ENVL 4500- NW Field Experience Prep

Angelique Wanek
Professor Tait
11/14/2017
Quito Reflections

Environmental Policies Governing Urban Growth

To begin, Ecuador, like most developing countries has had to go through cycles of great
and not so great economic and political rule. Ecuadors current president is Lenin Moreno;
however, before he became president, he served as vice president under Rafael Correa from
2007-2013 ( Ecuadors political, 2010). Rafael Correa was the eighth president of Ecuador. He
was also the first president of Ecuador to rewrite the countrys constitution to include Ecuadors
indigenous population, as well as the publics right for nature. This action would later influence
Correa and his team to form the idea of Yasuni-ITT Initiative.Years before Correa would
become President of Ecuador and influence Ecuadorian people to join his Citizens Revolution
movement, Correa himself would be influenced by Ecuadors environmental policies that were
established over Ecuadors history.
Next, Ecuadors complex financial and political past makes Ecuador an accurate
representative of most developing LAC nations. As well as the fact that Ecuador sits on plenty of
natural nonrenewable resources; however, at the same time has mass amounts of flora and
fauna of which it can not accurately protect and has a lack of natural citizens rights (right to
education, free public health care) that it is trying to develop. The location and stable conditions
of Ecuador allow its lands to be an ultimate habitat for endemic and migrating species. The
mass amounts of different types of species of flora and fauna in Ecuador allow several regions
of it to be considered biological hotspots.
Perhaps the most famous hotspots in Ecuador are the found in the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos islands alone have mass amounts of endemic species and most species found
here are biologically unique from any other species in the world. The Andes, the Coast, the city
as well as the Amazon Rainforest are all different regions that make up Ecuador. With
ecotourism on the rise as well updated research on the cause and effects of climate change,
Ecuadorians as well as people worldwide begun to recognize the true value of Ecuadors
biodiversity. Ecuadors unique lands provide several ecosystem services such as; water
filtration, storm barrier, soil retention, raw materials, medicinal uses as a natural laboratory are
all services that Ecuadors land provide naturally and freely.
As a struggle developing nation, Ecuadors past leaders have had to decide how future
growth of the nation, would take place. The constant debate surrounding this topic was whether
Ecuadors government should use its natural nonrenewable resources (oil) to supply the money
for Ecuadors development or to develop the country in a more clean way in order for Ecuador
to have a better future. A sustainable future. This debate has become more apparent to the
public ever since Ecuadors rule has moved from a militaristic rule to democracy in 1978. It was
this move that really allowed Ecuadors environmental movement to begin.
The realization of the value of Ecuadors land and its flora and fauna put a numerical
value on Ecuador; however, with a constant struggling economy as well as an unstable political
system, Ecuador had to find its own way, to save its own lands. In 1987 there was a conference
of the UN general assembly which, resulted in the release a report that was a call to action,
which called out the leaders from nations around the world to make a change (Flores, 2001).
The main topic at hand was to reduce climate change and to have nations around the world
develop in a sustainable manner. This report was titled our common future and basically
influenced many of Ecuadors leaders at the time (Flores, 2001). For instance, after this report
was made, Ecuador agreed to lower its greenhouse gas emissions (mainly carbon dioxide) to
do less harm to the environment.
It was from this conference that outside influencers recognized the fact that Ecuadors
flora and biodiversity needed to be protect, both physically and legally. This conference and
report would foreshadow the Earth Summit conference in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997
(Flores, 2001). In fact, starting from about 1993-1996 many laws would be passed to properly
preserve and conserve Ecuadors flora and fauna. Listed below are just a few laws that were
passed during this time all of which can be sourced from (Flores, 2001):
1993 Basic Environmental Principles
o Put responsibility on its citizens for their role in the environment.
1993: Ratified the Kyoto Protocol
o Dealt with lowering greenhouse emissions per nation/year
1996 Policies, programs and projects
o Worked on establishing effective policies & laws to
preserve/conserve and protect Ecuadors lands.
1998: WWF Galapagos Recognition
1999: Main principles & guidelines were established
o Public/private involvement & responsibility
o Environmental management of Ecuadors lands set up
o Limits of nonrenewable resources discussed
o Water regulation, air regulations, waste management set up with a
committee to do so
o Sustainable alternatives
1999: Agricultural on the Galapagos
o Limits agriculture
o Monitors invasive species & endemic species
1999: Another WWF recognition
o Fund to protect sections of the Amazon Rainforest from human
interactions & uses (drilling, logging, etc)

