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By Sarah Lander
Ecuador is home to many sacred species and sites. Two Rivers Reserve is an ecological reserve in the Amazon, seeking to protect and revive the nature that the unique environment fosters with reforestation at its core. Two Rivers is a part of the overall movement in Ecuador towards nature preservation and protection, and organizations such as TRR play a key role in such. Ecuador is unique in that it is the first country in the world to recognize nature as something that holds innate rights, the same way that human beings have rights. In the Ecuadorian constitution enacted in 2008, all living beings, including nature and all its encompassing parts hold intrinsic rights which by law, need to be protected. This is an important step taken by one nation to attempt to heal the damage that has been done to our planet by human degradation. Moreover, it seeks to preserve its own vast and unique nature. The Rights of Nature are a controversial topic in Ecuador and around the world. Intervening on nature is a common means of financial gain, making it a point for contestation from many corporations. Furthermore, some have put forth the argument that nature should not hold the same moral rights as people. Nevertheless, establishing the Rights of Nature in the constitution means that human beings are held, by law, accountable to uphold the responsibility to protect the environment and the nature that surrounds them. Furthermore, the chapter on the Rights of Nature in the constitution instills the very values that indigenous people have been holding throughout history in all Ecuadorians- that nature is to be protected and valued. Including the Rights of Nature in the constitution represents a greater overall shift towards healing the nation’s relationship with its indigenous populations. Pachamama is a term originally used by indigenous populations in Ecuador, and is a term embraced by the Quichua community who live on the land where Two Rivers Reserve is located. Since the constitution adopted the Rights of Nature, Pachamama has become a more commonplace term. Pachamama embraces the ideology that nature, as an entity in and of itself holds innate rights. Furthermore, nature not only has rights, but holds powers within itself if we embrace it as an equal. Pachamama is roughly translated to Mother Earth, however it goes further than its English translation, associating more in depth meaning to the nature which we reside upon and alongside. Pachamama is now a term embraced by a whole country, challenging the structures and shortcomings of modernity. Ecuador having included the Rights of Nature in its constitution has set an important precedent for the rest of the world to follow. Although protecting the Rights of Nature has been contested and not always carried out in practice since its enactment, it remains a significant step in the right direction for the protection of our world’s nature. References: Berros, María Valeria. “The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador: Pachamama Has Rights.” Environment & Society Portal, Arcadia (2015), no. 11. Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society. https://doi.org/10.5282/rcc/7131. Echeverria, Hugo. “Rights of Nature: The Ecuadorian Case”. Research Gate. 2017. Web. Hayden, Rebekah. “The Rights of Nature in Ecuador” The Ecologist. 2020. Web. https://theecologist.org/2020/nov/06/rights-nature-ecuador
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By Sarah Lander
Identity in Ecuador is a complex concept. Although Ecuador is relatively homogenous regarding religious views and values, there are several different layers of Ecuadorian identity held by its diverse population. In the past, Ecuador’s population has grasped at a common identity, however with a movement towards inclusivity of its Indigenous population and other smaller groups, this can no longer be held as legitimate. There has been an overall shift away from embedded colonial ties, which embraces cultures and practices that were held before Ecuador’s encounters with colonialism. Identity in general is a concept which is often difficult to grasp or define, as it can mean different things to everyone. In Ecuador, there are several understandings of what constitutes an Ecuadorian national identity. National identity as a concept is blurry and open to interpretation and personal perception. Historically speaking in a global context, it has been both a point of tension and a tool for togetherness for many nations. It can reflect the common values and pride of the people within a nation’s borders, but there is a potential for it to be divisive for lack of a common collective understanding of what it means, in this case, to be Ecuadorian. As with any colonized nation, Ecuador has struggled to embrace a national identity due to its encounters with colonizers and further encounters with an increasingly globalized world. Indigenous populations in Ecuador have long struggled with having their indigenous identity represented in an overall Ecuadorian context. In a national attempt to unify and homogenize Ecuadorian identity, many indigenous populations were left out of the equation. In recent years though, there has been a shift to include indigenous cultures and identities in an overall Ecuadorian national identity after many peaceful protests and movements from the indigenous peoples. With this shift, Ecuador has embraced more of a multi-layered national identity which seeks to encompass all those living within its borders. Mestizos, or mestizaje is a term used across Latin America and it can be defined as “a mixed race” identity. In Ecuador, the mestizo identifying population are a mix of indigenous and European background. Approximately ~70% of Ecuadorians identify as mestizo; however, it is important not to discredit the other mixed identities in the nation such as Afro-Latinos and more. In 1895, Mestizos were declared the heart of Ecuadorian national identity moving forward. Although a majority of Ecuador today can be defined as mixed race, there still exists certain racial and ethnic hierarchies within the society at large, making a national identity difficult to grasp at. Music, language, religion, culture and other factors keep Ecuadorians different, but also somewhat unified. There is not one single national identity for Ecuadorian’s, but there is a common acceptance of one another’s various identities. References: Beck, Scott H; Mijeski, Kenneth J. “Indigena Self-Identity in Ecuador and the Rejection of Mestizaje” Latin American Research Review. 