UNESCO_Dossier_Aspiring_Geopark_Imbabura by josel_utn015

INDEX A5. 5. 8. 9.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Identification of the Area Name of the proposed Geopark Surface area, physical and human geography characteristics of the proposed Geopark Organization in charge and management structure (description, function and organigram) of the proposed geopark Application contact person (name, position, tel/fax, e-mail)

B10. 11. 15. 20.

Geological Heritage Location of the proposed Geopark (including geographical map and coordinates) General geological description of the proposed Geopark Listing and description of the geological sites within the proposed Geopark Details on the interest of these sites in terms of their international, national, regional or local value (for example, scientific, educational, aesthetic)

C24. 24. 25. 27.

Geoconservation Current or potential pressure on the proposed Geopark Current status in terms of protection of geological sites within the proposed Geopark Data on the management and maintenance of these sites Listing and description of non-geological sites and how they are integrated into the proposed Geopark

D41. 43.

48.

Economic Activity & Business Plan (including detailed financial information) Economic activity in the proposed Geopark Existing and planned facilities for the proposed Geopark (e.g. geo-education, geo-tourism, tourism infrastructure etc.) Analysis of geotourism potential of the proposed Geopark Overview and policies for the sustainable development of geo-tourism and economy, geo-education and geo-heritage. Policies for, and examples of, community empowerment (involvement and consultation) in the proposed Geopark Policies for, and examples of, public and stakeholder awareness in the proposed Geopark

E48.

Interest and arguments for joining the GGN

45. 46. 47.

ANNEXES Annex 1: Self Evaluation Document Append A: Additional Information Regarding the Self Evaluation Document Annex 2: Additional copy of Section B â&#x20AC;&#x153;Geological Heritageâ&#x20AC;? of the Application Annex 3: Letters of Support from the Ecuador National Commission for International Relations, the Regional Governor, Prefecture, CoordinaciĂłn Zonal 1 del Ministerio de Turismo and other authorities, private and public institutions, community groups and private people. t t t

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A-1 NAME OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK: PROJECT GEOPARK IMBABURA

he name proposed for this aspiring Geopark is 1SPKFDU (FPQBSL *NCBCVSB Ä&#x2021;F &DVBEPS PG (FPQBSLT *NCBCVSB (4,621m) is the first volcano (of the nine major complexes within the geopark project) to be encountered on the Panamericano route into the NW province of the same name, *NCBCVSB from 2VJUP, towering over the -BHP 4BO 1BCMP a glacier lake known previous to the Spanish colonisation as Imbacocha. The volcano is popularly known as Taita Imbabura (Father Imbabura) and is considered to be a protective energy (protector) for the whole province. Thus, the name symbolizes the entrance into a world where life is lived in harmony with Nature/ Pachamama, where the people protect their ethno- ecosphere. The name also relates to the cultural, historical and linguistic roots of the province where Kichwa and traditional indigenous values are every-

day currency, above all in the rural parishes that are predominant in all the six cantons. Imba is the Kichwa name for the scale-less catfish endemic to the region, the preĂąadilla or Astroblepus cyclopus, first described by Humboldt and Bonpald in 1805. According to tradition, this fish formed part of the diet of the native pre-Incan women during pregnancy (thence the name which in Spanish literally means â&#x20AC;&#x153;a baby pregnancyâ&#x20AC;?) and to improve fertility. The fish was also valued by the Incas who used it as an element of payment of tributes. After the Spanish colonisation, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;preĂąadillaâ&#x20AC;? was incorporated by way of tribute to be paid to the Catholic Church during Lent. Therefore, the name reflects correctly the holistic vision of the interlocking tapestry of â&#x20AC;&#x153;ethnospheresâ&#x20AC;? in the proposed Geopark and its main mission: to consolidate different cultural identity shaped by geo-reality

as a competitive advantage for sustainable rural development through turismo consciente: geo-conservation and interpretation organised by the indigenous communities and designed to impact and transform the vision and experience of the visitor to the province, while safeguarding the different environment and cultural world visions offered therein. It is also coherent with the general philosophy of the brand vision promoted by the Ministerio de Turismo (http:// vimeo.com/96614004) and totally within the framework of the Master Plan for development in Ecuador, &M 1MBO EFM #VFO 7JWJS