To be able to pass these polices, Ecuador would often have to find outside resources to
fund enviorrnmental groups in the nation to protect its own lands. This was mostly the only way
in which environmental laws and conservation efforts in Ecuador could happen. Although these
transnational funders were helping the nation financially, they werent as beloved by the public
as they should have been. Soon eco-resisters and public unrest began to take place, especially
from Ecuadors indigenous population against these organizations. Midway through this internal
struggle of pattern, Rafael Correa would be elected as President, to gain the power of this
nation back to its people!
 Quito Bus System
Quitos bus system is a quick, unique bus system that has managed to keep
travel prices low, public transportation high and mixed community centers running.
Quitos bus system is designed in a way to make public transportation the not only
environmental conscious decision but the easiest decision for the public to make. Quito
-which is Ecuadors capitol- in 2000 had a population of about 1.464 million people living
in the city (Quito Busways, Ecuador). Although this was a large population of people,
only about 25% of the population had a car, or got around using their own car (Quito
Busways, Ecuador). This data shows that an extremely low portion of Quitos population
were getting around on their own (without public transportation) during this time. Why is
this so? Well, the public transportation system of Ecuador is unlike any other place on
earth.
Modeled very similarly to Brazils Curitiba bus system, in 1996 Quitos Trolleybus
system was created as a conscious decision to make public transportation more
appealing, more efficient and more attractive to the public. Since 1996 this Trolleybus
system has been extended two another rail system (Quito Busways, Ecuador). For
instance, to make the buses more attractive, all the buses were replaced with newer
models (electrically powered). The bus system also became more efficient in its timing,
for people who hop onto the train only must pay once in this trunk line trolleybus
system (Quito Busways, Ecuador) and can travel throughout the city or hop into the next
bus system without paying again. This payment system results in shorter lines and more
payment options. Thirdly, the bus system is quicker than any other method of travel.
Trolley buses have their own lanes (trolleybus only), their own islands(mediums) for
people to walk to the stops to, as well as efficient bus stops that are weather proof. For
these reasons and the fact that Quito has a planed building structure of shops, stores,
houses and media, the easiest way to get into the city is by using the bus system.
All in all, Ecuador who which has pledged to lower Its carbon dioxide emissions
knows that the best way to make people make a conscious decision, is to make it their
easiest decision. By making public transportation the cheapest, fastest, most efficient
option Ecuador has basically made the bus system the best and only option mode of
travel. This reasoning has led to the decreased emissions of Ecuadors greenhouse
gases.

Living in a Region Vulnerable to Natural Disaster

To begin, most people would love to live and settle down in Ecuador. The
beautiful flora and fauna of the area, as well as the cheap cost of living in the area are
quiet appealing factors for most people to do. Although cheap and beautiful, living in
Ecuador is not always so predictable and easy as one may think.
The Andes which runs through Ecuador, embodies grasslands, forests, deserts
as well as glaciers and volcanoes. Some of which are active. One of the most
commonly known active volcano in Ecuador is Cotopaxi, which sits about 5,879m
(RECFILMS Ecuador) high. Recent data has shown that there are 35 volcanoes in
Ecuador and there are about 4,352,168 people that live about 30km from a volcano
(Prevention Web, 2014) What most people do not realize is that other than the initial
shock from an eruption as well as the lava that occurs, the second biggest killer of
volcanic eruptions is the volcanic smoke that arises from an eruption. This thick white-
black smoke and its ashes consist of a mix of toxic chemical which include; carbon
dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrofluoric acid (Prevention Web,2014). Volcanic eruptions
can be short lived or last for hours. This smoke can be deadly and can cover miles of
lands and last for hours, even after an eruption has happened.
Other than volcanic eruptions, Ecuadorians must deal with the chances of
numerous other natural disasters taking place, in regions they call home. In a 2014
report, records show that from 1990-2014, the national disasters that have had the
biggest reported mortality to date (updated for 2014) have been, landslides, floods and
fires (Prevention Web, 2014). In comparison to mortality rates, the highest economic loss
reported due to natural disasters included disasters such as; flood, drought and eruption
(Prevention Web, 2014). So there is a somewhat difference between the cost of life these
disaster cause and the actual physical cost (damage) these disasters cause.
So, one must wonder, why would one live in an area that are so prone to natural
disasters? The answers to this question can be just as variable and unpredictable as
these disasters. Firstly, Ecuadorians economy has never been truly stable. It could be
for this reason that people who live in areas vulnerable to natural disaster do not have
the money to move and establish a better living situation. Another reason why people
would live in such a vulnerable area is that, they are unaware of the risks that surrounds
them. For instance, a rainstorm is constant, and flooding can be common; however, a
earthquake and eruption are far less likely, less frequent events. If one has never
experienced one of these events or is not properly educated about the dangers
surrounding them, or where safety is in times of need, how can one protect themselves?
Lastly, family origin and culture could be another reason not to leave a vulnerable
area. To explain, there are many different indigenous people living in Ecuador and more
times than none, they tend to raise their families on these scared lands for centuries.
So, these families might believe that it is not worth the risk to move from ones
homeland, in the chance a natural disaster does takes place.