2000. 35:1. 119-137. Garcia, Denia; Telles, Edward. “Mestizaje and Public Opinion in Latin America” 2013. 48:3. 130-152. Web. Huarcaya, Sergio Miguel. “Imagining Ecuadorians: Historicizing National Identity in Twentieth-Century Otavalo, Ecuador”. Latin American Research Review. 2014. 49:3. 64-84. Segreda, Rick. “A Brief History of the Mestizo in Ecuador” Culture Trip. 2017. Web. https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/ecuador/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-mestizo-in-ecuador/ By Sarah Lander
Ecuador, officially the ‘Republic of Ecuador’ has a political system which can be most accurately defined as a representative democracy. There are local and federal level governments who are voted in democratically. Ecuadorian’s are legally allowed to vote at the age of 18 and are expected to vote until the age of 64. Women were granted the right to vote in 1920, making it one of the first amongst its regional counterparts to recognize women’s role in democratic politics. Ecuador’s head of state is called a President, and their current head of state is President Lenin Moreno Garces. The current Vice President of Ecuador is María Alejandra Muñoz. Ecuador gained its independence in 1822 but has since had a long and rocky road to becoming a consistently democratic nation. Since 1979 with the implementation of the constitution, the country has seen democratic stability in terms of frequent and fair elections. The government is structured between municipal (referred to in Ecuador as ‘cantons’), provincial and federal levels of governance. At the local level, are electoral districts called cantons. There are 221 of them in the country, and cantons are democratic electoral districts where a leader is locally elected by the people residing within that canton. The next level of government is provincial, however the person in charge of provincial government (governor) is not democratically elected by the people living in the provinces. This person, referred to as a governor, is rather appointed by the President at the federal level. Although they are not directly democratically elected by the people, they typically represent the President’s party values. The leaders of the cantons within each of the 24 provinces hold a significant amount of pull in decision making for local communities. At the federal level, the President is elected democratically for a four-year term. On the federal ballot, when casting your vote, you are to select your choice for both the President and the Vice President. The Vice President’s role is more supplementary and supportive than active, and the Vice President would only actively step in to govern in extreme circumstances. Although there are elections every four years, the President may only serve one term and not run in the election following their term in office. The President and their executive reside and govern from Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. To become the President of Ecuador, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled by the individual such as being at least 35 years in age, an Ecuadorian citizen, etc. For the President to be voted in, votes are cast anonymously by secret ballot. In order to gain Presidency and Vice Presidency, the respective candidates must gain the ‘absolute majority’ of the vote, which can be defined as anything more than half of the votes. References “Ecuador Government Structure” Country Studies. US Library of Congress. http://countrystudies.us/ecuador/58.htm “Ecuador: Local Government” Britannica Places. https://www.britannica.com/place/Ecuador “Ecuador: Government” Global Edge Country Profiles. https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/ecuador/government By Sarah Lander
Ecuador, although predominantly Roman Catholic, constitutionally embraces an open attitude towards diverse religious and spiritual practices. Ecuador is a secular state, meaning it separates religious and political life in its policies and practices. Although it is a secular state, approximately 85-95% of Ecuadorians identify as Roman Catholic. Historical events have shifted religious and spiritual practices amongst Ecuador’s diverse population over time, crafting the religiously homogenous but religiously tolerant nation we see today. Most of the indigenous populations in Ecuador have adopted Catholicism and shifted away from their prior spiritual and religious practices since colonization from the Spanish. Although Ecuador is predominantly Roman Catholic, there is a small Jewish population, as well as other smaller followings of Christian faiths and other miscellaneous religions. The constitution in Ecuador is one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, especially regarding religious freedoms. This constitution instills religious freedoms and tolerance upon the nation and discourages religious based discrimination in any form. Roman Catholicism was brought to Ecuador with Spanish colonialism in 1534. This was when the first Catholic church was built, and now churches are one of the biggest attractions for tourists and locals with their elaborate architecture and history. Although it is commonly assumed that the first church was built in