Sustainability Efforts
Country: Ecuador
Explore sustainability efforts in Ecuador. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) said it well when they stated:
“Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”
About Ecuador
Ecuador, a land of awe-inspiring beauty and unmatched natural wonders, is a country that enchants all who visit. Nestled in the heart of South America, this small nation is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes that will leave you breathless. One of Ecuador’s greatest gems is the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These enchanting islands, known for their unique wildlife and untouched ecosystems, offer a glimpse into a world untouched by time. Witnessing giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and an array of fascinating bird species, such as the famous blue-footed booby, is an experience that words cannot fully capture. Sustainability efforts in Ecuador will enhance the country’s future.
Sustainability Efforts
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Poverty: The Ecuadorian government, in collaboration with the World Bank and other NGOs, is implementing several poverty reduction strategies, such as Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs, which have reached nearly 1.1 million poor households as of 2022. There's an emphasis on creating job opportunities, particularly in the agriculture sector, where the majority of Ecuador's poor are involved. The poverty rate has decreased from 36.7% in 2010 to 21.5% in 2022, showing a gradual, steady decrease.
Hunger: Ecuador has taken significant strides towards reducing hunger, with initiatives such as the Zero Hunger program launched in 2019. The focus is on enhancing food production, securing better access to nutritious food, and educating the populace about balanced diets. Since the inception of the program, the percentage of people suffering from malnutrition has dropped to 8% in 2022 from 12.4% in 2019.
Healthcare: The National Health and Nutrition Program aims to expand access to healthcare services, especially for those in rural areas. It includes establishing health posts and training community health workers. Additionally, the government has increased health spending to 4.2% of GDP in 2022 from 2.3% in 2010. Consequently, infant mortality rates have dropped, and life expectancy has improved significantly over the past decade.
Education: Ecuador has made education a priority with its "Education for All" policy. The government has invested in building schools, training teachers, and offering free textbooks, leading to a rise in primary school enrolment rates to nearly 98% in 2022. Efforts are underway to improve the quality of education and increase the tertiary education enrollment rate, currently at 35%.
Gender Equality: The country has introduced a comprehensive National Plan for Gender Equality 2022-2026, focused on reducing gender-based violence and promoting female participation in politics, economics, and education. Currently, 38% of parliamentary seats are held by women, compared to 32% in 2017. The gender pay gap has also narrowed, although more work needs to be done.
Clean Water and Sanitation: Projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other agencies aim to improve water supply and sanitation services for rural and urban residents. As of 2022, access to clean drinking water has improved to 93% from 86% in 2010, and sanitation coverage has risen to 89% from 80% over the same period.
Affordable Clean Energy: Ecuador has embraced renewable energy, particularly hydroelectric power. Investments in renewable energy projects have grown by 20% annually over the past five years. The government's goal is to source 60% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2025, up from 44% in 2022.
Economic Growth: The government's Pro-Competitiveness reform package, designed to spur economic growth, has helped to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and improve the business environment. The GDP growth rate has been steady at an average of 3.5% over the past five years, while FDI inflow reached $1.5 billion in 2022, a significant increase from $734 million in 2018.
Industry Innovation: The National Plan for Good Living 2017-2021 emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in advancing Ecuador's economic growth. The government has increased its spending on research and development to 1% of GDP in 2022, and the number of patents registered has seen a steady increase, indicative of a growing culture of innovation.
Reduced Inequalities: Ecuador has adopted progressive fiscal policies to reduce income inequality, including a wealth tax and increased social spending. The Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has dropped to 0.44 in 2022 from 0.54 in 2010, indicating progress towards a more equal distribution of income.
Sustainable Cities: Through its Urban Development and Living Plan, the government is investing in green infrastructure, public transportation, and waste management in cities. Quito, the capital, has already seen a 20% increase in green spaces since 2018 and a significant reduction in carbon emissions due to the introduction of a new metro system.
Responsible Consumption and Production: Ecuador's Ministry of Environment has launched an action plan promoting sustainable consumption and production. The country has seen a 15% decrease in non-recyclable waste production since the implementation of the plan in 2019, and an increase in the percentage of waste recycled, currently at 35%.
Climate Action: Ecuador's ambitious Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy includes initiatives like reforestation, promoting renewable energy, and carbon capture technologies. The country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 2000 levels by 2025.
Aquatic Environment: The Marine Coastal Management Policy, initiated in 2019, has helped conserve and sustainably manage Ecuador's marine and coastal ecosystems. Notably, the country has established marine protected areas that cover about 30% of its marine waters as of 2022, up from just 10% in 2010.
Natural Environment: Ecuador's 'Socio Bosque' program offers economic incentives to landowners to preserve forested areas. So far, the program has conserved over 1.6 million hectares of forest. Furthermore, the country's deforestation rate has reduced by 30% since the program's inception in 2008.
Peace and Justice Institutions: The government, in cooperation with international organizations, is working to strengthen the justice system and promote a culture of peace. The judiciary budget has increased by 25% over the past five years, allowing for more comprehensive access to legal services for citizens.
Partnerships for the Goals: Ecuador actively collaborates with international bodies, NGOs, and the private sector to achieve its sustainable development goals. Multilateral cooperation has increased over the past decade, with international aid reaching $500 million in 2022, an increase from $350 million in 2010. This collaboration is pivotal in addressing major issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.