"ČŞ LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK: IMBABURA (00Âş07â&#x20AC;&#x2122; AND 00Âş52â&#x20AC;&#x2122;N, 77Âş48â&#x20AC;&#x2122; AND 79Âş12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;W)

he proposed Project Geopark Imbabura covers the entire province of Imbabura in the North Andean region of Ecuador (and, therefore, the whole of the region of the basin of Hoya de Chota and part of the Hoya de Guayllabamba). The province of Imbabura (00Âş07â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 00Âş52â&#x20AC;&#x2122;N, 77Âş48â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 79Âş12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;W), one of the twenty-four (24) that exist in the whole of Ecuador, includes six (6) cantons or cantones: Ibarra (and the capital of the province, the city of San Miguel de Ibarra), Antonio Ante, Otavalo, Cotacachi, UrcuquĂ and Pimampiro. It extends over 4,559 km2 and borders to the North with Carchi (the province that, in turn, borders with Colombia), to the South with Pichincha (home to the capital city, Quito, the international airport and the highest live volcano in the world, Chimborazo), with SucumbĂos

6 to the East, and to the West with the Afro-Ecuadorian region of Esmeraldas. The project Geopark Imbabura’s boundaries are thus clearly traced administratively. They belong, in the scope of all the Ministries, within the area referred to as Coordinación Zonal 1 (from North to South, and from West to East, the provinces of Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura and Sucumbíos). The area of the Project Geopark Imbabura offers a coherent overview of the geological history, events and processes that have given rise to the social and cultural history and development. This is the province where both the Spanish and the Incas met with most resistance, with most concerted opposition in both semi-coincident colonisation processes, because of the strength of the cultural cohesion and the local people’s expertise

knowledge with respect to the geography and geology of the area, which they used to their advantage. The Project Geopark Imbabura affords a framework within which to produce an exponential model of how to make fair-trade community tourism based on different geological and cultural identity work, as “smart” rural development, incorporating smart-phone payment and guiding applications into a sustainable framework based on creative conservation and interpretation of ancestral knowledge. This, together with scientific observation of bio-systems for innovation and investment, will allow this new/old knowledge economy to move away from the extractive industry and to offer a sustainable future for the younger generations, thus staving off rural emigration. It already has a strong base upon which to build, with broad-ranging public, private and community infrastructure in tourism in the province. In many ways, it is already functioning as a de facto Geopark although its spectacular geo-cultural reality is not producing wealth for the hosts at the moment. Rather, the money is leaking to outside operators, Quito-based and often from other countries. Its proximity to Quito (the international airport) and the new train service, linking up the whole of the Project Geopark Imbabura, from Otavalo to Salinas, are, at one and the same time, unprecedented opportunities and threats for sustainable community development. TGC (Transaction Governance Capacity) is to benefit the traditional (and future) generations of “guardians” of the territory in an area with great prospects in alternative energy (in the full sense of the word “energy”).

PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

he aspiring Project Geopark Imbabura in Imbabura (00º07’ and 00º52’N, 77º48’ and 79º12’W) covers 4,559 km2 with a total population of 398,244 according to the last official census, carried out in 2010. The total population of Ecuador in July 2014 was estimated at around sixteen million (15,654,411), with over four million living in the most important urban areas of Guayaquil (2,287 million) and Quito (1,622 million) and 67.5% of the population living in urban areas, producing a situation of high poverty and income inequality, both of which tend to affect indigenous, mestizo and rural populations most harshly. The population of Imbabura, with the exception of the capital city of Ibarra, is mainly mestizo or indigenous, with areas such as the Valle del Chota region almost exclusively Afro-Ecuadorian. It is pre-eminently an agricultural and service-based economy (tourism), with the products of both dictated by the topography and the resulting varied climates of the province. The total range of altitudes varies between 600masl in the lower areas of the River Guayllabamba and the 4,939 masl at the peak of the extinct glacier volcano, Cotacachi, thus producing a whole system of micro-climes, with average temperatures ranging between a low of 9.9ºC (Meteorological Station at Lita) and highs of 22.9ºC (Meteorological Station at Salinas), and with annual average rainfall between 3.598mm (Lita) and 310.3mm (Salinas). The province known as the “Province of the Lakes” (Provincia de Los Lagos) offers an equally varied range of landscapes, from volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, calderas, rivers, thermal springs and waterfalls to the steppes or páramos, salt-mines and arid countryside of Salinas and the Valle del Chota, traversed by Humboldt in his exploration of the country and the New World, and by the French Academy of Sciences’ geodesic expedition led by La Condamine. The main volcanoes within the Project Geopark Imbabura are Imbabura itself (4,621m) known as Taita Imbabura (Father Imbabura) and considered to be the protective force of the nearby Ibarra; Cotacachi (4,944m) known as Mamá María Isabel Nieves Cotacachi and considered to be the “wife” of Imbabura; Mojanda (4,263m) fabled to be the rival of Taita Imbabura for the favours of Cotacachi; Fuya Fuya (4,279m); Chachimbiro (4,105m); and Cuicocha (3,246m); with Cayambe (5,790m) in the immediate sphere of influence. The Northern Andes, largely rural communities, are also known for their rich ethnic mix and cultural heritage, with the many festivities in the area celebrating their various identities but in the spirit of unity in diversity, of harmony with, and respect for Pachamama, two of the underlying leitmotifs of the Project Geopark Imbabura. It is an area now of low industrialisation, formerly devoted almost exclusively, since the Pre-Incan times and later in the Spanish colonisation, to the production of textiles (first hand-loom then steam-powered). Textile production still continues, but largely on a cottage industry basis, together with leatherwork. There is also a significant wooden furniture and sculpture production in San Antonio de Ibarra. The area has great potential for alternative clean energy production with recent major investments in photovoltaic energy in Paragachi, Pimampiro, and hydroelectric plants in Manduriacos, Intag. There has been heavy investment also in grow-

th through knowledge in the shape of the new University, Yáchay, the Ciudad de Conocimiento, and in the tourism industry, with the rehabilitation, as a cultural centre and museums, of the EP Fábrica Imbabura (a former textile factory) together with the rehabilitation and re-opening of the railway line from Otavalo through to Salinas, linking up the whole of the province. Agriculture is still largely traditional, due to the complicated geographical profile of the land, (with on-farm activities representing 40-90% of the household income and “sogueo” or selective pegging of animals for grazing purposes still common practice but the various different altitudes and micro-climes allow for crops all year round. The traditional architecture still predominates (made of a conglomerate, ‘cancagua’ of earth, stone and straw) and has even been re-introduced in places such as Buenos Aires, in the canton of Urcuquí. The whole area has lived, and continues to live dependent on its volcanoes and general natural surroundings, watchful of possible events. The city of Ibarra was totally destroyed by an earthquake on the 16th August 1868. The nearby region of Carchi is presently on amber alert, due to the recent activity of El Cerro Negro and the Volcán Chiles on the Colombian border. The nearby volcano, El Reventador, to the South is also making its presence felt (see www.igepn.edu.ec ).The volcanoes of Imbabura and Cuicocha are permanently monitored by the IGEPN (El Instituto Ecuatoriano de Geofísica) who will be assuming responsibility for the geo-science/geo-conservation aspect of the Project GeoPark Imbabura and working together with the geo-tourism and geo-education mingas.

A-3 ORGANISATION IN CHARGE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

re-Association Organigram (responsible for socialisation, upgrading of infrastructure and consensus-building). This is also the Steering Commission Organigram (responsible for Business Plan). Universities Prefectura Provincial + GADs

