Exploring the Interplay Between Water, Communities, and One Health in Ecuador’s Chocó Andino (WACO CHOCO)

Summary

The WACO CHOCO project assesses water quality in Ecuador’s Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve (RBCA), impacted by mining, urbanization, and agriculture. Grounded in One Health, the project explores links between water quality and use, human health, and ecosystem health. The project combines field sampling, data analysis, and local stakeholder engagement to ensure scientific rigor and practical relevance. Through chemical (physico-chemical, metals, and pesticides) and biological (microorganisms and macro-invertebrates) analyses, it aims to determine the suitability of water for local communities’ use in drinking, agriculture, and swimming. By linking water quality and use to communities’ health risks and ecosystem health, it will provide actionable recommendations to protect vulnerable populations and its environment. Community workshops and local collaboration will enhance impact, informing policy and conservation strategies with scalable applications for Ecuador and beyond.

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