Environmental Policies Governing Urban Growth Many policies and protected areas have been implemented in Ecuador to conserve and protect its unique diversity from human influence and development, though funding is essential for conservational growth. Ecuador was among the first to sign the Kyoto Protocol in 1993, the International Biodiversity Agreement, and the Cartagena Agreement. This appeared to prioritize the protection of biodiversity and the environment. “The Basic Environmental Principles” was a directive created in 1994 that listed the necessity for and duties required the conservation of nature. The Ministry of the Environment was created in 1996 to connect policies and programs aimed at the protection of the environment. The 1999 Law of Environmental Management set forth the goals and methods of new policies and described the requirements of both the citizens and organizations. Sustainable development is emphasized to protect nature and indigenous culture. The impact on the environment must be considered when utilizing limited resources. To protect the Galapagos, a law in 1999 restricted agriculture and immigration while protecting native species and tracking invasive, introduced species. A declaration was also created in this year to protect a large portion of the Amazon Basin from resource extraction and development for which an award was given by the WWF. In the highlands, more protected areas are being created which is beneficial to the people and the environment. Agricultural practices still remain unsustainable and degrade the environment however, the government and conservation programs are working to improve these practices. In 2009, the National Environmental Policy was brought to Ecuador to help determine the value of resources and impart more sustainable and low-impact methods of extraction and development. Working towards the goals of the 2030 Agenda and Paris Climate Agreement, The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is currently working on the Sustainable Intermediate Cities Program to focus on sustainable land use and implement more sustainable methods of transportation to prevent environmental degradation in the midst of the climate crisis. Efforts have been put forth by Ecuador to protect their unique ecosystems and restrict urbanization in these environments which demonstrates motivation and concern. However, this is often not enough to protect from the attractive prospect of exploiting resources for profit. This requires the government to continue to monitor and uphold standards in challenging times and ensure education continues to be provided on the effects of human development on the environment and finding a balance between this development and conservation.
Quito Bus System The city of Quito relies on buses and trolley buses for public transportation. A variety of buses were in operation before 1996, many that were privately owned by either licensed or unlicensed operators. Overcrowding and emissions were among the major issues in the system. Many buses in service were outdated and overall the system was unsatisfactory and relatively unregulated despite its attempts. Policy change came in the mid ‘90s when the control of the transport sector was handed over to the Municipality and the formation of the Transport Planning Department occurred. In 1996, after a week long strike of the private bus sector and public support, the Quito Trolebus System was implemented and a southern extension occurred in 1999. Ecovia busway system was also implemented that extended the bus system east. Three types of buses operate for different services and needs. The Trolebus System involves the use of electrically-powered trolley buses that run on median-separated single lanes in the middle of the road. Less competition among buses has been achieved through this system as well as better service hours, better stops and facilities, less traffic, and lower environmental impact and emissions. These systems are the foundation for a potential mass-transit bus system throughout the city and could lead to further reliable and efficient services that benefit both the people and the environment. These actions demonstrate the ability of an entire city to redevelop and revitalize an inefficient and problematic system and offers hope for further improvement and sustainable development both inside and outside this realm in the future.
Eruption of Tungurahua volcano
Living in a region vulnerable to natural disasters Ecuador, with its placement on the “Ring of Fire”, is subjected to natural disasters including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as a result of increased seismic activity. Over 4 million people (around 20% of the population) live within 30km of volcanoes and exposure can have adverse effects on health and threaten homes and livelihoods. Floods and landslides are also major sources of mortality in the country that additionally threaten the economy. Around Cotopaxi and other volcanoes, “lahars” or flows of earth, water, or lava, are common which can cause destruction to those in low-lying areas. El Nino can bring intense rain and greatly increase the risk of flooding and landslides. These threats put the people at risk and require efficient responses and plans in the face of emergency. At the national level, The Ecuadorian Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR), is a government institution that is in charge of disaster management and protection of the people and communities in times of emergencies. At an international level, USAID, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the World Bank among others work through funding and branch organizations based inside the country to offer aid in times of natural disasters. These organizations are necessary to support the country in times of disaster as their funds are essential in the recovery process. The susceptibility of Ecuador to catastrophic natural disasters coupled with many underdeveloped or unprepared regions highlights the necessity and reliability of Ecuador on international and national organizations as sources of funding and disaster preparedness. Many people live in proximity to volcanoes and rivers which contribute to their likelihood of falling victim. Reliable emergency response and evaluation of the intensity of these events are often diffucult to achieve but essential to living in these areas and lessening the impact of these events.
