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GSR

The co-operative for the protection of the rainforest (Genossenschaft zum Schutz des Regenwaldes, GSR), was founded in Kirchdorf (Switzerland) in 1993. Its objectives are:

  • to preserve and protect the rainforest
  • to reforest former farmlands
  • to implement a concept for sustainable rainforest management in the community of Ahuano in Napo province, Ecuador.

The co-operative has currently over 150 registered members holding a total of over 410 participation certificates. The annual general meetings (AGM) are held in Switzerland. They approve the annual report and financial staements and elect the board of directors, which encompasses five members. Current board of director members are:

  • Christine von Steiger (president)
  • Jürg Niebecker (finances)
  • Silvia Canelos (secretary)
  • Chris Trautwein (member)
  • Jan Canelos (member)

The cooperators are also members of the fundation in Ecuador “Fundación para la conservación y protección de los bosques del Ecuador SELVA VIVA”. Six members are part of this comitee:

  • Chris Trautwein (president)
  • Jürg Niebecker (finances)
  • Ciska Walraven (finance coordinator)
  • Silvia Canelos (secretary)
  • Jan Canelos (member)
  • Siegfried Andermatt (member)

Chief executive:

  • Lester Espin

The co-operative issues participation certificates valued Swiss Francs 1’000 each. The funds are used to buy lots of rainforest land that are particularly endangered by deforestation. Donations are used to employ rangers, support environmental education and information for the local population and for administrative expenses to maintain our legal status as protective forest. The board members in Switzerland are all working in an honorary capacity.

Are you willing to sign up as a member of the cooperative, or would you like to know more about becoming a member? Please do not hesitate to contact our president, email