Recent Political Action

            There has been a lot of recent political action in Ecuador…which has me realize what a radical indigenous population Ecuador has.  President Correa recently signed a contract agreeing to mine Yasuni National Park.  Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Here, diversity of amphibians, birds, mammals, and vascular plants are at their greatest in all of the Western Hemisphere.  It also holds the world record for “local-scale” tree, amphibian and bat richness. .  In only 2.5 acres of land, more tree species can be found than in all of the U.S. and Canada.  In response, a large group of farmers, indigenous communities, women, workers, professors, students, etc. is protesting and marching for the defense of water, nature, labor rights, and the life and dignity of communities.  Open pit mining does irreversible damage to the forests, biodiversity, and species diversity.  It causes land erosion and air pollution.  It makes for serious health issues to the people living in the forests and nearby communities.  People are also concerned about the famous “Dutch Disease” that turn countries into importers, destroying local development.  Water, and the health of nature and people should be prioritized over the need for gold, copper, and uranium.   A few days ago the large march/protest passed through Cuenca, on their way to Quito in hopes of arriving there by March 22, which is International water day (Quito is about 10 hours by car from Cuenca).  The march was full of passion and excitement, in attempt of spreading awareness and opposing the governmental decisions.  In the main park of Cuenca, the government paid for pro-Correa speakers trying to convince and educate the public of the necessity to drill Yasuni.  They played cheerful indigenous music, and provided an upbeat environment.  It was fascinating to see groups side-by-side.

            Also, a week or so ago was “el dia de la mujer” or International woman’s day.  I had never heard of this day until I came here…I don’t know how well it is celebrated in other places.  In Cuenca, it is a huge event.  There are signs and banners all around the city.  Everyone gives the women in their lives flowers.  Groups of moms finally take the night off to go out to eat with each other.  Groups of young women go out for a bite to eat and then celebrate at the clubs.  The feeling in the city, and among women, was of great excitement, pride, and celebration.  It was a really neat day and holiday, however I found it a bit contradictory.  It’s kind of sad that it takes a holiday for women to finally relax, enjoy, and celebrate themselves. For many, only on this day, are they fully celebrated, respected, and served.  Couldn’t men cook and clean and celebrate women a few more days of the year…?