Similar to other countries in South America, Ecuador has traditionally suffered from the so-called "resource curse": high poverty and inequality in a land of plentiful natural resources. However, the country has also served as an excellent model for some of the most far-reaching efforts to provide ecologically and socially-sustainable alternatives to the corporate global economy.
On Global Exchange delegations to Ecuador you will meet with politicians, journalists, organizations, farmworkers, and native communities who will open your eyes about the harmful local, regional, and global effects of corporate globalization-- and introduce you to some of the best local and international efforts to bring environmental justice to the Andes and the Amazon.
From food sovereignty to fair trade, from intellectual property rights to indigenous healing methods, you will explore the diversity of challenges and successes that Ecuadorians have experienced in the highlands and the Amazon Basin. Travel to Otavalo or Cotacachi to visit model municipalities of community governance; visit highland Salinas, a rural community that has succeeded in building a local, cooperative economy; travel to endangered cloud forest to hear about environmental education programs and fair trade cooperatives as answer to destructive mining industries; and/or speak with cut flower workers to learn about the health and economic effects of water scarcity in areas of glacier-topped volcanoes.
Then travel to the Amazon Basin to look at the damaging effects of oil and other extractive industries after you experience the breathtaking diversity and beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Take a tour of Chevron's toxic oil legacy in the Amazon; speak with the leaders and healers of affected communities; visit community-run ecotourism projects that are building multicultural models of citizenship and education; and learn about how you can support environmental justice and human rights internationally and at home.
Join us on an inspirational and unforgettable experience to Ecuador to uncover the connections between citizens of the north and south, and the potential for achieving standards of human and environmental rights that would benefit everyone.
Program Highlights:
- * What is the history of oil development in Ecuador? Learn about the historic ongoing court-battle against Chevron and their toxic legacy of oil exploitation, and see the oil pits for yourself.
- * Hike through protected lowland cloud forest while you visit coffee cooperatives resisting mining companies. Learn about the movement for fair trade in Ecuador with indigenous cacao cooperatives.
- * Meet with indigenous leaders and healers in the Amazon, and visit ecotourism projects that provide alternatives to extractive industries like oil and logging.
- * Discuss environmental, social, and economic rights with activists and leaders in Quito as you uncover the alternatives to "free trade", and learn about movements for integration of South America.
- * Visit the Municipality of Cotacachi, a United Nations (UNESCO) award-winning township dedicated to sustainability and communal governance.
- * What are community-based models of rural development? Travel to highland Andean communities at 4000 meters that are working towards self-sustainability underneath Ecuador's largest snow-capped mountain.
Cost: $1425
Price Includes:
- * Double-room accommodations; two meals per day; transportation to and from all programmed activities; guides and translators; a qualified trip leader; all program activities; and reading materials.
- * NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, lunches, airport departure taxes, tips, and personal expenses are not included. Single rooms are available for an additional $200.
How to Register:
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by Mastercard or Visa are welcome.This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
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