After winning second place in the company's 2024 Biodiversity Contest, the initiative continues to strengthen conservation efforts, environmental education, and community outreach to protect an emblematic species.

August 14, 2026.—In the forests of Esmeraldas province, the Ecuadorian mantled howler monkey faces growing threats. Habitat reduction caused by human activity and ongoing hunting practices have compromised the survival of this species, driving some individuals to relocate to areas where they can still find refuge.

Among these havens are the green areas of Royal Decameron Mompiche, where the presence of these primates has been documented for several years. Based on these observations, the hotel chain decided in 2024 to make this setting the starting point for a conservation project that is now entering a new phase, after securing second place in Decameron's Biodiversity Contest—an award that will drive its reinforcement and expansion.

Through awareness campaigns, the project aims to educate visitors on the importance of conserving flora and fauna. It also conducts workshops with students to debunk misconceptions about howler monkeys and promote a deeper understanding of their ecological role. This initiative contributes to protecting the species through a coordinated strategy involving environmental authorities, specialized organizations, educational institutions, neighboring communities, and resort guests.

Rather than focusing solely on the species itself, the project promotes a culture of responsible coexistence and biodiversity stewardship, demonstrating that tourism can serve as a vital ally in ecosystem conservation.

As part of this new phase, Decameron will work in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, the Municipality of Esmeraldas, and local environmental organizations such as La Cotona, to execute actions grounded in technical criteria and active environmental regulations. This support will strengthen protective measures and ensure the long-term continuity of the project.

The initiative also incorporates an educational program tailored for students. Pupils from schools within the project's sphere of influence will participate in awareness workshops regarding the ecological significance of the howler monkey and its role in maintaining forest balance. These activities aim to build knowledge and appreciation of local biodiversity from an early age.

Concurrently, community dialogue platforms will be established, involving residents and community leaders who are already conscious of the need to protect the species so they can serve as allies in spreading and promoting conservation practices. These sessions will also work to dispel false beliefs that have historically encouraged hunting and contributed to population declines.

Guests at Royal Decameron Mompiche will also play a key role in this effort. Through educational messaging, the resort will enforce a zero-interaction policy with wildlife, encouraging visitors to observe biodiversity responsibly and reminding them that actions such as feeding, touching, or altering animal behavior can compromise their well-being and threaten their survival.

"We believe tourism has the power to generate a positive impact when it engages communities and fosters respect for ecosystems. This project seeks exactly that: to protect the howler monkey through education, conservation, and collaborative work with environmental authorities, so this species can continue inhabiting the forests of Mompiche in completely wild conditions, free from human intervention," stated Johan Arce, Guest Experience & Sustainability Coordinator at Royal Decameron Mompiche.

Through initiatives like this, Decameron reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development in Latin America, promoting environmental education and biodiversity awareness, while fostering public, private, and community collaboration to safeguard the natural environments of its destinations.