Fundación Oscar Efrén Reyes

About us

The non-governmental, non-profit organization Fundación Oscar Efrén Reyes was established to honor the memory of the historian, author and journalist, Oscar Efren Reyes to promote cultural and educational activities in our community and surrounding areas of Bańos de Agua Santa, Tungurahua, Ecuador.
The concept of the Foundation Oscar Efren Reyes was the initiative of its namesake’s daughter, Doña Francisca Reyes Torres. Doña Francisca donated her family home to begin the foundation which is still today our Foundation headquarters. It was officially recognized on January 10th, 2000
We have been succesful in developing more than 20 projects since the foundation was established in the year 2000 including developing a reserve in the unique ecosystem of the Volcano Tungurahua.


Our Mission:
• Honor the accomplishments of Oscar Efren Reyes by sharing his works and ideals with our community
• Continue his research in the areas of history, geography and the environment
• Form alliances with other like minded organizations both in Ecuador and internationally
• Promote and develop cultural and educational activities in our community and the surrounding communities of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador.

Cultural and Educational Projects
Our goals:
• Encourage and reinforce the joy of reading
• Serve as an outlet to encourage expression of ideas and talents especially in the marginal groups of women and young people
• Demonstrate the formative, inclusive and cultural use of the public space
• Support our community as a cultural and educational center open to the public
Festivals, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and various actions in relation to the protection and conservation of existing biodiversity in the Baños area.
Conservation Projects:
• Chamana Forest Reserve: The Chamanapamba Natural Reserve (RNC) was created in January 2010, as an initiative of the Biologists Marco Miguel and Juan Pablo Reyes Puig, together with Mr. Manuel Chapungal, originally from the sector. Our actions seek the protection of the cloud forest and water sources in the high area of the Chamana River, with 100 hectares dedicated to conservation, bordering the Sangay National Park through the Cerro Negro mountain range.
• Conservation Project of the Mountain Tapir in the Eastern Slope of the Central Andes of Ecuador
• Discovery of new Amphibian species (Pristimantis frogs)
Volunteer program for different areas. (Educational, Environmental, etc.)

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.