Coord. Zonal 1 Tourism

Gobernador

Geopark MingaGeoscientists & Ambassadors

PRE-ASSOCIATION FRIENDS OF THE PROJECT GEOPARK

Ge o Gu Mi par Am ar nga k ba dian ss s ad & or s

Coord. Zonal 1 Ambiente

IGEPN

Geopark Minga Guardian Database & Ambassadors

Geopark Minga Ambassadors

The articulation of the organisation immediately in charge is a faithful reflection of the initiation of this process. The political spheres in Ecuador respond directly to the citizens and their demands, as structured in the Constitution of La Revoluciรณn Ciudadana. They will be responsible (CSR) for the immediate infrastructure and conservation measures/development of education programmes that are still missing in the province and which are vital to the success of the same. The IGEPN will be responsible for the tracing of the geo-routes and basic documentation for interpretation in education and tourism programmes (as they have already done in the case of Tungurahua). The political representatives will also be responsible for setting in motion the processes required to establish the mingas of the Cultivating the Geopark movement and to organise the Geopark Ambassadors to socialise the project for people to make it their own and thus guarantee that the initiative works not only in the short but also in the long run. There is a perceived need often for public agencies to be closer to the ground, more proactive in processes, less bureaucratic. This will help. The Universities also are often seen as divorced from the real world around them. This will help. Pyramidal social networking and feedback will lay the basis for consensus. The Pre-Association should come to a consensus on a format from thereafter (from a series of options presented) and vote for the same by July 2015. Recommended framework thereafter: revised edition of CTC (Community Tourism Centre) together with Foundation.

9 The CTC is designed to produce a coincidence between profits and purpose thereby building up the heritage and business of the Geopark and making it self-sustainable. The Foundation is for long-term investors to exert CSR by depositing sums of money in the Foundation that they can then withdraw after three years no interest paid (or leave permanently) designed on the model of Bankers without Borders of Mohammed Yunus. There will be social ventures that certain agencies will be invited to invest in and others that the Geopark Association will be able to finance from the Foundation funds (after a consensus vote is taken on the same). The CTC should have (1) a Sales Director and International PR (2) a Programme/Business Manager (3) Community Projects and Liaison Manager (4) a General Manager (5) an Initiative Development Coordinator and (6) a Natural Resource (including Geo-resources) Management Coordinator. All of the original Government applicants should continue to exert responsibility for their various spheres within the territory (Conservation, Promotion and Quality Control, Geo-education and Conservation and general enhancement/conservation of the Natural Heritage) and in promoting investment in the Foundation for specific projects. Operators within the Park will be invited to invest in the Foundation. The Foundation will set up grants and credit systems for start-ups (that meet the specific requirements set by the CTC & Foundation).

This is merely indicative. The communities themselves will have social structures and business models presented to them in order to choose which is most suited to their needs. It is estimated that the process can be achieved in a country like Ecuador, where public consultation is required for all processes, in six months maximum.

" "QQMJDBUJPO $POUBDU 1FSTPO

Ing. Eugenio Naranjo, Coordinador Zonal 1 del Ministerio de Turismo Telephone (s): +593 (0)998721231 (mobile) +593 (0)62958752 (office) Address: Sucre 14-72 y Teodoro Gรณmez, piso 2, Ibarra 100101 Ecuador.

B-1 LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK: IMBABURA (00º07’ AND 00º52’N, 77º48’ AND 79º12’W) LAGUNAS DE PIÑAN

LAGUNAS DE MOJANDA

B-2 GENERAL GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

he Northern Andean region in Ecuador where the Project Geo-Park Imbabura is inserted (Province of Imbabura) forms part of the Mesozoic-Tertiary orogenic belt of mountains along the Pacific Ring of Fire, encompassing the Pacific rim of the Americas as well as the Asia-Pacific region. In Ecuador, the main manifestations of the Pacific Ring of Fire are the two parallel mountain chains of major stratovolcanoes (the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Real, also known as the Avenida de Volcanes) produced as the result of the collision of two tectonic plates: the Nazca Plate drifting West to East and Continental South America, moving East to West, producing a compression on the western rim of the latter. It is considered to be a natural laboratory for observation and research of the interaction between subduction of the oceanic plate and active geological processes (relationships between magmatic and tectonic processes, deformation and the origin of sedimentary basins, transmission of the stress structures resulting, and rates of past and present deformation). The Active Tectonics of the Andes Database, and its digital archive of > 400 active faults, is, therefore, a useful tool that has been created for scientists, teachers, policymakers and the general population to evaluate the regional kinematics of faulting in the development of active strike-slip systems in NW Latin America. The Andes are the result of Mesozoic and Cenozoic collisions of oceanic terrains prior to the present Andean-type setting. However, the modern Andes as we know them were accreted mainly in the Cretaceous as the result of the uplifting, faulting and folding of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The Ecuadorian arc forms part of the Northern Volcanic Zone (NVZ) of the Ecuadorian Andes that extend from 5° N (The Cerro Bravo Volcano, Colombia) through to 2° S (the Sangay Volcano, Ecuador). Further south of this latitude, there are no active volcanoes until the region of Arequipa, Peru. The Ecuador volcanic arc is formed, in the main, facing the Carnegie Ridge and is broader (100-120kms) than its northern counterpart in Colombia, which is 30-50 km. Whereas in Colombia, the volcanic arc is one sole row of volcanoes, in Ecuador, and especially facing the Carnegie Ridge, there are various rows of volcanoes that follow the basement structure (Pallatanga lithotectonic terrain). Gansser (1973) was the first to propose a three-fold division of the Andean Cordillera based on first-order tectonic differences among segments (South, Central, and North). Hall and Beate (1991) define 4 alignments of volcanoes or volcanic fronts in the whole of Ecuador: the Cordillera Occidental (Western Mountain Range or Western Ridge), the Inter-Andean depression or graven, La Cordillera Real (the Royal Mountain Range or Ridge) and the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Ridge or Mountain Range). The province of Imbabura and, therefore, the Project Geopark Imbabura has volcanoes that belong to both the Cordillera Occidental and the Inter-Andean Depression. The outpouring of lava from the various volcanoes produced the central plateau divided over 16 major basins, home to approximate-

