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ECUADORLINE |
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ECUADORLINE |
NEWSLETTER May 2005 |
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| Dear friends of Ecuador, | |
The ancestral knowledge of the Amazonian tribes is priceless merchandise Since the United States proposed to Ecuador the intention of signing a Free Trade Agreement, the indigenous ancestral knowledge and biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Amazonian region have been in the eye of several multinationals. A delicate theme that now is on discussion is the management and commercialization of the Ecuadorian biodiversity.
It is not a secret that the Ecuadorian rainforest possesses more than 1.7 million plant and animal species. Some scientists think that on this marvelous paradise more than 13-14 million species coexist with the Amazonian communities. All along the community’s life it has been developed an ancestral knowledge which has been used on the profit of its survival and wellbeing. Their life style is mainly based on farming activities, hunting and fishing, and this is the reason why indigenous communities have lived isolated from any kind of influence of the occidental lifestyle. They have learned to live in peace and harmony with the nature, respecting the rivers, the forest, the environment and the animals, they have only used what they needed to survive.  From
generation to generation the Huaoranis have transferred their knowledge
about the goodness and wisdom given by the nature, in order to preserve
their traditions and background untouched. The people only have used what
they needed and could hunt, and have cured themselves with the preparations
that come from the plants. Unfortunately, at the moment, this community
as many others is being seduced by the mirages of the consumerism. It is well known that some countries consider the control of renewable resources - like those situated on the Amazonian region - as crucial for their existence. The interest in the development of studies on the characteristics and healing effects is not only for common benefit but for the benefit of multinationals. The Huaorani community lately contemplated the possibility of signing an agreement with Genesis Ecosystem LLC, an enterprise set up in the United States. This firm is interested in the manufacture of medicaments based on the aborigine’s ancestral knowledge on the use of plants. As a repay for the help given by the community, it could receive technical and financial help for about one million dollars. Also, it has been proposed the development of a plan of management of the territory called “Plan of Life of the Huaorani Community” based on the exploitation of the renewable goods. Fortunately, the contract was not signed, because such a contract would not be legitimate. Living space of the Huaorani is a protected area and can be administrated only by the Huaorani themselves. They now develop their own projects without any foreign aid. 
There are a lot of organizations which want to protect the Huaoranis identity,
but it is very important, that the Huaorani protect themselves. The aim
is to assert themselves and guard the ancestral knowledge. With our partner Tropic Journys you can witness the fascinating culture of the Huaorani and so lern more about life in the Amazon region and the social situation of the threatened community. If you are interested in knowing more about the Amazonian biodiversity or if you want to come to the rainforest do not hesitate to contact us. For your visit to Ecuador we recommend you our partners in the Rainforest: Casa del Suizo, Kapawi Lodge, Sacha Lodge and Yuturi. | |
Say it with flowers, but not in a roundabout! Cut flowers – Part 5 of our series about the foreign trade products of Ecuador
You can support the FLP campaign by buying cut flowers that are branded
with the cachet FLP and thus make humane working conditions in the flower
sector here in Ecuador possible. Please read more about the
FLP programme, EXPOFLORES
and also about worldwide working
conditions in the flower sector to get more information. Calmness returned to Ecuador After a turbulent week in our capital, Quito, and the dismissal of the former president Lucio Gutiérrez on April 20, calmness returned to Ecuador again. Alfredo Palacio, the new president of the country, nominated new ministers for the cabinet and also promised the realization of basic reforms.
Reasons for the dismissal of the former president by the parliament were disregard of charge, rejection of demonstrations and violation of the constitution. But the main cause for the revolt of the blaming population was the nepotism, corruption and the resulting poverty that has been lasting for decades. Gutiérrez is now in Brazil where the national government granted him political asylum. The state crisis started on December 2004 because of the break up of the Supreme Court by the parliament, which was dominated by the governing party under Gutiérrez to that time. However, the following replacement of the Supreme Court happened without any democratic election system. That is why the Congress decided in April to replace a big number of judges again. Yet such a placement of new magistrates in suggestion of the Congress is unconstitutional and therefore concerns and tumults spread out in the whole of Ecuador. People reply to the chaotic affairs in justice and political developments within the last few months were peaceful demonstrations and strikes. As we know now the result was the dismissal of Gutiérrez and this change of power was considered as an important success for the people. The new aim now is recovering trust towards the state and above all to politicians and parties after all those happenings. Thousands of demonstrators have been demanding a referendum about the North American Free Trade Arrangement which will be realized soon according to Alfredo Palacio statements. Also the head of military guaranteed its support to the new president and asked the Ecuadorian people to calm down. In the meanwhile they demanded to put the former president Gutiérrez on trail in order to hold him to account. Furthermore there might be a constituent assembly to refasten Ecuador´ s stability. Current discussions are aiming at more democracy and justice to help this beautiful and interesting country to move forward in every aspect. Cabs in Guayaquil get updated According to a new law, cabs which are older than 30 years mustn’t be on the streets of Guayaquil anymore. So the road safety ought to be improved in and around of Guayaquil, where over 8.000 cabs are on the roads every day. Because of the law over 500 cars are going to phase out. But above 50% of the cabs in use are well equipped new cars.
