Ecuador: Lessons Learnt

The release of the Report on Transparency and Access to Information in the Forest Sector in Ecuador in 2010 meant that the topic took on greater relevance in the public agenda, and although there is still sensitivity to different opinions by some institutions, it is important to mention as well the opening up and availability of others. As a result of the results presented in the report, dialogue has begun with the different sectors: public, private and civil society organisations (CSOs). This dialogue has in turn generated possibilities for formulating actions. A more periodic communication has been maintained with the CSOs which make up the coalition; there has been participation in various workshops organised by the member organisations in different cities around the country; and there has also been participation in a number of interviews and radio programs dealing with the issue of forest transparency. All of this has allowed wide dissemination of the message of the importance of forest transparency.

In addition, as part of the Forest Transparency project, various projects and consultations are being carried out related to: forestry offences, use of the Organic Law for Transparency and Access to Public Information, responsible consumption of forest products and requests for information. It is important to mention that the results generated by the latter consultation will show possible imbalances between the information requested by citizens and the information offered by institutions, both public and private. The results of these activities will be publicly accessible and will contribute to improving understanding of the forest sector and the importance of governance and transparency.

However, despite the good results, there is still some distance to be covered to generate information on the forest sector in the country, and particularly so that the information generated is accessible to the public and becomes a tool for participative decision-making. It is still necessary for public institutions, the private sector and CSOs to disseminate information in their possession, share databases and coordinate activities in order to improve forest governance in Ecuador, what is undoubtedly a long-term and sustained effort.