Quito, the capital, this is not the case. Before Quito was deemed the capital city, the capital was near the Chimborazo volcano, high in the mountains. The climate was deemed too difficult for a capital city shortly after the first Catholic church was already underway. It was with this realization that the Spanish shifted the capital to Quito where it remains today. The oldest known church is called the ‘The Balbanera Church’ or ‘Iglesía de Balbanera’, named after the virgin of Balbanera. This church was built with volcanic materials and, although done with colonial influence, shows off many local practices and habits such as regional food and cultural traditions in its architecture. Churches in Ecuador provide great significance and insight into the country’s colonial encounters and present-day religious practices. These structures are an everyday reminder of how embedded Catholicism and religion is in Ecuador’s knitwork. Catholic churches in the country are a common tourist attraction, and they are often large and extravagant. The implementation of attractive churches came with the overall colonial shift towards Roman Catholicism and has now become a large part of Ecuador as a nation’s identity at large. Secularism is represented in the education system as well as other facets of everyday life. For example, public schools must put Ecuador’s secularist constitution in practice and are not to mention religion in schools at all to ensure a separation of church and state. With that though, privately funded schools may still promote religious ideology through their curricula. Ecuador is a unique example of modern-day progression and secularism, encountering a long history of embedded religious homogeneity. References: Drake, Angela. ‘The Story Behind the Oldest Church in Ecuador’. 2017. Web. https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/ecuador/articles/the-story-behind-the-oldest-church-in-ecuador/ “Ecuador 2018 Religious Freedom Report” 2018. Web. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ECUADOR-2018-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf “History and Culture of Ecuador”. Web. https://www.adventure-life.com/ecuador/articles/history-and-culture-of-ecuador By Sarah Lander
Ecuador’s position in Latin America provides diverse opportunities for ethical tourism. Within its borders it holds diverse landscapes, allowing for accommodation of a vast field of interests. With tourism generally, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities of the nation you are planning to visit and how to enjoy your holiday with these in mind. Tourism accounts for a good chunk of Ecuador’s annual revenues and is becoming increasingly important to the nation’s economic stability in recent years. It is important to do your research before travelling to Ecuador or any new destination, to ensure that your trip will be ethical and beneficial to the nation you are visiting. Travelling of course inherently uses harmful emissions through air travel and other means of transportation, but there are certainly ways to guarantee that your time away from home will be as ethical and environmentally efficient as possible. This guide does not necessarily only apply to Ecuador but will use Ecuador specific examples given its unique diversity and geographical location. The most crucial responsibility of any tourist is to put an effort into understanding the place you are visiting, before, during and after your trip. Not only is it necessary to understand basics such as geography and currency, it is also of equal importance to learn about the languages, cultures and customs you may encounter on your travels. For example, Two Rivers Reserve is located on the indigenous lands of the Kichwa people. Where you may have done your research and are conscious of traditions and values in Quito for example, in this region and other regions, these may differ. Moreover, preserving and reclaiming traditions are of utmost importance to this community and other indigenous communities around the world. Always make a valiant effort to immerse yourself in your surroundings without being offensive or harmful to them. When travelling to Ecuador and its regional counterparts, most people assume that the language used is Spanish. Ecuador holds within it a diverse population and has at least eleven languages spoken throughout the country- so be weary of this when assuming Spanish will be the spoken language of the region you are visiting. As well as language, Ecuador offers a diverse range of activities and landscapes that suit every kind of tourist. Whether you are interested in backpacking, eco or adventure tourism, luxury beach vacations or volunteer work, Ecuador has something for you. Regardless of your interests, there are ways to guarantee that your trip will help and not hinder the economy and the nation at large. Eco-Tourism, a trend that began in the Galapagos has gained ground in Ecuador in recent past. Eco-tourism aims to immerse tourists in natural environments without damaging the local life at said destination. Furthermore, it focuses on benefitting the people and the land in the region while maintaining significant tourism into the area. In this particular region of the world, there has since been an increase in “green” tourism that preaches eco-tourism’s values, however in practice does not carry out the same principles and values which guarantee a beneficial experience for the host and the tourist. Deforestation is a major issue in Ecuador, and organizations such as Two Rivers Reserve serve the purpose of allowing tourists to engage with and re-establish local life without doing any of the damage that larger corporate “green” tourism companies would do. Always do your research into the values and principles of organizations when choosing an organization to volunteer with. If your travelling style leans more towards luxury travel, look into the