Environmental policies
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; a large system of parks, research stations, and protected areas has been established to protect this biodiversity. There are also a number of legal policies that protect the environment. Ecuador’s constitution is perhaps the most famous of these protections; it guarantees the right to live in an “ecologically balanced environment free of contamination”. The 1999 Law of Environmental Management goes even further, promoting waste management, sustainable alternative technologies, and respect for native cultures and practices.
The Galapagos Islands, in particular, are especially sensitive to environmental threats. Lawmakers recognized this, and in 1999, placed limits on immigration and agricultural activity as well as created a monitoring program for both native and invasive species on the islands. Laws like these, along with Ecuador’s strong support of international climate change and biodiversity agreements, appear to show that the Ecuadorian government considers environmental protection a high priority.
Although these laws look good on paper, reading Tammy L. Lewis’ Ecuador’s Environmental Revolutions has changed my perspective on how effective they actually are. Often times, they have been cast aside for the sake of economic growth. In the future, as more biodiversity is lost, I believe the government will be forced to distance themselves from the fossil fuel/extraction industry, and instead focus on ecotourism.
The Galapagos Islands, in particular, are especially sensitive to environmental threats. Lawmakers recognized this, and in 1999, placed limits on immigration and agricultural activity as well as created a monitoring program for both native and invasive species on the islands. Laws like these, along with Ecuador’s strong support of international climate change and biodiversity agreements, appear to show that the Ecuadorian government considers environmental protection a high priority.
Although these laws look good on paper, reading Tammy L. Lewis’ Ecuador’s Environmental Revolutions has changed my perspective on how effective they actually are. Often times, they have been cast aside for the sake of economic growth. In the future, as more biodiversity is lost, I believe the government will be forced to distance themselves from the fossil fuel/extraction industry, and instead focus on ecotourism.