YASUNI ITT: A Big Idea from a Small Country… will the world respond?

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The best things in life do come in small packages, and such is the case of an idea that came from a little package: a country called Ecuador. As some may already know, Ecuador’s economy depends directly on oil resources whose gains are then invested on health, education and housing. This is the reason why, even though the planet is experiencing a climate crisis, the Ecuadorian and worldwide oil industry are expanding to new frontiers.

One of these oil industry’s new horizon is located in the heart of the Amazon basin: the Yasuni Forest. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1999, Yasuni is the most biologically diverse place on earth, with 13.000 species of mammals, amphibious, reptiles, birds and fish; and more than 100.000 species of insects. Just one hectare of this forest has as many as 655 tree species, more than what the United States and Canada combined have.

The Yasuni forest is also home to some of the last indigenous people still living in voluntary isolation. These people are now waiting for a miracle for the deforestation to stop, since they happen to live above Ecuador’s largest undeveloped oil reserve: the “Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini“(ITT) Oil Block. This block contains 20% of all the oil reserves in Ecuador (850 million barrels), representing 407 million metric tons of CO₂ to the atmosphere, a 7 billion dollars gain and an extra 7.2 billion dollar for the carbon market.



Two decades ago, the Yasuni forest got considerably reduced from 1.476.000 hectares to only 625.000 due to the pressure of the oil companies, so the Ecuador government is facing now a huge dilemma: should it keep deforesting the reserve and drill for the oil, which would provide the country with the economic sources it needs to develop; or should it help preserve the environment by not deforesting the world’s biggest ecological reserve? Looking for the best possible solution, the Ecuadorian government came up with a revolutionary idea and started to contribute to this race for life: “The Yasuní ITT Project”.

The idea is quite simple: The government will leave the Yasuní oil underground and request, as a compensation for having avoided environmental pollution, a 50% of what the Country would have gained if the area had been exploited ($350 million a year) for a period of 10 years, giving up the rest of the gains.

To better understand the foundations of this project, it’s essential to know that there is something called the “Carbon Market”, regulated by the Kyoto Protocol. The program has created First and Second Generation bonds (G1 and G2) to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The G1 bonds are given to companies with environment generating practices, while the G2 bonds are given to the companies that reduce their deforestation and pollution levels. These bonds are placed into the Carbon Market so that the companies with environment polluting practices can buy them. Depending on the amount of bonds they buy, these companies are allowed to pollute the environment.



Yasuní-ITT from Santiago del Hierro on Vimeo.

All these been said, Ecuador’s Yasuní ITT Proyect is proposing the European Union to place into the Carbon Market bonds called “Yasuní Certificates of Guaranty (CGY)”, that would be Third Generation bonds given to countries that avoid or prevent environmental pollution, something that would keep millions of tons of CO₂ from being emitted to the atmosphere. The money raised from these “green bonds” would be placed into an international trust foundation to support local environmental and social development programs that would help Ecuador move towards a sustainable economy, while preserving the rainforest and recognizing the rights of the indigenous communities in Yasuní. This preventive model is the Ecuadorian’s major initiative to become supporters and contributors to the preservation of the planet.

From 2007 until today, this historical initiative has been supported by the Medicine laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini and several Nobel Peace Prices such as Muhamad Yunus, Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchú; as well as by various countries such as France, Germany, Norway, Spain and Switzerland. If the plan succeeds, it could even become a worldwide accepted model.

With the current Kyoto Protocol model resulting in global emissions 40 percent above the ones registered in 1990 (the basis year), this is an alternative that has already being considered as effective not only for Ecuador, but for countries with similar conditions such as Bolivia, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, the Republic of Congo and Venezuela.

For Ecuador’s plan to succeed, the international community has to get engaged with the initiative in a significant way. Will the world respond? Perhaps the following letter, written by a Yasuní native to the former Ecuadorian president, back in 1995, could motivate the countries provide an answer:

"What will happen when our children grow up?
Where will they live when they are older? 
Our rivers are peaceful and in our forests we find the food, the medicines and everything that we need.
What will happen when the oil companies finish destroying what we have?" 

More Information on:
•    www.yasuni-itt.gov.ec
•    www.liveyasuni.org
•    www.sosyasuni.org
•    www.amazoniaporlavida.org

Photo: Yasuni ITT

The Colta Lake: Natural Beauty among Conquests and Ruins

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In the Pan-American Highway, 17km (10 miles) south of Riobamba, among beautiful landscapes where green and blue tones predominate, we get to a place full of history, culture and natural beauty. A place inhabited by friendly people who live among hills and volcanoes. Its name is Colta, an extraordinary spot that, seen from the highway, could be described as a big, crystal clear lake that beautifully reflects Ecuador’s highest volcano; and in whose shores the country’s oldest village was erected. It is a perfect mix of Nature and History what makes this place magical.

