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ECUADORLINE |
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ECUADORLINE |
NEWSLETTER SeptembeR 2005 |
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| Dear friends of Ecuador, | |
The FLP fight against the thorns of the flower business Equality, showing respect for everyone, compliance of human rights, protecting health as well as regular salary are some of the aspects, which characterize the work on a FLP flower farm. FLP stands for the Flower Label Program, a project for better working conditions on farms in Ecuador. Randi Probst is development worker (Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst = German Development Service, DED) in Quito and supervisor of the Flower Label Program FLP. She reports the never ending challenges in the struggle for improved working conditions on Ecuadorian flower farms. Inhuman working conditions, insufficient pay, health risks because of highly poisoned pesticides and low social conditions downgrade the lives of many employees in the flower business.
The special thing about FLP is the cooperation between four chambers. Being a registered association in Germany, not only human rights organizations, trade unions and the German retail market but also producers are involved for the first time and also have full voice. Amongst other aims, fixed working conditions, maternity protection, regulated hours of work, ban on child and forced labor, health and labor protection, the control of pesticides and the fight against women discrimination are part of the FLP-project that have already yield fruits within the last few years. The mainly female employees (60-70% women proportion) can be recruited only if older than 18 years, furthermore they get insurance cover and meals in addition to the monthly paid 150 US-Dollars. In the past, women usually were asked for a pregnancy test before being hired, which is no longer applied in FLP-member companies. In fact the working contract guarantees three months of pregnancy leave. 
Rocío Benitez for example had worked for many years on a rose farm
on which social and economical standards did not count at all. The everyday
life of the 31 year old mother of three children had been formed by undefined
working contracts, unpaid overtime and health disadvantages. Today the young
woman can be pleased with the splendor of roses which is produced at her
new place of employment, the FLP-farm Galapagos Flores. Being a member of
the FLP the farm obliged itself to certain conditions under whose protection
Rocío Benitez works today. All FLP-members have to count with spontaneous inspections because this is one of the demands FLP makes. Because of a negative campaign which had rocked the boat in Germany in the past, the FLP project was initiated in 1996. Today we find 42 FLP flower farms in Ecuador which is 42 out of 56 worldwide! Main part of Randi Probst’s job is doing the marketing for the German market and recruiting new Ecuadorian flower producers for the two years lasting cooperation project between DED and FLP. “The work is supposed to be lucrative for the farms but also should reduce poverty in the same time”, says the committed development worker, who asks for more awareness in buying flowers. Gladly Randi Probst assists you with further information about the Flower Label Program and the cooperation with the German Development Service (DED) together with private companies. Please consider the homepages FLP and FLP- Ecuador to find more details. | |
New kind of tourism – Top climber in the Andes Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Iliniza, Sangay, Altar... the list of mountains and volcanoes in Ecuador is long and promising. In our series about the different forms of tourism, we want to present the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes and also give you some tips for mountain tours.
The mountain ranges in the Ecuadorian highland are over 700km long and 100km wide. With the inactive volcano Chimborazo, they achieve a maximum height of 6310m. Cliffy valleys, widely ramified streams and the famous Páramo–landscape with unique flora and fauna characterize these interesting formations of mountains. The limit of vegetation is about 4500m and the eternal ice begins on 5000m. Depending on condition, abilities and motivation, the possibilities for an enthusiastic hiker in the different National Parks in Ecuador are various. The real challenge is an accession to the top of one of the highest mountains of the Andes. This includes amongst others the Chimborazo and the Cotopaxi (5897m), which is the highest active volcano in the world. After an exhausting ascension to the top, the snow–covered crater of the volcano offers a stunning view over the surrounding mountains. With the first sunrays, the volcano begins to glitter and shine.  Before
a hike to the heights of the Andes, a pre-acclimation is indispensable.
For at least five days before the big hike, you have to stay up to a height
of 2500m. This is the only possibility for your body to acclimatize to the
air low in oxygen. The phrase „never go alone”, is one of the most important
things in the Andes and you should pay attention to this rule in every situation.
There is no mountain rescue service and in case of emergency it can be difficult
to obtain aid in the sparsely populated region of the Andes highlands. On
this account, you should never hike without professional accompaniment.
Amongst others, the weather plays a decisive role and only an experienced
mountain guide assures a safe and unforgettable experience. If you are interested in a tour on the Ecuadorian volcano, please write us. We compile a tour for you, considering your wishes and constitution. Visit our homepage and read more about hiking and climbing in Ecuador. Step backwards for EU-plans of a tariff increase on bananas from Latin America The World Trade Organization (WTO) laid down the law in the endless seeming story of the banana conflict with a decision on August, 1st in Geneva. Countries from South America, among others Ecuador as one of the worldwide biggest producer of bananas, had started proceedings against the EU, and they got right. The EU wanted to mark up the import tariffs on bananas from € 75 (US$ 92) up to € 230 (US$ 280) per ton.