ly half of Ecuador’s population. The area is prone to intense intraplate deformation, as evidenced by the major earthquakes that have occurred, one of which, in 1868, totally devastated the city of Ibarra (two consecutive earthquakes on the 15th in El Angel, Carchi and the 2nd, on the 16th August, in the vicinity of San Miguel de Ibarra). Known fault lines within the area of the earthquake epicentres are the SSW-NNE trending San Isidro, El Angel, Río Ambi and Otavalo faults, all considered to be dextral strike-slip faults, sometimes with reverse movements. All these faults are interpreted to have moved in the last 1.6 million years. The Project Geopark Imbabura lies mainly in the basin of the Hoya de Chota, extending through to the Hoya de Guayllabamba. This central Inter-Andean corridor is crossed by a series of “knots”, much like a geographical staircase, that give rise to a large variety of valleys, terraces and different ecosystems and a system of agriculture that Udo Oberem was to christen as “microverticalidad”. Many rivers run down the sides of the Andes, running overland or underground, cutting through the mountains to the Pacific or the Amazon Region. These natural passageways, or “abras”, were used by the original inhabitants to connect with other populations in different geographical areas and to barter goods. In the province of Imbabura, the most important natural “abra” ran from Pimampiro – San Francisco de Sigsipamba – the River Dorado- the River Cofanes - River Aguarico.

THE CORDILLERA OCCIDENTAL

he Cordillera Occidental is a volcanic front or alignment running parallel to the Andean bearing, 360 kilometres long and 30-40 km broad, fault-sutured on both the east and the west sides. It is located between the fore-arc of the Coast and the graven or Inter-Andean central valley. The Cordillera Occidental was formed by an accretionary prism, mainly of ocean crust composition, continental crust and accreted Late Mesozoic to Cenozoic ocean terrains (PiĂąon, Pallatanga, Macuchi). These were overlain by calc-alkaline Post-Eocene continental margin volcanic sequences. The altitudes of the main stratovolcanoes are in the 4,500-5,000 masl range with Chimborazo at 6,300 m, the highest of the North Andes volcanoes. The main volcanoes are from North to South: Chiles-Cerro Negro, Cotacachi-Cuicocha (CO1 and CO2), Pululagua, Casitagua, Pichincha, Atacazo-Ninahuilca, CorazĂłn, Illiniza, Quilotoa, Chimborazo-Carihuarazo; and many others of lesser dimensions or older. The Cotacachi-Cuicocha (CO1 &2) complex forms part of the proposed Geo-park Imbabura. The location of the volcanoes on the volcanic front is relative, first and foremost, to the depth of the subduction zone and, therefore, to the genesis of the magmas and, second, to the crustal structures, above all, the faults and fracture lines that intersect the Cordillera diagonally (e.g. NW-SE). However, there are often no volcanoes to be seen where the main alignments intersect the volcanic ridge, suggesting that the main factor controlling their location is the depth of the Benioff zone. This is a region of intense crustal deformation, above

all where the Carnegie Ridge is subducting beneath Ecuador (see the model of Gutscher et al: 1999 below) with the proposal of a continuing subducting of a presumed prolongation of the Carnegie ridge and a lithospheric tear giving rise to the historically high intraplate seismicity with slip rates calculated at up to 2cms/yr.