Cotopaxi
Ecuador is home to the beloved Galpagos and Amazon, it is also home to the
Andes. The Andes is a complex mountain that runs 8,000km through south America
and through Ecuador. In the past, these mountains were formed by tectonic plates
coming together and forming huge walls of rocks and ice. In fact, there are several
mountains in Ecuador that are over 5000m high. The highest mountain in Ecuador is
Chimborazo, which is about 6,260m high (RECFILMS Ecuador, 2013). This section of the
Andes, has five separate peaks and is known as the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes
(RECFILMS Ecuador, 2013). Although high up, this area of the Andes is mainly
characterized by shrublands, strong winds and is everything but barren. Alpacas and
lamas are found in large numbers here, mainly because they have extra blood cells
which supply oxygen to their body to help with the elevation, as well as extra hair that
keeps them warm.
The fact that the Andes is made of up peaks and plains, contrast with the
powerful volcanoes themselves. The different types of structures of different volcanoes
occurs due to different elevation, time, climate as well as the availability of sunlight.

In addition to these tall mountain peaks, on the eastern part of the Andes is the
well-known cone shaped volcano known as Tungurahua. Tungurahua is about 5,290m
high. This cone shaped mountain top is covered with snow, which in certain times of the
year semi-melts and feeds water to its many water falls (RECFILMS Ecuador. Near these
waterfalls, the soil is rich, there is plants with fruits and nuts as well as meadows with
large amounts of native flowers. These meadows and forest create habitat for many
species in this area.
Another popular volcano in Ecuador is Cotopaxi. Unlike Tungurahua, Cotopaxi
has a permeant snow cap that was formed by ancient glaciers. Most of its surrounding
landscape if frozen land with large amount of snow. The path to get to Cotopaxi is not
an easy one. One must leave Latacunga and travel to El Chasqui then to Limpiopungo
and then arrive at the Cotopaxi refuge (RECFILMS Ecuador, 2013). Cotopaxi has a great
view for it is about 5,879m high (RECFILMS Ecuador, 2013). This high of an elevation
tends to mess with peoples breathing for it is so high up. This makes the climb to the
top, quite difficult; however, while Cotopaxis summit is beautiful is currently still active,
so no one will be really making that hike anytime soon!
Lastly, unlike the other volcanoes previously mentioned El Quiltoa is a bowl like
entertainment center for ecotourism. Instead of a cone-like structure like Cotopaxi, El
Quiltoa is bowl like. El Quiltoa is thought to be 3,490m high and about 3km in diameter
(RECFILMS Ecuador, 2013). Due to its structure and its influence of salty lake water, El
Quiltoa can house extreme sports such as white-water rafting, tubing as well as allowing
a peace land/air combo for mediation.
To Summarize, the Andes which run through Ecuador are unique, habitat to
many biologically unique animals and areas of ecotourism. Although thought of as just
of walls of rocks and ice, the presence of these volcanoes proves a value that is to be
worth saving. As well as the economic boost that Ecuador receives due to ecotourism of
these volcanoes. The Andes are well beloved by the Ecuadorian people as well as
worldwide!