"Ring of Fire"
Cotopaxi The Andes Mountain range is 8000 km long and runs through several countries including Ecuador. The Eastern and Western Cordilleras ranges are separated by a valley. Volcanoes in Ecuador are a part of the Northern Volcanic Zone in the Andes and were formed due to the subduction of the oceanic Nazca Plate under the continental South American plate. Due to the top plate being continental, volcanic chains formed as opposed to volcanic islands. The volcanoes are part of the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, where most of the volcanoes on Earth are found. Many of the subduction zones are found here, resulting in a large quantity of volcanoes in this region, and therefore making it prone to eruptions and earthquakes. Chimborazo is the highest mountain and currently inactive volcano in Ecuador with 5 separate peaks and is the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. The region in which El Alta lies is carved out by glaciers. The volcano Tungurahua is in the eastern mountain chain and is cone shaped. The snow provides fresh water to the delicate ecosystem, sustaining its flora and fauna. Nutrient-rich soil is found here, resulting in a diversity of flowers and forest environments, with unique species. Cotopaxi is a well-known active volcano in Ecuador. The unique position of Ecuador on the plate boundary brings geographic diversity and unique landscapes. Consequently, Ecuador contains an array of species and ecosystems and makes it a special opportunity to research and discover more about plate tectonics and their influence on both the physical world and those that live there.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Cloud Forests Cloud forests are found in mountainous areas and differ from other forests. There is one story of trees and high diversity due to high levels of moisture and constant mist as a result of air currents. Water cycles through the cloud forests. They are found in the tropics and compose only about 1% of our earth’s forests. Altitude, temperature, cloud cover, soil conditions, and wind affect their appearance. Moving up in altitude in mountainous areas results in lower lying trees and more ferns and mosses. Denser, shorter vegetation occurs because of the cloud presence resulting in less light exposure for the plants. This does not allow them to photosynthesize enough for growth. Bamboo is the more common undergrowth. Larger, inland mountains have cloud forests between 2000-3000 m while coastal mountains or island mountains find cloud forests as high as 1200 m. Under more intense humidity, they can be found on steep tropical islands or coastal mountains at 500 m. Cloud forests help water quality and are large sources of water storage. Better stream flow in dry times occurs because of these forests. Epiphytes capture water directly and hold a large volume of it which provides valuable nutrients. The unpolluted water is an essential source for many regions and populations. Cloud forests also lessen the occurrence of flash floods and erosion because they hold rainfall and contribute to the water table. These forests are also home to endemic species and rich biodiversity. These forests are included in a large portion of the WWF’s conserved forest areas. They are also the natural habitats of relatives of common crops today like tomatoes, avocados, and coffee and aid in continuing the growth and advancements in these crops. Medicinal herbs and flowers are prominent market items from these forests. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, invasive species, and development threaten these unique habitats. Fragmentation threatens species and the balance of these ecosystems greatly. Climate change could result in the loss or altered distribution of them. Protected areas and reserves could help lessen effects seen. Likewise, restoration also serves to naturally regrow these systems. The many ecosystem services that cloud forests offer make them essential conservation targets to not only protect biodiversity but also the people and communities they affect.
Latin Pulse: Water Crisis Latin America holds a large portion of freshwater in its glaciers and the Amazon Basin but many do not have access to this essential resource. Glaciers are melting at a faster rate than normal. In El Salvador, contamination is a major issue that affects people’s health and access to water. In Mexico, industrial pollution and sewage plague rivers and other freshwater sources. To combat this, scientists are using hydroponds to capture pollution along canals as microorganisms break down the contaminants. In Chile, shower clocks and more efficient shower heads are being implemented to help reduce water and energy usage. The Ecuadorian Citizens Committee for Public Services is fighting the privatization of water which limits the access that poorer areas have to water and affects agriculture, restricting basic human rights. Private provisioning is lobbied both for and against. Officials from the World Bank feel that both public and private provisioning of water has different effects and benefits in different areas, and privatization has shown positive effects. Others feel that the government should be required to publicly supply water and not allow private businesses to narrow down on more profitable ways in distributing water, thus leaving many without. Services decline as environmental damage and diseases increase when privatized water services are not regulated. Before privatization in Latin America when the government regulated water, these problems existed as well. Corruption and funding issues in the government must be addressed to combat this. Latin America has faced hyperinflation and dictatorships through privatization in the past and grass-roots organizations have started a movement to change this. The U.S. has a public water system though it enforces a privatized one abroad. Many American companies are responsible for water privatization in Ecuador and other Latin American countries. Bechtel, a Californian company, has failed to meet contract agreements and many people feel the effects. International institutions holding power results in the receiving countries facing interest and loans that need to be repaid and therefore affect the delegation of resources and result in further neglect of water resources. Water has become a business opportunity for these companies. The World Bank insists progress has been made and regulatory agencies have protected regulations and services in cities like Guayaquil. In Guayaquil, Bechtel owns Interaqua which is in charge of the water services there. Gonzalo Mejia, producer of the documentary “One Water”, believes that their goals have been met. Contrary to this, many continue to believe there are water shortages and needs aren’t being met. Infrastructure seems to be a large issue in Ecuador in relation to the water crisis as many live in underdeveloped areas where it is difficult to supply water. Overall, there are very contrasting views on the privatization of water in Latin American countries. It is hard to qualify the success and downfalls of water privatization due to such varying opinions. It is essential that every person has access to clean drinking water. However, I feel that the privatization of essential natural resources results in natural human rights becoming a source of profit and exploitation. Without regulations by the government, privatized businesses undoubtedly cut corners and ultimately leave many people without an essential resource. A public water system would fare better, however the country often faces corruption and financial issues that require attention and change before this can happen.