Model of Gutscher et al. 1999

The area of the Project Geopark Imbabura encompassed in the Cordillera Occidental (Cotacachi-Cuicocha) offers equally interesting features in its rock types and magmas, with anomalous adakitic geochemical signatures. There is a clear evolution from eminently basaltic lava, with andesites from two pyroxenes through to edifices known to form dome extrusion, with highly explosive dynamics and a blend of dacites and hornblende. Examples of this type can be seen in the Pichincha, Atacazo, Iliniza and Cotacachi. However, there are other volcanoes such as Chimborazo that do not manifest any progressive magmatic differentiation but are rather more similar geochemically and in rock types to the volcanoes of the Cordillera Real (e.g. Cotopaxi). With the sole exception of the Chachimbiro (UR1) complex, also within the limits of the Project Geopark Imbabura, there is no evidence of Quaternary foci of rhyolitic activity in this Cordillera. There is scant data with respect to the age of the volcanoes in this Cordillera. In line with data given by Barberi et al., (1988), it is possible that stra-

13 Rumiñahui, run longitudinal to the Depression. The major stratovolcano, Sagatoa and its satellite Unamuncho are inside the Depression, immediately to the North of Ambato, while the volcanoes of Igualata, Mulmul, Calpi and Llimpi, together with the small cinder cones of Tulabug and Aulabug are close to Riobamba.

tovolcanoes such as Pichincha date back some 1.5 Ma. The active volcanoes in this alignment are considered to be highly dangerous on account of their explosive eruptions, characterised by dome growth, generation of pyroclastic flow, ash fallout and lahars. Fortunately, the recurrence rate is measured in hundreds to thousands of years.

THE NORTH INTER-ANDEAN GRAVEN OR DEPRESSION

his is a graven valley bounded by regional faults with Andean bearing. There is a discontinuous row of volcanoes between the two main Cordilleras. The volcanoes are generally grouped together (in clusters or nudos-knots) scattered transversally over the Inter-Andean Depression, generally in places where the valley changes direction which would seem to suggest that their location is dictated by fault lines or fractures related to the drift of the Cordilleras. Close to the border with Colombia there are a series of lesser volcanoes, a little further South, where the Inter-Andean Depression turns North-South: Mojanda-Fuya Fuya (OT 1&2), Cusín (IB3, Imbabura (IB1) and Cubilche (IB2) (all of which fall within the area of the Project Geopark Imbabura). Further South still, stratovolcanoes such as Ilaló, Pasochoa, and

The geochemical characteristics and rock types vary appreciably here too, from basaltic andesites through to dacites. The andesites are predominantly to be found in Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Ilaló, Cusín and Sagatoa, whereas the andesites are more abundant in Igualata, Llimpi, Calpi, Mojanda and Imbabura. Finally, there are dacites in Fuya Fuya and Imbabura (Mojanda, Imbabura and Fuya Fuya are all within the Project Geopark Imbabura). The ages of this group of volcanoes, according to Barberi et al, 1988 range from the old, eroded Rumiñahui (K/ Ar dated at >9 Ma, although doubts have been cast on the same) to Ilaló, dated at 1.6 Ma. The edifice Mojanda-Fuya Fuya, is dated between 0.5 - 0.6 Ma. This would seem to suggest that the oldest volcanoes here are at least similar in age to those of the Cordillera Occidental. Dates for certain recent layers of tephra on Mojanda and Imbabura are under 30,000 years. This young aspect of the morphology of Tulabug and Aulabug, Imbabura and Mojanda-Fuya Fuya suggests that the volcanoes are potentially active. The explosive dynamics of the eruptions and the composition of the volcanic products (dacites) of Imbabura and Mojanda-Fuya Fuya suggest that a future eruption could cause immense damage to the surrounding areas.

