The decision to establish the PlanetHRC in Nuevo Rocafuerte was driven by several key considerations that reflect our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The first reason aligns directly with our mission and vision, which emphasize planetary sustainability. Rather than contributing to deforestation or environmental degradation by creating a new settlement in the fragile ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest, we chose to leverage an existing community with approximately 300 inhabitants. This community already has essential infrastructure that provides a safe and secure environment for our researchers, primarily due to the presence of state institutions along the border. By utilizing this location, we avoid the negative impact of new construction in a delicate environment, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The second reason for our choice is the critical importance of positioning major research centers in proximity to the territories that stand to gain the most from the outcomes of that research. In other words, we aim to locate our research efforts closer to the “target territories” — those areas directly affected by the environmental and health challenges we seek to address. This proximity not only ensures that the benefits of the research are felt more immediately and directly by the local communities, but also fosters a collaborative environment where local knowledge and global scientific expertise can intersect. Additionally, situating the PlanetHRC in Nuevo Rocafuerte allows us to bring the diverse and rich cultural heritage of various Indigenous communities to the forefront of the international scientific community. These communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations, and their traditional knowledge and practices are invaluable for developing new approaches to sustainability and planetary health. By integrating their perspectives, we aim to enrich global discourse on environmental stewardship and highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge in shaping future research and policy.
Finally, the PlanetHRC benefits greatly from being embedded within a well-established healthcare institution, the Franklin Tello Hospital, which has a long history of both medical care and scientific research. The hospital’s strong reputation and extensive experience in healthcare delivery provide a solid foundation for our research center. This integration enables a multidisciplinary approach to planetary health, combining clinical expertise, community health initiatives, and environmental research under one roof. The presence of the hospital also facilitates collaboration with other healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, thereby enhancing our capacity to generate impactful research and promote health equity.
Overall, the choice of Nuevo Rocafuerte as the site for the PlanetHRC reflects a strategic decision to align with our sustainability principles, foster meaningful partnerships with local communities, and build upon the existing strengths of a reputable healthcare institution. This approach not only enhances the relevance and applicability of our research but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving a healthier planet for all.