tour companies and hotels you book with to guarantee that these offer authentic local experiences that benefit the local economy and environment, rather than manicured experiences which harm both the locals and tourists’ experience. If you have more of a taste for adventure and wish you do your trip on a smaller budget, there are certainly ways to do this which would benefit local life. You can book yourself into locally owned eco hostels and meet other likeminded travelers or eat and shop at locally owned restaurants and eateries. Ensure that you are avoiding large chain fast food where possible. This can also save your budget and allows you to try new foods which better help you connect with your environment and enhance your experience and understanding. There is certainly something for everyone in Ecuador, and there are always ways to be a more responsible tourist, regardless of your travelling style. By Sarah Lander
Ecuador is a progressive and politically engaged country, with many social justice movements taking place all over the nation every year. Compared to its Latin American counterparts, Ecuador has a significantly higher rate of political action from women, and a higher rate of social movements run for and by women or with women involvement. The 2008 Constitution includes many amendments to the gender gap (among other issues) that exists in the nation at both the societal and political level. Several civil groups have organized to fight for women’s rights and freedoms in the country over time. Many of the major protests and social movements in Ecuador, even if not directly for women’s rights, hold substantial weight for the status of women in Ecuador today. Indigenous people, particularly indigenous women have played a significant role in social movements over the years. Although not to discredit smaller movements, there will be a focus on larger key women’s movements which have brought Ecuador to the place it sits at currently in terms of gender equality and recognition. Women’s movements in Ecuador stem from all walks of life, representing the immense diversity within the nation. The overall women’s movement in Ecuador is comprised of several small and large women’s groups from all different facets of society throughout history. Each group, regardless of size, has made a significant difference for the future of Ecuador. It is important to note though, that although groups have mobilized from every region and every socioeconomic background, not all voices are being heard equally as some face more inherent challenges than others. Ecuador was the first country in the region to allow for women to vote in 1929, putting it ahead of its regional counterparts in terms of progressive policies surrounding gender equality. Following this, several women’s groups congregated and fight for issues ranging from political representation to harsh gender roles, abortion access, the oil industry and more. The Glorious May Revolution was a significant turning point in feminist history in Ecuador. This was when the people of Ecuador successfully overthrew their government in a time when fascism was the global norm. Ecuador’s resilience was due in large part to the many feminist activists who refused to back down. A notable feminist from this movement and in Ecuador’s feminist movement in general is ‘Dolores Cacuango’ or ‘Mama Doloreyuk’. Cacuango was a major part of the 1944 May Revolution and created the Indigenous Federation of Ecuador. There have been several protests led by indigenous women throughout Ecuador’s history. These movements hold particular importance as we attempt to navigate a world where these voices often get left behind. Most recently, on October 12th 2019 during a nationwide lockdown, several peaceful anti-state violence protests erupted, mainly led and organized by indigenous women. This women’s movement was a part of a larger protest against harsh austerity measures in the nation. This movement continues today and is incredibly powerful given that it was largely led by afro-indigenous Ecuadorian women whose voices are often unheard. Social movements led by women persist in Ecuador and have made great strides toward a more egalitarian society through peaceful means. The women’s movement in Ecuador attempts to oppose and calls out years of harmful residual practices leftover from colonialism and beyond. References: Amor, Bani. “What Ecuador’s Feminist History Can Teach Us All” 2017. Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-ecuadors-feminist-history-can-teach-us-all “Ecuador Unrest: Amazonian Women denounce ‘state violence’” Al Jazeera. 2019. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/10/12/ecuador-unrest-amazonian-women-denounce-state-violence/ “Helping Advance Women’s Political Rights in Ecuador” 2020. UNDPPA. http://www.ipsnews.net/2020/03/helping-advance-womens-political-rights-ecuador/ Paley, Dawn Marie. “Women Rise Against Violence in Ecuador” 2020. Toward Freedom. https://towardfreedom.org/story/women-rise-against-violence-in-ecuador/ Poor, Hannah. “The Historical and Contemporary Role of Women in Ecuadorian Society”. Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Brown University. https://library.brown.edu/create/modernlatinamerica/chapters/chapter-15-culture-and-society/essays-on-culture-and-society/the-historical-and-contemporary-role-of-women-in-ecuadorian-society/ “The Life of Dolores Cacuango and her Struggle for Justice” 25 October 2018. Telsur. https://www.telesurenglish.net/analysis/The-Life-of-Dolores-Cacuango-And-Her-Struggle-For-Justice--20181025-0029.html By Sarah Lander
