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A Special International Report Prepared by
The Washington Times Advertising Department - Published on April 21, 1999
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(1) Bell South
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Protecting the environment through education and eco-tourism
"Our country faces serious problems," Kakabadse begins. "The destruction of the mangroves, global warming which affects our forests, the quality of water in the rivers and the misuse of agrochemicals," are all issues that need to be dealt with immediately. In order to put the protection of the environment and the sustainable development of Ecuador at the forefront of daily lives, Kakabadse believes that actors from all levels of society must work together. "We need to develop alternative sources of energy (gas, hydroelectric), create ecotourism, keep people healthy and protect the quality of our territory," she explains. According to the Minister, the way to do this is by "building a partnership between the government and society." Ecuador has never had this kind of liaison. Kakabadse sees her Ministry as the bridge between donors, such as private foundations, multinational institutions and global funds, and society. At the same time, she wants to rid the environment of its image as "the bad guy and the obstacle." To do this the Ministry is "building bridges with the private sector and creating coherent groups that respect the environment." New legislation New laws put the protection of the environment at the top of the government's agenda. "Since 1992 we have been trying to focus on sustainable development, but there has been no coherent strategy," explains Kakabadse. "Now that we have a President who understands and believes in sustainability, we can work on the strategy needed to develop this theme in ecotourism, education, health and agriculture." Included in the new laws is the promotion of methods that encourage the use of clean technology, a habitat designation for certain indigenous communities, the need to consult the community when making decisions that affect the environment and the obligation of the state to control its use of toxic and dangerous substances. Galapagos Islands and ecotourism It is almost impossible to talk about sustainable development without discussing the Galapagos Islands and the effects of tourism and migration. For millions of years, the Galapagos had been left alone. Unique conditions allowed only certain types of animals to survive. Many other creatures evolved in such a particular manner that they are endemic only to certain islands. Lava gulls, marine iguanas and flightless cormorants are all examples of species that exist no where in the world except for these 19 islands. Although the Spanish were the first to discover the islands, it was the whalers, pirates and buccaneers who began to threaten this natural experiment. The threat grows worse by the year. Introduced species of plants and animals, especially rats, dogs, goats and cats continue to endanger the existence of many of the Galapagos' unique plants and animals. Dogs and pigs are menaces to baby tortoises and tortoise eggs. Goats, which multiply at amazing rates, eat the native vegetation. Black rats are at plague levels and have been blamed for eliminating four endemic species of rats. For the century leading up to 1989, Pinzon Island's rats had killed every single giant tortoise hatchling. Rats were finally eradicated from Pinzon. While farming has introduced many new plants, the fishing industry has caused even more damage. The legal and illegal fishing industries threaten the food chain. Black coral, lobster, sea cucumber, shark fin and even sea lion penis are some of the destructive industries that have come to the area, both with and without the government's permission. When fishermen set their gill nets to catch sharks, they sweep up boobies, sea lions, turtles and dolphins. Although no one has ever been attacked by a shark, guides warn that this may change as the sharks grow fearful from being hunted. The fishing of sea cucumber is an industry that pro-conservationists argue is highly detrimental to the islands. Sea cucumbers are a source of food for many animals. They also clean up the seabed by acting as scavengers or bottom-feeders. In 1995, after fisherman were told they could no longer kill the sea cucumber, they threatened to kill the giant tortoise instead. Although sea cucumber fishing has led to mass extinctions in other parts of the world, the Asian market is still willing to pay top dollar for this tasteless delicacy. Although the Ecuadorian government knows that sophisticated Japanese companies and not small Ecuadorian fisherman control much of this industry and shark fin fishing, the government reversed its policy. Sea cucumber fishing can take place for a period of three months out of every year. Environmentalists believe the entire population can be wiped out in a matter of months, thus causing long-term damage to the Galapagos. Although lobster fishing was banned from 1993 to 2000, the government also bowed to pressure and now allows fishing for three months per year. However, politics and money is a driving force behind what happens on the Galapagos Islands. When Ecuador claimed the islands in 1832, it also was setting itself up for the future wealth of Antarctica. Since the islands are contiguous to this vast continent, Ecuador has a valid claim to its mineral riches. The country has also proclaimed a 200-mile nautical limit from its coasts, which widens its claim on Antarctica. In 1986, the country established the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve, an 80,000-mile zone that includes the internal waters of the archipelago as well as a 15-mile zone around the islands. Many people point the finger at tourism and blame it for the degradation of the Galapagos. They claim that since only three percent of the island's land area is inhabited that it's the tourist who causes the most destruction. However, tourism is highly controlled and brings much money to the country. Foreign tourists pay $100 upon disembarkation, although there is little evidence that this money is being reinvested directly into the park. Tourists are limited to where they can visit and must follow a clearly marked trail. The bigger problem is immigration. In recent years, the permanent population of the Galapagos has increased dramatically. Currently, 20,000 people live on four islands in eight settlements. Locals follow Captain Cook’s lead and view the Galapagos as a place to make lots of money. Salaries are much higher than the mainland, and there are many work opportunities. However, population places a heavy burden on the park. While immigration must be controlled, it is a highly political issue. The government has made immigration policies stricter; only those who have work can move to the islands. At the same time, the government needs to be more aggressive in preventing illegal fishing. Projects such as waste management are sorely needed. Rats are breeding on the rubbish tips. The eradication of feral dogs, cats, goats and pigs needs to be a priority. Graffiti, some as old as 1826, some as new as the mid-1990s, ruins the landscape. Although the government does not yet have the money or capacity to monitor and punish those who ignore the rules that protect the environment, the Ministry is making advances. "We are developing a system to value our resources and to punish those who don't respect our laws. We will fine where it hurts - in their pocket," Kakabadse concludes. "After all, it is everybody's job to protect the environment." |
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Table of Contents (1) President Mahuad announces new economic plan |
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The Ministry of the Environment may be only three years old, but at its helm is a woman who has spent 20 years defending and protecting the environment of Ecuador. Yolanda Kakabadse began her environmental career as Executive Director for Fundacion Natura, which is dedicated to the protection of the environment. The foundation was an active force behind the creation of the Ministry of the Environment and the strengthening of environmental legislation. She is also President of the World Conservation Union and a founder and member of many other multinational organizations that are concerned with the future of the planet.