The revision begins on May 02 and with it, the look should be standardized, so that cabs can be identified by their yellow lacquering. Furthermore, the taxi driver is obligated to register his taxi. But the really important change is the installation and the obligation to use a taximeter in which can be entered different rates for night and day. Up to now, it is not usual to drive with taximeter and so you have to arrange a rate before you get into the vehicle. Whereas in Quito, the unification and the obligation to use a taximeter was established a few years ago. | |
On the tracks of the Huaorani tribe The most famous indigenous tribe in the Amazon area of Ecuador that could conserve its traditional lifestyle might be the Huaorani tribe which has been living close to the river in the rainforest for thousands of years. But of course there is a huge impact caused by modern developments such as US-American oil companies, being interested in winning oil in big numbers for several decades.
Our partner Tropic - Journeys in nature has a special program for you with which you will get to know the fascinating culture of the Huaorani without risking their habitat. Furthermore you will support the threatened tribe and its cultural identity with your visit within the conflicts about the exploitation of this unique environment. In close cooperation with the community, Tropic offers you a special jungle adventure: Stay 6 days/ 5 nights close to the Huaorani tribe at the Shiripuno river and learn more about the life in the rainforest, traditional indigenous art, medical plants, the beautiful flora and fauna of the region and also the social situation of the community that is looking forward to seeing you! Walk along the Inca Trail with Gray Line Ecuador If you desire to experience the wonders of the ancient Andean cultures, walking along the Inca trail, then enjoy the special program that our partner, Gray Line Tours Ecuador, has prepared for you. On a two-day excursion trip, being the city of Cuenca the starting point, you will get to know the largest Inca ruins complex of Ecuador: The Ingapirca Ruins.
You will find more information about this unique excursion on the special Gray Line. Do not hesitate to contact us and we will be pleased to give you further information and make a booking for you! Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on Tip Top III For all of you who feel like having an extraordinary time at the Enchanted Islands, the first class motoryacht Tip Top III welcomes you aboard. Tip Top III will introduce you to the wonderful flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.
You may enjoy an 8 days/7 nights or a 5 days/4 nights cruise around the beautiful Galapagos Islands, including Baltra, Darwin Bay, James Bay, among others! Check the specials Motoryacht Tip Top III to know more about the services and rates of this special program, or contact us for further information. | |
HIGHLANDS: Chasquis- Messengers en route on the Capac ñan The main road of the Andes, the Capac ñan, which is 23.000 kilometres long, connects various countries. Before the Spanish conquerors arrived, the Inka Empire was gigantic; it stretched from the north of Ecuador to Santiago, Chile.
How was it possible to govern over such a big distance? The solution was the Chasquis, messengers who circulated news along the Capac ñan. The name Chasqui signified in Quechua “interchange”, “transfer” and so acted the communication system: like in a relay they transferred messages. The communication channel was perfectly organised. A message from Quito to Cuzco, which means a distance of 1.250 miles, was delivered by the Chasquis in a five-day term. Incredible! Without this system, the empire would not have survived such a long time. The streets played a decisive role. There were seven basic routes and innumerable trails. The big roads ran, for example, to the coast, to the rainforest or into the Andes. In the course of time, most of the ways are overgrown and hardly  detectable. Others were used as basis for modern roads and some are conserved like they were centuries ago. These sections now are rediscovered and shall be used for tourist purposes- like the Road to Santiago in Europe, which goes through France, Spain and Portugal.
Since 2003, the UNESCO cares about the Capac ñan. Just now, a meeting with archaeologists, anthropologists and historians from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador takes place in Quito. They debate about the Capac ñan as a World Heritage Site. And that is a project not only for the Inkas, but for all occupants of the Andes. One intention is the identification of different ethnologies with their history before the Spanish conquered. However, the main objective is to beware and protect this unique historical, cultural and biological worth. Are you interested int the Capac ñan trek? Please have a look at our Gray Line Ecuador - Inca trail special. Suitable accomodation in the Cuenca area can be found here. GALÁPAGOS: New species of sea cucumber has been researched A new kind of sea cucumber has been researched to establish the number of Stichopus Horrens, a species of sea cucumber that is found in the Galapagos Islands. The main objective is to determine the quantity of the family of sea cucumbers and for the first time the Isostichopus Fuscus, which currently is the most commercialized.