To get to the lake’s shores, the road goes another 2km (1 mile) forward. Before arriving to the village we find the ruins of what once was the city of Riobamba —currently known as Cajabamba or Sicalpa— destroyed during the Colonial period (1797) by a big earthquake that took the life of 5000 people. The remains are those of their streets, their temples and their handcrafts. Arriving to the place, the big cracks caused by the earthquake can still be observed at the hills.

Going a little further in the way to the village (or taking the alternative road, right beside the lake, aboard the train that goes to the “Devil’s Nose”) we find the Colta Lake. In the indigenous language, the lake is called kulta kucha, which means “Duck’s Lake”. Here, the senses are awakened by a colorful parade: the indigenes navigating in their “Caballitos de Totora” (reed watercrafts), the wildlife, the multicolor little houses, the animals, the kids playing, and the great Chimborazo volcano… They are all part of the autumn-like landscape of this historical lake.

At the end of the road and facing the lake, we find the population known as “Santiago de Quito”, name whose similarity to that of Ecuador’s capital, San Francisco de Quito, is not just a coincidence. In 1534, with the arrival of the conquistadors to the land that is nowadays the country of Ecuador; the Colta area was designated as the place to build the capital of the region, since the lake would provide water for the village. The area received the name of “Santiago de Quito”. Later on, the place was subject of confrontations between the conquistadors. To prevent more fights, the capital was moved further to the North. Even as time went by, the settlement found at the shores of the Colta Lake is still known as Santiago de Quito. The village’s parish, called the Balbanera, is the first Catholic Church ever built in Ecuador, and it was erected more than 475 years ago.

Colonial ruins, spectacular landscapes and the history of the beginnings of the Republic is what visitors will find at this magical, edifying place. The Colta Lake and the Santiago de Quito Parish have been fitted out so that they support responsible, sustainable and ecological tourism, offering their visitors activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, photography, fauna and flora observation, sightseeing, adventure tourism and the amazing indigenous fair that takes place every Sunday.

Photo: Kangrex

Of Love Stories and Preservation of Species

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The kingdom of birds in the Galapagos Islands is always full of surprises. Studying the birds, naturists have observed some behaviors that result very interesting and even funny to us, but the truth is that these behaviors could be compared to those of Men. In this article, you will learn more about the reproductive rituals of the Blue-Footed Booby, the Frigatebird and the Albatross, three unusual birds that inhabit the Galapagos Islands whose unique mating behaviors attract tourists from all around the world.

For the male Blue-Footed Booby, finding a mate can be a complicated task due to the low number of female individuals. The male must start by getting the female’s attention, and the best way to do it is by dancing for her: Standing in front of an interested female, the male shakes his wings, whistles and performs a little dance with his big, blue legs. If the movements are good enough, the young male is ready to take the next step on his struggle to be picked. Once he gets the female’s attention, he has to win her heart with a present. If the female doesn’t like it, she will let him know with a loud squawk, turn her back on him and wait for the next male. Sometimes, when the present is very unpleasant for the female, she will lean down and squirt the male with her feces. Nevertheless, if the present pleases the female, the male will surely be among those who will have a partner for the season.

The female, as it usually happens among all animal species, is the one who picks her partner. This is also the case of the Frigatebird, who searches for the best partner among lots of suitors.  To be picked, the male must first find a good spot in the bushes to alight. Here, the female’s taste in architecture is of great importance, since a poorly-constructed nest will go unnoticed. Once the male has found the best place, he will alight on it, inflate his red chest as much as he can and exhibit it to the female, who will pick the individual with the biggest and reddest chest. They will then mate, passing the best genes to their brood to preserve the species.

Finally, the Albatross’ mating ritual is probably the most longed for and witnessed by tourist, perhaps due to the truly romantic story involving a couple of Albatross. Once he has found a partner, a young adult with stay with her for the rest of his life, and both of them will take care of their chicks until they die. Season by season, from April to December, the couples meet at the Española (Hood) Island, where the love stories begin. The courtship lasts a few days, in which the couples dance before mating, rub their beaks continuously and sing all day long.

To watch these beautiful marine birds of the Galapagos during their mating rituals, visitors must be attentive and silent, and they must have a good camera in hand (no flash). Visitors are welcomed throughout the whole mating season, so join the party and enjoy this wonderful experience!

Photo: Mike Weston

Chocolateland in Ecuador

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Chocolate has certainly become one of the most popular flavors in the world. Countries like Belgium, England, France, Italy and Switzerland have stood out as great chocolate producers. However, since the past 5 years, the eyes of chocolate lovers around the world have also turned to Ecuador.