A rise would only apply for bananas from Latin America and not for other countries in Africa or in the Caribbean, which also export bananas. These countries shall have, further on, an easy access to the European banana market. A tariff rate higher than € 75, would blockade the access to the European markets for South American producers. In addition to that the costs in Germany would rise highly. Now, the WTO decided that this is inequality. Another riverside promenade in Guayaquil The lively coast metropolis Guayaquil gets another riverside promenade, comparable to the Malecón 2000. The new "Malecon" is under construction in the eastern part of the city, in one of the suburbs, which used to be characterized by poverty and an unsafe situation on the streets. The 1.200 m long project will be finished by the end of this year and the costs of US$ 5 million will be paid by the municipality in order to support the neighborhood.
Up to now, the Malecón 2000 attracts most of the tourists and offers proposals for a whole day. Visitors can eat in one of the fast–food–restaurants, relax on benches and saunter near the sea. After its completion the “little brother” of the Malecón ought to be visited as well to become a real alternative for tourists. Private security companies will protect the surrounding of the water front, so visitors don’t have to worry about anything. Members of the Zápara–community are fighting for their culture In the Ecuadorian Amazon region live about 1.120 people of the Zápara–community. Now they have started some campaigns for bewaring their identity and their culture. These campaigns include programs for preserving their language, protecting the traditions and supporting the transmission from ancestral knowledge about medical plants.
On May 18th, 2001, the UNESCO declared the Zápara–village as cultural heritage. The community will be supported by the UNESCO from 2004 until the end of 2006 with an amount of US $200.000. Other financial aid is obtained by the USA. The money is used for improvements in the sectors of health, education and communication. Amongst others, four satellite phones were installed for cases of emergency, as snake–bits for example. | |
Do feel like having a real jungle adventure - maybe in the middle of nowhere,
far away from everything? Follow the trails of the forest habitats and discover
the biodiversity of Kapawi, for example during a night walk. In the remote
rainforest Kapawi Ecolodge you will get to know ecotourism of unique manner.
Appreciate the chance to immerse into the life of the Amazon area together
with the Achuar community. Please consider our September
Special.
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RAINFOREST: The “rana toro” from Ecuador conquers the world For already 12 years Ecuador is present on the international gourmet market with an exotic export product: the bullfrog. This business began in the little town of Zamoro in the province of Zamora–Chinchipe, southern Amazon area. Until today 20 breeding companies have followed in the rainforest area of Ecuador. In addition to that the breeding association “Asociación de Ranicultores“ was founded eight years ago.
The croaking amphibians go directly to restaurants in the area or even further away to the big, wide world. Interesting fact is that some of the most important customers are Chinese restaurants in the United States where the taste of Ecuadorian bullfrogs is fairly liked. Around 3.000 frogs legs are delivered to the USA every year, in the EU it is 10.000 of them, the “french cuisine” says hello! One kilogram of frog meat costs US$ 2 in Ecuador and the export prize is about US$ 10. Every week between 300 and 500 kg of the “rana toro“ leave from Zamora-Chinchipe. With the experience of many years and improved trainee programs for the “frog parents” highest quality is guaranteed. During the upbringing of the pollywogs clean water and the avoidance of stress are extremely important to prevent sudden frog death. A water temperature of 27° C is very comfortable for the offspring. Because of the easy breeding process, all producers can be happy about their profits already after short times.  But
not only the bullfrog delicacy leaves the rainforest area to conquer the
world, especially high is also the medical interest in more frog species
of the Amazon area. Until today, only a little fraction is known of the
promising active agents, inside of the frogs. In their natural environment
they use it as protection device against their enemies, but the frog secretions
render their service in the production of antibiotics, antihypertensive
and blood thinning substances. Further more the hardly considered manufacturing
of frog leather products has potential. Don’t hesitate and get you own frog picture! Better than on a plate maybe in free nature to certainly acquire a taste for the real jungle! Get to know the tropical life during a night walk through the forest. We recommend you staying at Sacha Lodge, Casa del Suizo, Yuturi–Lodge and the famous Kapawi Ecolodge Reserve. COAST: Agua Blanca – a village full of contrasts Amidst the Machalilla National Park, situated in the province of Manabí, the little village Agua Blanca is situated only five kilometers away from the fisher town Puerto López. Here you find a fullness of archaeological sites and museums about the culture of the Manteños (member of the Manta–Culture). This culture had existed about 500 to 900 a.C. and probably seafarer belonging to this community had traveled to Mexico.
Agua Blanca was an unknown and unimpressive town in the back–country of the Ecuadorian coast region until the discovery of archaeological findings. But with the first finds about 20 years ago, the number of visitors has increased. One of the most important finds was the discovery of a complete Manteño–settlement under the hills of Agua Blanca. Urns and over 600 constructions of stones were found, which gives us interesting information about the life to that time. The peacefully silence in the little village was broken through from one day to the other. Now the village is an attraction point for tourists, who are interested in the Manta-Culture. Agua Blanca is not only a destination for historical  interested people, but also for athletes. Slight rises and descents along the coast are perfect for mountain-bike tours.