Ecuador’s vast and diverse population consists of 14.5 million people, and gender representation is relatively even, where women make up 50.4% of the total population and men constitute 49.6% in 2020. With the populational representation of men and women being almost even, it is imperative to take a closer look into the roles and status of both men and women respectively throughout the country. With colonialism came traditional gender roles, leaving the patriarchal family model as the standard all over the country. In 2008, Ecuador’s new constitution was put in place, allowing for a major shift towards gender equality in the country. This constitution, among other policies, sets out to protect the lives of all genders in Ecuador in many aspects of society in relation to reproductive rights, sexual orientation, gender identity and more. Work Male identifying Ecuadorian’s and female identifying Ecuadorian’s typically fulfill different roles in the workforce and in society at large. Traditionally in Ecuador, males are typically found occupying jobs and roles that are more hands on and take place out of the home, where women are typically found fulfilling roles with more familial foundations. However, this is not always the case and there have been notable shifts towards gender equality in the workforce and in the home in recent past. Statistically speaking, between 1990 and 2020, women’s participation in the labour force has risen significantly to around 45% from roughly 36%. This is a vast contrast to the percentage of men in the work force, which has consistently sat at around 80% between 1990 and present. It is important to note that these numbers are defined by those participating in the formal work sector who are over the age of fifteen. Although these numbers are improving, the gender gap and wage gap within Ecuador’s workforce still exists. Politics In 1929, women in Ecuador were granted the right to vote, making it one of the first country’s in its region to allow women to engage in political participation. Ecuador ranks higher than its regional counterparts with regard to gender equality in political positions, however mostly at the national level. At the local level, the number of political positions held by women in comparison to men is incredibly low. It is important to note that indigenous women in Ecuador face significant challenges, especially when it comes to political participation. These challenges stem many factors, some of those being rural livelihoods, ongoing patriarchal gender roles, and a general lack of inclusion in legislation and conversation surrounding equal gender rights. Family With colonialism, traditional gender roles and norms were introduced to the common Ecuadorian household and became the norm. The 2008 constitution attempts to reverse some of these deeply embedded societal structures with its legislation surrounding the protection of gender identity. Furthermore, an aspect of the constitution that holds significant weight is “La familia diversa” which translates to “the family in its diverse forms”. La familia diversa challenges the gender and familial norms that were implemented by colonialism and shifts the overall gender dynamic in the country. Where women and men were often forced into their heteronormative roles (men in the workforce, women fulfilling more ‘traditional’ roles, heteronormative relationships), the 2008 constitution is a progressive shift towards gender equality within the home, allowing for a more diverse vision of what constitutes a family moving forward. References: Davila, Sheyla Ibarra. “Gender Inequality in Ecuador”. 2016. http://www.mannaproject.org/ecuadorblog/gender-inequality “Ecuador Country Profile: Americas and the Caribbean” UN Women. https://lac.unwomen.org/en/donde-estamos/ecuador#:~:text=Ecuador%20is%20a%20country%20characterized,them%20women%20and%2049.6%25%20men. “Ecuador- Labour Force, Female”. Trading Economics. 2020. https://tradingeconomics.com/ecuador/ “Ecuador: Labour Force Participation Rate” International Labour Organization Database. 2019. https://www.indexmundi.com/facts/ecuador/indicator/SL.TLF.CACT.MA.ZS “Helping Advance Women’s Political Rights in Ecuador” 2020. UNDPPA. http://www.ipsnews.net/2020/03/helping-advance-womens-political-rights-ecuador/ Keating, Christine; Lind, Amy. “Plural Sovereignty and la Familia Diversa in Ecuador's 2008 Constitution”. 2017. Feminist Studies Vol 43 No 2. Pacari, Nina. “The Political Participation of Indigenous Women in the Ecuadorian Congress: Unfinished Business”. 2002. International IDEA. Poor, Hannah. “The Historical and Contemporary Role of Women in Ecuadorian Society”. Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Brown University. https://library.brown.edu/create/modernlatinamerica/chapters/chapter-15-culture-and-society/essays-on-culture-and-society/the-historical-and-contemporary-role-of-women-in-ecuadorian-society/ By Mara Precoma
Whether you consider visiting Two Rivers Reserve, have a passion for anything artistic, or simply need something to do during quarantine – this article is here to help! Apart from food, art is one of the best ways to get to know a country, especially from afar. Unfortunately, many Ecuadorian works have not been translated into English, which limits their visibility and reach. On a positive note, though, they might inspire you to brush up on your rusty school Spanish! Literature Los Que Se Van (1930)
Huasipungo (1934)
La Nariz Del Diablo (2010)
Movies Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (1999)
Qué Tan Lejos (2006)
La Muerte de Jaime Roldós (2013)
Music Pasillo
Afro-Ecuadorian Music
Mestizo Music
Sources “Arts & Music.” Lonely Planet, 2020, www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/background/other-features/2f9308fe-3076-4f61-bfad-1a18bc297ae6/a/nar/2f9308fe-3076-4f61-bfad-1a18bc297ae6/363337. Bogaard, Cecilia. “Top 5 Ecuadorian Movies.” Terra Diversa, 1 Feb. 2016, www.terradiversa.com/top-5-ecuadorian-movies/. Davila, Damian. “Ecuador: What Are Some Good Ecuadorian Films?” Quora, 6 Dec. 2012, www.quora.com/Ecuador-What-are-some-good-Ecuadorian-films. “Huasipungo.” Wikipedia, 29 Sept. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huasipungo. Leon, Carolina Loza. “How Cultural Mestizaje Has Shaped Ecuador’s Music.” Culture Trip, 12 Aug. 2017, theculturetrip.com/south-america/ecuador/articles/how-cultural-mestizaje-has-shaped-ecuadors-music/. “Los que se van.” Wikipedia, 23 Apr. 2020, es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_que_se_van. “Qué tan lejos.” Wikipedia, 3 July 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qué_tan_lejos. “The Devil’s Nose.” Good Reads, n.d., www.goodreads.com/book/show/25189920-the-devil-s-nose. By Hannah Dora