The Stichopus Horrens is an animal similar to the star fish and it is characterized by its delicate skin and its nocturnal life. This aquatic species is responsible for cleaning the ocean depths, like the algae. This study will be used to analyze if this species can be considered as an economic alternative that could be used by the fishing sector of the islands. Unfortunately, the price of this kind of sea cucumber is around US$ 6 and it is not so appreciated by cust  omers. In contrast to that the Isostichopus Fuscus is more popular, being the most commercialized and valued sea cucumber of the islands, sold for US$ 18.
Especially in Asian countries the sea cucumber is a very popular product, most exotic dishes include this special kind of seafood which is the principal ingredient. It is said that the sea cucumber not only offers the most delicious taste but it also has nutritional and aphrodisiac values. The characteristics of the sea cucumber are some of the reasons why this species is so high valued on international markets. Since the Galapagos Islands were recognized as a World Heritage Site, Ecuador has engaged on the establishment of equilibrium between the preservation of the ecosystem and the commercialization of this appreciated nature laboratory. | |
Travel notes: a weekend in Riobamba (by Hannah Schneckenburger, Ulm) Riobamba- the capital of the province of Chimborazo- is about 4 hours from Quito and is the ideal destination for a weekend trip. Riobamba (2750m) has 120 000 habitants and it is the centre of a rural region. On the weekends you can see many indigenous people from the highlands who are selling and buying things on the market.
The train from Riobamba to Alausí leaves every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7 o’clock, but you should be there at 6 o’clock because you have to reserve seats on the train roof. During the first hour, travelling on the train roof was really unwanted but it is very exciting. Unfortunately, I didn’t think that, in the morning, it can be really cold and so the first hours were a little bit cold. But the uncomfortable seating and the low temperature are worth while. The landscape is so exciting and the whole time I only was looking around. After three hours, we arrived in the hamlet Guamote where we bought fresh empanadas, filled with cheese or banana. Absolutely advisable! After some minutes we continued, passing little villages, motioning children and working indigenous people on their fields. Regrettably, we could not see the Chimborazo, because of the weat  her, but the whole journey was anyway so bodacious.
At eleven o’clock, we arrived in Alausi, a little town on 2356m. There, some other passengers boarded and so it was very full on the roof, the weather became better and it was really warm. Now, the journey to the “Devils Nose” could begin. On this way, the train has to bear down a difference in elevation from 500 metres during 2 kilometres. This is possible by driving zigzag and shunting the whole time. The driving route goes through narrow canyons or directly along dips. Incredible how it was built! The “Devils Nose”, a formation of rocks, was not as smashing as I thought. After fifteen minutes we returned and at one o’clock we were again in Alausi, from where you can take a bus back to Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Riobamba and other towns. In Alausi is no stress, life is calm and clear. Especially the market hall was very great with many fruits and vegetables. The weekend in Riobamba was great and I saw many exciting things. To see the Andes, sitting on a train’s roof, is an amazing experience. Certainly, the trip is a big attraction for tourists and the ticket is quite expensive (USD 11), but it is worth while and I would do it anytime again. | |
…that the Huaorani Community is composed by 2,291 inhabitants, and that this
population is distributed in approximately 1,7 millions of hectares on
the Orellana, Napo and Pastaza provinces? | |
ecuadorline | |
| With best wishes from Quito, yours Ana Lucía Vallejo |
Top topic
One
of the most important sectors of Ecuador’s economic activity is the flower
sector. Nevertheless, it is also threatened by some risks and therefore
it turns out to be an unpredictable business activity in some crop years.
Being the third biggest exporter of flowers worldwide, Ecuador reaches
a transaction volume of 211 million US-dollars every year with around
500,000 employees. On the export business mainly, there are over 3000
hectares of land and about 300 factories where cut flowers are produced.
Roses, tulips, baby´ s breaths and cloves are the main part of the Ecuadorian
export blossoms. With a percentage of 79%, the USA is Ecuador´ s most
important customer, followed by the European Union, Russia and Asia that
stand on top of the flower lover list. 
,
in most cases there is a lack of action on part of the government that
might include preferential treatment in custom duties, subsidies in transportation
or special credits. This situation results in a hardest competition for
Ecuador.