Despite being a country that provides only a 3% of the world’s total production of cacao –the plant chocolate is made from–, Ecuador happens to be one of the best when it comes to cacao quality and flavor. Ecuador is the world’s number one producer of fine cocoa, with the 63% of the world’s total production.

Ecuador’s fine cocoa, utilized to elaborate chocolate truffles for the Queen of England, has unique secondary flavors that depend directly on the region where the plant has grown, just like it happens with wine. The country has three main spots for the production of high-quality chocolate: the province of Los Rios, that has two well-defined seasons together with volcanic and alluvial terrains and produces a unique, fruit-almond flavored chocolate; the province of Manabí, known for its dry, desert geography that provides a magnificent flower-flavored chocolate with a strong personality; and the province of Esmeraldas, where the most European-like chocolate is produced, due to its resemblance to the African cocoa lands.

This Ecuadorian, 100% organic chocolate is indeed a luxury product. If you have the chance to travel to the coastal region of Ecuador, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Ecuadorian chocolate made right before your eyes. Watch the cook as he toasts, peels, grinds and melts the cocoa beans to finally pour you a cup of hot, delicious chocolate that will certainly cheer you up. Made from the finest cacao grains once known as “gold beans”, this sweet treat will be a feast to your senses!

Photo: f10n4

31 Miles Along the Royal Inca Trail

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The Royal Inca Trail or “Qhapaq Ñan” is the name of the most extensive and highly advanced transportation system of the pre-Columbian South America, a main road with several branches joining the nations of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. It is an impressive 23,000km (14.291mi) system of roads built by the Incas, and it connected the northern city of Quito with the south of Chile.

One of the most famous treks of this road is probably the one that goes from the village of Achullapas to the village of Ingapirca, recently called “The Culebrillas Trail”. It is a 50km (31mi) portion of the road that hasn’t changed much in the past five centuries, where the historical characteristics are still conserved. This hike can be done in 2-3 days and follows the original royal road, with altitudes ranging from 3200m to 4500m (10.500 to 14.800ft) above the sea level. At the Andean high lands, perennial rain is expected all along this historical trail that goes through breathtaking landscapes and archeological discoveries.  The original Inca roadways are found here. Some of them got paved with stone, but most of them remain the natural dirt pathways, of 1-4meters (3-13ft) wide.

From start to end, this route unveils five hundred years of history. The starting point, Achullapas, is a place that served as an Inca fortress for the expansion of the empire to the north of the continent. One first gets amazed by the route that goes through the fabulous valley of the Cadrul River, the Las Tres Cruces Lake and the ruins of Cuchishiana, an archeological vestige whose function is still controversial.

Following the road, at 4,350m (14.271ft) high, there is mountainous formation called the Nudo del Azuay or Quimsacruz, that is the highest land point on Ecuador. A certain number of rectangular structures that belonged to a Chasquihuasi (Chasqui House) or a Tambo (a resting place) are found there, as well as big rock mounts called “Apachitas” that evidence the Inca tradition of offering a rock in a propitiatory ritual to continue their trip.

After this point, there are at least two possible pathways to take: The one that goes through the valley of Espindola – not usable during extended rainy periods –, and the shortcut parallel to the Espindola pathway that goes through the top of the valley. This route goes across the Cachapampa plain and the Sontzahuín torrent before arriving to the Culebrillas valley, home of the mystic Culebrillas Lake. To cross the Sontzahuín torrent, there is a wooden footbridge that seems to date back to the Incas period.

The Culebrillas (little snakes) Lake was called this way because of the 800m (2.624 feet) zigzag formation of the river that feeds the lake. Home to a wild duck colony, the lake’s clean and transparent waters were considered sacred by the Cañaris, who used to throw there handcrafted objects and ritual ceramics in commemoration to their ancestors.

The lake features a number of elements that feed its mystery such as a stone stairway that enters the lake 30m (98ft) deep from the river shore; a big stone platform; and a recently discovered construction made from carved stone. At a depth of 4,000m (13.123ft), there is an Inca quarry or “Labrashca Rumi” full of hundreds of carved stones waiting forever to be carried to their destination. At the opposite shore and close to the lake, the old Tambo de Paredones is located. It is an important resting place that served also as a military spot with vast accommodations for the troops and warehouses for goods, arms and clothes.

Past the lake, the road leads to the village of San Jose. It takes about a two hour walk from there until you reach the end of the road at Ingapirca, the biggest Inca complex built in the current Ecuadorian territory.

Nominated by UNESCO for its World Heritage List, the Royal Trails are a meeting point for those who take the chance to travel by foot through this challenging landscape. They are a place of encounter for men and women from different horizons, a place where man faces nature and revives the past. What once was a means of conquest today becomes a symbol of unity between nations and their history.

Photo: afroboof