Después de que las empresas de perforación hubieran descubierto 796 millones de barriles de crudo bajo el bloque Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini (ITT) del Parque Nacional Yasuní en el año 2007, el gobierno ecuatoriano de Rafael Correa, presidente en ese momento, se enfrentaba a un dilema sin solución fácil. Por un lado, el presidente y su partido fueron elegidos por promesas de respeto a la Madre Naturaleza y a los derechos de las comunidades indígenas, después de un largo período de políticas neoliberales que habían hecho justamente lo contrario. La región particular del Parque Nacional Yasuní que iba a ser explotada es el hogar de dos comunidades indígenas no contactadas (los Tagaeri y los Taromenane) y muestra más biodiversidad en una hectárea que toda la vida silvestre de América del Norte. Por otra parte, el Ecuador es uno de los países más pobres de América Latina y altamente dependiente de la exportación de recursos naturales. El ministro de energía del país, Alberto Costa, formó así un plan sin precedentes para dejar el petróleo bajo tierra sin renunciar por completo a los beneficios necesarios. Con la consigna de "dejar el petróleo bajo el suelo", el gobierno firmó un tratado con el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) en el que Ecuador aceptó renunciar a la explotación petrolera, si el 50 por ciento de los ingresos esperados por las exportaciones de petróleo eran recaudados por la comunidad internacional. El papel del PNUD era principalmente la administración del fondo Yasuní, al que se debían pagar las contribuciones. El discurso de la iniciativa era que la Amazonía, a menudo llamada "el pulmón de la Tierra", no sólo sirve al Ecuador, sino que es un factor importante en cuestiones globales como el cambio climático. Aunque este plan ya había sido propuesto mucho antes por diferentes organizaciones ambientales e indígenas, sólo bajo la administración de Correa tuvo la oportunidad de ser ejecutado. La iniciativa Yasuní recibió atención y aplausos de diversos actores y regiones, tanto que el término "Yasunización" se utilizó entre académicos y activistas para describir proyectos similares para dejar los combustibles fósiles en el suelo en todo el mundo. La iniciativa no fue menos popular dentro del Ecuador, donde alrededor del 85 por ciento de los ciudadanos aprobaron la idea y propusieron lemas como 'Yo soy Yasuní' o 'Todos somos Yasuní'. A pesar de todas estas buenas intenciones, el gobierno no ocultó la existencia del Plan B para el caso de que los aportes exigidos no se recaudarían y significaba la liberación de los yacimientos petroleros a la industria petrolera. El 15 de agosto de 2013, después de que sólo se había logrado el 0,37% de las donaciones proyectadas, el presidente anunció el aborto de la iniciativa Yasuní-ITT y autorizó las actividades de extracción. En consecuencia, Correa hizo culpable a las naciones ricas por el fracaso del proyecto y justificó la explotación afirmando que los ingresos eran cruciales para las reformas sociales destinadas a combatir la pobreza y construir escuelas y hospitales, especialmente en la región amazónica. "No era caridad lo que pedíamos, era corresponsabilidad en la lucha contra el cambio climático", dijo el presidente cuando hizo pública su decisión. Era de esperar que el presidente se volviera muy impopular entre los ecuatorianos, dado que una parte tan grande de la población estaba a favor de dejar el petróleo en el subsuelo. Sin embargo, muchos comprendieron el argumento de Correa sobre la necesidad de programas sociales e incluso algunos pueblos indígenas aprobaron la explotación por las mismas razones. La Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador CONAIE, por otro lado, no estaba de acuerdo y lideró las protestas contra el gobierno. A pesar de su fracaso, la iniciativa Yasuní-ITT no ha sido completamente en vano. En primer lugar, se convirtió en un "símbolo de otro mundo posible y un rechazo del capitalismo extractivo", como lo demuestra el movimiento de "Yasunización" que promueve la idea de dejar el petróleo bajo tierra en lugares tan lejanos como Nigeria. Por otra parte, destacó la corresponsabilidad de nuestro medio ambiente independiente de los estados nacionales, aunque parezca que la comunidad internacional aún está lejos de darse cuenta de ello. Por último, dio visibilidad a un dilema al que se enfrentan especialmente los países pobres con una rica biodiversidad, es decir, la elección entre proteger la naturaleza o proteger a sus ciudadanos de la pobreza. English: After drilling firms had discovered 796m barrels of crude oil under the Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini (ITT) block of the Yasuní National Park in 2007, the Ecuadorian government under Rafael Correa, president at the time, was facing a dilemma with no easy solution. On the one hand, he was elected for promises to respect Mother Nature and the rights of indigenous communities after a long period of neoliberal politics that had done just the contrary. The particular region of the Yasuní National Park to be exploited is home to two uncontacted indigenous communities (the Tagaeri and the Taromenane) and displays more biodiversity in one hectare than all the wildlife in North America. On the other hand, Ecuador is one of the poorest countries in Latin America and highly dependent on the export of natural resources. The country’s energy minister