Kiwa Ecuador, winner of the Changemaker Award 2024 in the Certification Body category, continues to expand the impact of its sustainability initiatives two years after receiving the award. Their work reflects long-term engagement with community development, environmental protection, and responsible certification services.
Kiwa Ecuador’s award-winning project in 2024
At the time of their Changemaker Award application in 2024, Kiwa Ecuador was advancing the Kiwa Group’s CSR 2025 Route, aligning its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Their work focused on strengthening social responsibility and sustainability through health and nutrition training, recycling and waste‑management campaigns, and the establishment of vegetable gardens, composting systems, and vermiculture projects. They also supported environment friendly certifications and carried out community outreach programs.
A key achievement during this period was an environmental and community project in Guamote canton, Chimborazo province. Working together with local residents, Kiwa Ecuador helped protect key water sources in the communities of Concepción El Molino, Cumandá El Molino, and Inmaculada Concepción. The project involved fencing the Julalá, Pushurum, Guashmo Chupa, and Chiquero springs and planting 550 native plants across two phases, ultimately benefiting around 500 families.
Progress since receiving the award
Since receiving their Changemaker Award, Kiwa Ecuador has continued to strengthen its sustainability agenda under Kiwa’s CSR Route 2028, guided by the company’s global leadership in the Netherlands. Their work focuses on three main priorities: reducing their carbon footprint, improving employee well-being, and increasing the sustainability impact of their certification services.
Reducing carbon footprint
They have introduced clear measures and targets to cut emissions, including the use of renewable energy, reducing material consumption, and promoting sustainable travel across Kiwa offices. In 2026, Kiwa Ecuador transitioned its office to 100% renewable energy through solar panels. They also continue to support waste-collection efforts on Chimborazo mountain, engaging employees and local youth.
Supporting employee welfare
Kiwa Ecuador maintains strong ambitions for workplace safety, aiming for zero serious incidents and keeping all health, safety and environment action plans up to date. They conduct regular employee engagement surveys and place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Women represent 63% of their workforce and hold 83% of leadership roles across key departments.
Expanding sustainability through certification services
Kiwa Ecuador continues to strengthen the sustainability impact of their certification and auditing work, aligning it with corporate strategy and global standards. The team works with Ecuadorian producers across multiple schemes, including, GLOBALG.A.P. IFA, GRASP, FSMA, R4T, and Tesco, covering products such as bananas, mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit, shrimp, and more. In 2026, a new community initiative is planned in Chimborazo to support indigenous communities through the development of organic and sustainable practices.
Leaving a lasting impact
We congratulate Kiwa Ecuador for the meaningful progress they have achieved since their award-winning project. Their continued commitment to community well-being, environmental protection, and responsible business practices reflects the spirit of the Changemaker Awards. We are proud to have them as part of our Changemaker history.
Want to be our next winner? Apply now to the Changemaker Awards 2026
Categories: Community Impact, Innovation, Sustainability
Special focus: UN International Year of the Woman Farmer – All submissions must demonstrate real impact for women in agriculture and supply chains.
Deadline: 15 May 2026
