Ecuador : Indicators

Prior to 2000 the regulations linked to the Law on Forests and Conservation of Natural Areas and Wildlife concentrated on a merely extractive model; however, from 2000 onwards the regulations have been modified to introduce sustainability criteria. There are numerous laws connected with the environment sector which are available for the general public on the Ministry of Environment (MAE) website. It must be emphasised that, although the regulations are available, the beneficiaries of the forests are not generally fully aware of them.

The Constitution of Ecuador 2008 set out new principles designed to improve well-being and the rights of nature. This led to consideration in July 2008 of the need for an Environmental Code in tune with these principles, which would include a new institutional structure for environmental issues. However, to date there has been no opening for the participation of civil society in drawing up this document. This framework also provides for the creation of an Environmental Regulator. However, it is not known how much progress has been made on this subject, as there is no official version of its status either on the MAE website or that of the National Assembly.