The “We are all Mashpi” event brought the families from the community together to spend time having fun.

On Sunday, March 3, Fundacion Futuro and the community of San Jose de Mashpi held an event called “We are all Mashpi,” a potluck arranged for the inhabitants living in the area to get to know each other better and celebrate their diversity. The majority of area inhabitants populated the sector more than 40 years ago. They came from different provinces, such as Esmeraldas, Imbabura, Loja, and Manabi, and from other countries such as Costa Rica, Italy and France.

Photograph: Inhabitants of San Jose de Mashpi preparing food for the potluck.

Together, as a community, they shared food, swapped stories, and strengthened their friendships. This was one of the first activities organized under the sustainable development and conservation programs that Fundacion Futuro is implementing around Mashpi to build a sustainable and inclusive landscape.

Participants were given instructions to bring a typical dish from their place of origin. An Ecuadorian – Costa Rican family that has a cacao plantation prepared a vegan chocolate mousse with products grown in Mashpi through sustainable agricultural practices. Other families prepared tilapia with fried plantain and palm-heart ceviche.