Tropical Cloud Forests

 Cloud forests are one of most unique, biologically diverse places on earth. Tropical cloud
forest tends to be found in mountainous regions. These forest make up about 1% of the worlds
woodlands (NIHERST Trinidad and Tobago, 2012). The main characteristic of a cloud forest,
that deems a forests as a cloud forest, is that the region must have (1) the presence of
mist/clouds and (2) must cover the shrubby of this area (NIHERST Trinidad and Tobago, 2012).
Cloud forests tend to be different from lowland rain forest in several ways. Cloud forest tend to
have only one story of trees, that which tends to be about the same height, have high levels of
moisture and is biologically diverse. Cloud forests also have zones with different types of
altitude, cloud coverage, soil conditions and winds (NIHERST Trinidad and Tobago, 2012).
So, how are the clouds of cloud forests formed? Cloud forests are mainly formed by
prevailing winds and the conditions that surround these patches of forests (NIHERST Trinidad
and Tobago, 2012). For instance, the cloud forest tends to have only one story of trees, the
lower leaves as well as the younger trees tend to become forest habitats for numerous different
type of species, especially where altitude is lower. The main differences between zones of these
cloud forests is whether they fall above or below the clouds/mists in these forests.
Typically, vegetation can be found throughout cloud forest include; bamboo, shrubs and
epiphytes. These plants, especially expiates are great for filtering the water that passes through
the mountains as well as used to collect clean water. These cloud forests help nonpolluted
water end up in the water table.
In addition to being called cloud forests these forests are also known to the world as
sky islands. Other than water purification, these forests are also used to produce tomatoes,
avocado, and coffee as well as other plants that can be used for medicinal uses (NIHERST
Trinidad and Tobago, 2012).
In relation, these sites are also huge for common ecotourism activities such as hiking
and bird sighting; however, there are numerous threats to these forests. The main threats to
these forests is mankind and climate change. Deforestation, farming and logging are the big
three human activities that harm this ecosystem for it causes fragmentation of the cloud forests.
Fragmentation can cause extinction amongst different populations of species in these forests,
so its best that this action be avoided at all costs.

Latin Pulse- Water Crises

Latin Pulse is an Latin America News station that covered water crises issues around the world.
Listed below are the different water crises topics that were found worldwide:
Glaciers& The Amazon:
o Have limited resources available for local indigenous people
o Next war will be a war for water????
o Will water be the next oil of the future?
Latin America
o Glaciers are melting fast in regions such as: the Andes and the Amazon
Spain
o Has a lack of tourism
Central America:
o Lack of drinking water
o Increase of pollution due to industries
 Negatively affects the health of many indigenous people
Mexico:
o Water is basically useless because of agricultural and tourism
Due to industrial waste
Substances such as: lead, mercury, sulfuric acid
o Solutions:
Try to use waste water
Create hydro ponds
Water purification for agriculture
Chile
o Conserving water methods:
Cut shower time & add clock in shower & efficient shower head
Ecuador:
o Private companies are buying water and selling it to the public
Violation of human rights
Needs more water regulation & better regulation of
distribution of water to poorer Ecuadorians.

All information for this section was based of the (Link TV, 2008).

References
Ecuadors political instability: 8 presidents in 13 years. (2010, October 1). Retrieved from
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/ecuador/8035942/Ecuadors-political-
instability-8-presidents-in-13-years.html

Flores, F. Hon., Consul General of Ecuador in San Francisco

Earth Island Journal, ISSN 1041-0406, 03/2001, Volume 16, Issue 1, p. 27. Retrieved from
https://amalavidaexperience.weebly.com/uploads/3/9/0/2/39029957/paper-ecuador-
environmentalpolicies2001.pdf

Link TV. (2008, May 28). Latin Pulse- Water Crises. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhojFHnfA8E

NIHERST Trinidad and Tobago. (2012, Apr 6). Natural Wonders of the Caribbean 2- Cloud
Forests. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYEilIbX6OQ&feature=youtu.be

Prevention Web. Ecuador Disaster & Risk Profile. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.preventionweb.net/countries/ecu/data/

RECFILMS Ecuador. (2013, Jan 25th). Making of Cotopaxi Volcano Documentary. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmWZpL-l6zc&feature=youtu.be
Quito Busways, Ecuador. Retrieved from
https://amalavidaexperience.weebly.com/uploads/3/9/0/2/39029957/paper-quitobussystem.pdf