbíos

Gran Tierra Energy’s flagship Ecuador social investment project Sustainable Sucumbíos, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on transforming agricultural processes to make them more profitable and sustainable. GTE has invested US$3.3 million over four years, which has directly benefited local families in Ecuador, by improving agricultural productivity and increasing household income through agricultural technical assistance, training and supplies. This initiative supports long-term agricultural development by enhancing crop productivity, strengthening local livelihoods, and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices in the region.

GTE’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in Ecuadorian communities through this project has delivered meaningful results. Notable achievements include the distribution of approximately 80,000 cacao plants to local farmers and the delivery of agricultural machinery units and cows to support the growth of farming operations in the region. In addition to the resources given to the local families participating in the program, GTE provides technical skills development through training and workshops. In 2024, 312 people attended workshops focused on gender inclusivity and financial guidance and 224 people were trained in agriculture and livestock field schools.

The project was first developed and implemented together with local communities of the 5 Ases, October 15, Lojanitos, La Milagreña, Pio Jaramillo and Rey del Oriente communities and in 2024, Sustainable Sucumbíos was expanded to include the communities of Union Balsareña, Patria Nueva, and Santa Mariana. To date, the program has benefited 741 families in the area surrounding GTE’s operations.

“The training we received has given us what we need to begin to plant, maintain and harvest our cacao more productively. It’s early in the process, but I’m already implementing the new techniques and I’m confident they will be beneficial.”