Alberto Costa thus came up with an unprecedented plan to leave the oil in the ground without completely renouncing the needed profit. With the slogan of ‘leaving the oil underground’, the government signed a treaty with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in which Ecuador agreed to resign from the oil exploitation, if 50 percent of the revenues expected for the oil exports would be raised by the international community. The UNDP’s role was mainly the administration of the Yasuní trust fund, to which the contributions were to be paid. The initiative’s discourse was that the Amazon, often referred to as ‘the lungs of the Earth’, does not only serve Ecuador, but was an important factor in global issues such as climate change. Although such a plan had already been proposed much earlier by different environmental and indigenous organizations, it was only under the administration of Correa that it received a chance to be executed. The Yasuní initiative received attention and applause from diverse actors and regions, so much that the term ‘Yasunization’ became used among academics and activists to describe similar projects for leaving fossil fuels in the soil around the world. The initiative was not less popular within Ecuador, where around 85 percent of citizens approved the idea and came up with slogans like ‘Yo soy Yasuní’ (I am Yasuní) or ‘Todos somos Yasuní’ (We are all Yasuní). Despite all these good intentions, the government made no secret of the existence of Plan B, which was for the case the demanded contributions would not be raised and meant the liberation of the oil deposits to the petrol industry. On 15 August 2013, after only 0.37 per cent of the projected donations had been accomplished, the president announced the abortion of the Yasuní-ITT initiative and authorized drilling activities. Consequently, Correa blamed the failure of the project on the international community and justified the drilling by stating that the income was crucial to social reforms aiming at the combat of poverty and building of schools and hospitals, especially in the Amazon region. "It was not charity that we sought from the international community, but co-responsibility in the face of climate change," the president said when he made his decision public. One could expect that the president turned himself very unpopular among Ecuadorians, given that such a large part of the population was in favor of leaving the oil underground. However, many people comprehended Correa’s argument concerning the need for social programs and even some indigenous peoples approved of the exploitation for the same reasons. The national umbrella organization of indigenous peoples CONAIE, on the other hand, was not in accord and led protests against the government. Despite its failure, the Yasuní-ITT initiative has not been completely in vain. First of all, it turned into a “symbol of another possible world and a rejection of extractive capitalism”, seen in the ‘Yasunization’ movement urging to leave oil in the ground in places as far as Nigeria. On another note, it highlighted the co-responsibility for our environment independent of nation states, although the international community may still be far from realizing this. Finally, it gave visibility to a dilemma that especially low-income countries with a rich biodiversity face, namely the choice between protecting nature or protecting their people from poverty. Fuentes/References González, Javier Dávalos and Samuel Silveira Martins. 2017. “La iniciativa Yasuní-ITT: Del sueño de la moratoria petrolera a la pesadilla de los derechos colectivos.” ARACÊ – Direitos Humanos em Revista 4, no. 5: 346-364. Lalander, Rickard. 2016. “The Ecuadorian Resource Dilemma: Sumak Kawsay or Development?”. Critical Sociology 42: 623-642. Temper, L. et al. 2013. Towards a Post-Oil Civilization: Yasunization and other initiatives to leave fossil fuels in the soil. EJOLT Report No. 6. Watts, Jonathan. “Ecuador approves Yasuni national park oil drilling in Amazon rainforest”. The Guardian, August 2013. By Erick Sandoval
Al pensar en las exportaciones latinoamericanas, respeto al sector agrícola, muchas cosas pueden venir a la mente, pero un ganador único sigue siendo vital para la economía de Ecuador: los plátanos. Ya mencionado en un blog anterior en nuestro sitio, Ecuador es reconocido por ser uno de los diecisiete países mega diversos del mundo, produciendo una gran cantidad de frutas agrícolas para la venta en el mercado mundial. Ha ocurrido innumerables veces que uno está en el supermercado local comprando bananas solo para descubrir que tienen etiquetas en ellas que indican que son un producto de Ecuador. Esto no debería ser demasiado sorprendente al saber que Ecuador es el mayor exportador de banano del mundo. De la producción a la mesa de la cocina: Los plátanos tardan aproximadamente nueve meses en crecer y los plátanos se empaquetan comúnmente para dar protección contra organismos nocivos. Una vez que se cosechan, se colocan en una 'percha' y se trasladan a instalaciones de saneamiento y calidad que preparan las bananas para enviarlas al puerto para su exportación al mercado global. Es muy probable que estos productos se envíen a través del puerto de Guayaquil, el más grande del país. Una vez que los plátanos han llegado al puerto de destino, son llevados a las instalaciones a las que se someten a más procesos de inspección y reapertura. ¡Después de esto, los llevan a los mercados locales antes de que lleguen a la mesa de su cocina! Las exportaciones de banano representan más del 2% del PIB del país y más de un tercio de la producción agrícola del país. Estratégicamente, los principales sitios de producción del país se encuentran en El Oro, Guayas y Los Ríos, todos bastante cerca del puerto de Guayaquil, en comparación con otras provincias. En algunas de estas regiones, las plantaciones de banano se extienden hasta donde alcanza