At CALIJUS we care about giving back, because our main focus is on environmental sustainability, we have chosen to collaborate with Guayllabamba Waterkeeper, in Ecuador. Waterkeeper Alliance, founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the foundation unites more than 300 Waterkeeper Organizations and Affiliates that are on the frontlines of the global water crisis, patrolling and protecting more than 2.5 million square miles of rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on six continents.

 

Guayllabamba Waterkeeper aims to rid the upper reaches of the Guayllabamba River of urban and industrial pollution. The Guayllabamba River originates in the Andes Mountains in northern Ecuador.  Guayllabamba is the Quechua word for green plain. This river is named after the vibrantly lush and fertile Guayllabamba plain that it crosses on its way to the Pacific Ocean.  This area has unique geological and botanic importance with approximately 1,200 species of plants (many of which are medicinal) and a great diversity of birds, mammals, and insects of multiple exotic appearances.  The upper portion of the Guayllabamba river is one of the most densely populated areas in the country (3.2m residents). Three major hydroelectric power plants were built along two main tributaries and are the recipients of sewage from 59 collectors spread throughout Quito.