Presentation of certificates to the entrepreneurs involved in the Innovando Amazonía project by the IICA Representative in Ecuador, Renzo Galgani.
Tena, Ecuador, 25 February 2026 (IICA). In collaboration with the Technical Secretariat of Ecuador’s Special Amazon Territory, the IICA Delegation in the South American country implemented the Innovando Amazonía project, which culminated with the 2026 Napu Marka Expo Fair held in the city of Tena, in the province of Napo.
The initiative’s main objective was to increase the productivity, competitiveness and links with national markets of agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon and highlight its export potential, while at the same time continuing to prioritize environmental sustainability and human development with local products such cocoa, palm heart, coffee, guayusa, paiche, pitahaya and cinnamon.
The project yielded significant results for the Amazon region:
– Implementation of 32 improvement plans by 28 local organizations.
– Technical support for 160 members of producer organizations.
– Training for 290 officials and 106 entrepreneurs in innovation management.
– Training for 30 internal auditors.
– Participation of 100 producers in agricultural internship programs.
– More than USD 3.2 million in investment, with sales equivalent to USD 1.5 million.
The results strengthened local capabilities, improved production processes and promoted the exchange of knowledge, with the aim of building a more organized Amazon region that is better equipped to compete in differentiated markets, adding value to its products. One notable case was that of Quijos Frut Ec, which exported its products to Chile for the first time in 2025 thanks to this project.
Renzo Galgani, IICA Representative in Ecuador, emphasized that the project focused on more than just economic growth: “We have seen many producers who have improved their processes, but the goal is not only to increase production, but also to care for the Amazon and the people who live in this territory”.
Renzo Galgani, IICA Representative in Ecuador, pictured with pitahaya producers at the stand they operated during the Napu Marka 2026 Expo Fair.
Gerson Andi, representative of the Asociación Kallari, one of the organizations that benefited from the project, noted that the support received enabled them to consolidate marketing spaces: “Thanks to the support of the Innovando Amazonía project, we were able to strengthen the marketing aspect, our space, our store, and this has made it possible to sell large quantities of our products”.
One of the project’s closing activities was a culinary competition that featured categories such as Amazonian ice cream, blended herbs and fruits from the Amazon, paiche and cocktails with local ingredients. The top three entries in each category received small cash prizes.
Participant in the “Raíces y Fusión”cocktail competition.
Nelson Ortega, a judge in the paiche competition, highlighted the importance of spaces of this kind: “Fairs are very important for businesses, because they are a way to showcase products on a massive scale, and we are very proud and satisfied with what we do”.
Innovando Amazonía thus consolidated a project model that combines technical assistance, organization building and commercial development with a sustainable approach. The challenge now will be to scale up the results, consolidate links with differentiated markets and promote the Ecuadorian Amazon on the international stage, while continuing to make the conservation of the territory and the well-being of its communities the first priority.
Innovando Amazonía consolidated a project model that combines technical assistance, organization building and commercial revitalization with a sustainable approach.
More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int