la vista. Algunos de los principales importadores de bananas ecuatorianas son Rusia, Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea, que representan más del 65% de las exportaciones ecuatorianas de bananas. También hay otros países competidores importantes, incluyendo Costa Rica, Guatemala y Colombia. Curiosamente, Asia produce más bananas, pero Ecuador sigue siendo el mayor exportador en una comparación de país a país. Existen muchas variedades de banano que se producen en Ecuador, pero la más común es el banano Cavendish. Dado que hay una gama amplia de opciones cuando se trata de plátanos, plátanos verdes son bastante comunes para saborear. A veces se les llama maduros cuando comienzan a ponerse amarillos y dulces. Algunos platillos que requieren plátanos en Ecuador son empanadas, corviche, balones de verde, patacones, maduro con queso e incluso empanadas. El plátano es, sin duda, un cultivo importante para el país, económicamente y culturalmente. Para aquellos que aún no están convencidos de la genialidad de los plátanos, aquí hay algunos datos divertidos: los plátanos flotan en el agua, puede frotar el interior de una cáscara de plátano para ayudar con la picadura de mosquito, y las cáscaras de plátano son realmente comestibles si se cocinan. Ya sea que esté interesado en la cocina, la sostenibilidad o las cadenas de suministro mundiales, el plátano ofrece una forma sabrosa de involucrarse y aprender sobre Ecuador y su abundancia de ofertas. Two Rivers Reserve fomenta el ambiente perfecto para voluntarios y turistas por igual, para sumergirse en un enfoque emocionante y memorable para comprender la cultura local y general de Ecuador. English: When thinking of Latin American exports, with regards to the agricultural sector, many things can come to mind, but a lone standing winner remains vital to the economy of Ecuador: Bananas. Already mentioned in a previous blog on our site, Ecuador is renowned for being one of seventeen mega diverse countries in the world, yielding a plethora of agricultural fruits for sale in the world market. It has occured countless times that one is at the local supermarket shopping for bananas only to find that they have labels on them indicating they are a product of Ecuador. This should not be too surprising when knowing that Ecuador is the world’s largest banana exporter. From production to kitchen table: It takes about nine months for the bananas to grow and the bananas are commnonly bagged to provide protection from harmful organisms. Once they are harvested, they are placed on a ‘hangers’ and moved to sanitation and quality facilitaties that prepares the bananas to be sent off to the port for export to the global market. It is very likely that these products are shipped via the port in Guayaquil, the largest in the country. Once the bananas have arrived at the destination port, they are taken to facilities to which they undergo further inspection and ripening processes. After this, they are taken to local markets before they arrive at your kitchen table! Banana exports account for over 2% of the country’s GDP and over a third of the country’s agricultural production. Strategically enough, the main production sites of the country are located in El Oro, Guayas, and Los Ríos, all fairly close to the port of Guayaquil, compared to other provinces. In some of these regions, banana plantations stretch as far as the eye can see for kilometers. Some of the largest importers of Ecudorian bananas are Russia, US, and the European Union, which account for over 65% of Ecuadorian banana exports. There are other major competing countries as well, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Colombia. Interestingly, Asia produces more bananas but Ecuador remains the biggest exporter on a country to country comparison. There are many banana varieties that are produced in Ecuador but the most common is the Cavendish banana. Given a wide array of options when it comes to bananas, plátanos verdes, or green plantaines, are quite common to savor. They are sometimes called maduros when they begin to turn yellow and sweet. Some dishes that use plantaines in Ecuador are empanadas, corviche, balones de verde, patacones, maduro con queso and even empanadas! The banana is undoubtedly an important crop for the country, economically and culturally. For those who are still not convinvced of the awesomeness of bananas, here are some fun facts: Bananas float on water, you can rub the inside of a banana peel to help with mosquito bite itching, and banana peels are actually edible if cooked. Whether you are interested in cuisine, sustainability, or global supply chains, the banana provides a tasty way to get involved and learn about Ecuador and its abundance of offerings. Two Rivers Reserve fosters the perfect environment for volunteers and tourists alike, to immerse themselves in an exciting and memorable approach to understanding the local and general culture of Ecuador. Fuentes y Referencias/References “Banana Industry in Ecuador: World’s Largest Banana Exporter.” Bizvibe 8 Jan. 2018, https://www.bizvibe.com/blog/food-beverages/banana-industry-ecuador-largest- exporter/. “Ecuador and the World of Bananas.” Adama, https://www.adama.com/en/our- commitment/global-farming/farming-stories/ecuador-and-the-world-of-bananas “Fried Green Bananas.” Ecuador Beach Front Property, 20 Aug. 2014, http://ecuadorbeachfrontproperty.com/ecuadorblog/?p=932 “From Farm to Table: Inside the Journey of a Banana.” Inside Edition, 12 Jan. 2019, https://www.insideedition.com/farm-table-inside-journey-banana-49829 “Fun Banana Facts.” The Banana Police, https://thebananapolice.com/fun-facts/ |
AuthorsThis page is happy to have many authors! From some of the Two Rivers' staff to our lovely volunteer interns. WE hope we can see Ecuador in as many perspectives as there are trees in the Amazon. Archives
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