Archaeological excavations can not only be detected on this spot, but also in the surroundings. Sightseeing and visits to museums can be combined with little excursions through the dry tropical forest, accompanied by singing birds. There are museums in the circumjacent villages, which inform about musical instruments, arts of ceramics, but also about flora and fauna of the coastal hinterland. A round tour in Agua Blanca is like a dunking in a bygone epoch, because the village seems so original. Besides the memories of the past, there can be also found present influences. It is exactly this interaction from old and new which makes the village so interesting and worth to be discovered. As starting point for a trip to Agua Blanca we are recommending the Hostería Mandala in Puerto Lopez or the Hostería LaBarquita in Puerto Rico. For further information about Agua Blanca, please write us. We were pleased to help you. GALÁPAGOS: Guidelines for preservation of the famous archipelago The Charles Darwin Foundation has introduced a code of behaviour on which all visitors of the volcanic islands have to stick to for protecting Galápagos. Since the arrival of the homonymous English scientist in 1835 the perfect balance between flora and fauna has been influenced by humans many times. The following rules are to conform in order to protect the archipelago:
One of the most important points is the respect for the damageable ecosystem, especially for the confiding animals. Touching and feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Many pups will be repudiated by their parents if they have an external odor. Feeding the animals by people disrupt their natural behavior and would realize a drastic change between animals and their surrounding. Animals mustn’t be scared, especially nesting birds. If the parents leave the nest only for a few minutes, the children are at risk. 
Visitors are not allowed to take agile and dead materials from the islands
or transport from one island to the other. A special attention deserves
the sand. After visiting an island, shoes have to be cleaned carefully.
Every island has its own ecosystem and with shoes, sand with plant seeds
and insect grubs can be transported from one island to another. On this
way, the vegetation can be disturbed gravely. Taking plants and animals
from the islands and bringing foods to the islands is prohibited. Only one
apple seed can let grow a tree and an apple tree isn’t part of the ecosystem
on Galápagos. For bewaring the islands as they are, visitors have to stay on the signed way. It is not allowed to smoke on the islands and on all Yates, there are especial areas. But never throw a butt over board. During the excursion on the islands, visitors have to be accompanied by natural guides. They are responsible that every rule is adhered. Everyone’s behavior can add to bewaring this unique miracle of nature! Do you want to be under a charm by these islands? Visit our homepage and read more about the islands. Unforgettable stays offer the Yates Tip Top II and Tip Top III. Please write us to get more information. | |
Lagoons, llamas and air low in oxygen (Hannah Schneckenburger, Altshausen) Numerous activities are possible during a visit in the city of Cuenca in the South of Ecuador. The third day of our stay, we planned a trip to the National Park El Cajas, about 40 kilometers away from Cuenca.
At 8 o'clock, we were picked up by a bus, which brought us up to 4000m. Accompanied by our guide Carlos, we started our tour. First, we clambered a small mountain. We began to walk in a normal way, but after five steps, we had to stop for a breathing time. The air is so low in oxygen that you have to walk slowly.  On
our way we saw llamas, only some meters away from us and Carlos explained
the different plants in the highlands. When we arrived on the top, we had
a great view over small lagoons, embedded in valleys. After this, we made
a round tour along some lagoons and we visited an exceptional wood with
special trees. The landscape is unique and at the first glance, you don't
recognize all the species, but with the explanations of our guide we learned
so much about the plants and animals. The tour took around two hours and
afterwards, we ate in a restaurant where we had a great view over the National
Park. In the afternoon we returned to Cuenca. We were a bit frozen to the
marrow because of the strong wind and we had a light sunburn. On this altitude
you don't feel the intense of the sun. Eating a delicious sundae, we thought
about the last hours and were looking forward to the next eventful day.
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…, that one only butt, thrown into the sea, can contaminate five gallon of water? ..., that in Ecuador exist 17 communities like the zápara? In Peru are existing only ten. …, that the distance from the cap of the Chimborazo to the geocentre is longer than the distance from the Mountain Everest (8.848m) to the geocentre? | |
ecuadorlineis a tourist information service about Ecuador. Many tourist enterprises support and finance our promotion and information job. Our main objective is to benefit the sponsor companies as well as the country itself.Our services: - Callcenter in Germany and delivery of information material free of charge - Route planning for individual travellers - Help with reservations - Information about hotels, lodges, haciendas, and cruises through Galápagos Islands - Suggestions for trips in Ecuador and useful links on our web site - Organisation of press trips - Photo archives Your suggestions to improve our Newsletter are welcome. We also thank you for your comments about our web page. | |
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With best wishes from Quito, |
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