Environmental Management Strategies in Kichwa Communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

Unemployment in Ecuador's Amazonian communities has increased significantly during the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease, primarily from March to August 2020; as a result, the population has shifted its focus to agriculture. This economic sector is specifically directed towards the overexploitation of timber resources and the hunting of animals. This study proposes an En vironmental Management Plan for three agricultural farms located in the San Pablo de Ushpayaco parish, Napo, Ecuador, which sell primarily organic products in local markets. The fieldwork included a historical analysis of the sector, the diagnosis of survival strategies, relevant environmental aspects, identification of actors, and interests regarding access to resources. Different problems include the inefficient use of water resources, poor land use management due to its overexploitation through monoculture prac tices, absence of sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, poor crop rotation, low application of organic fertilizers, and lack of inputs and resources were identified. Poor agricultural practices have led to low production yields and limited economic profit for farmers. This Environmental Management Plan focuses on the prevention, mitigation, and compensation of the environmental impacts caused by agriculture and therefore improving the quality of life of the communities in the study case.