QUATERNARY ARC

NEO-TECTONIC LAYOUT (MODIFIED FROM SOULAS & EGÃ&#x153;EZ,1991)

B -3

Cotacachi (4,944masl) Cuicocha (3,377m)

Stratovolcano 0ยบ21N78ยบ20W Caldera Lagoon

Int,Nat.Reg Int,Nat, Reg

Interpretation Centre, Boat Trips, Rest. Interpreted routes,Accom.

GT,ED, ENVTL SCI GT,ED, ENVTL SCI, CULT

B-4 DESCRIPTION OF GEO-SITES

his area of the Northern Andes is considered to be unique (Ramos, 1999) and a natural laboratory for observation of the interaction of the subduction of the oceanic plate and active geological processes. The National Geophysics Institute of the Ecuadorian National Polytechnic (www.igepn.edu.ec) responsible for the general monitoring of the safety of the volcanic system in the whole of Ecuador has seven observatories in the area at Control Level 2, thus ensuring high levels of geo-conservation and a constant geo-scientific presence, research and control of the proposed Project Geo-Park Imbabura. It is projected that this institution and Earth Sciences in general will be moved to YĂĄchay in the near future, thus guaranteeing the continuity of research and scientific control/geo-conservation of the area. YĂĄchay will also house the recently created INER, Ecuadorian Institute for Renewable Energy, which will allow for quality energy production in the whole of the region, and the Project Geopark Imbabura to act as a showcase to the world of the Ecuadorian knowledge industry. The Project Geopark Imbabura works on the basis of a well-established community tourism product (as illustrated in the Runa Tupari catalogue), which it is designed to valorise and expand upon. The national and international geosites, already classified in the previous lists, are blended into a harmonious product of cultural and natural attractions which the Project will enhance.

7PMDBOPFT

PUBDBDIJ $VJDPDIB $PNQMFY (CO1 & CO2

Cotacachi (4,944m) Stratovolcano Dormant/Inactive-Cuicocha (3,246m). Caldera volcano Potentially active. Ecuador 0Âş36â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8N-78Âş34â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;W On the Otavalo-UmpalĂĄ fracture zone. Nearest population 30km: 364,146 DRT: Dacite Diameter: 2km (Cuicocha) 21 km(Cotacachi) Last eruption >2,900 BP (Cuicocha) Unknown (Cotacachi) Recent Activity: Hydrothermal (Cuicocha and Cotacachi)

Monitor Level 2: Seismicity, Deformation, Thermal Waters and Temperatures. The Cotacachi-Cuicocha Complex belongs to the Cordillera Occidental (in the North and in the basin of Hoya de Chota) and is some 10 km to the East of Cotacachi, at the southern end of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Nature Reserve. The main stratovolcano of Cotacachi is surrounded by four centres of eruption: Muyurcu, Loma Negra, Peribuela and Cuicocha. At the peak of Cotacachi, there are two volcanic cusps separated by a short saddle. It is similar to a cone in structure. Cotacachi erupted in the Pleistocene, the period in which it became extinct. The soil around Cotacachi is D2,D3 and M3, sandy clay derived from pyroclasts, with immense capacity for water retention but scarcely weathered. The activity of the whole complex dates back some 0.6 million years. Cuicocha is the youngest part of the complex and developed over the last 10,000 years (Von Hillebrandt, 1989). It is a caldera volcano with four dacitic domes inside and around the internal-crater lake that has a diameter of 3.5 km. The activity began with Domo Cuicocha on the south flank of Cotacachi. A series of partial collapses some 3,500 years ago produced pyroclastic block and ash flows that affected Otavalo (Athens, 1998). Then there was a pause in activity until the Plinian eruption (c.3,500 years ago) that spewed out 5km3 tephra (fall and pyroclastic flow) much the same as occurred in the case of Mt. St. Helenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 1980. This highly explosive blast is considered to have given rise to the present caldera (Von Hillebrandt, 1989). There are 2 dacitic lava domes submerged inside the caldera and two small, forested islands in the lake (Teodoro Wolf and Yerovi). There is also an older dome on the eastern flank of the volcano. The Lago Cuicocha is 148 metres deep and is fed by rainfall and hydrothermal water. An earthquake in 1987 lowered the water level rapidly (an estimated loss of 30cm/yr). Approximately 3,000m3 of water are lost each day due to percolation into bedrock fractures and fissures. The temperature increases by 0.1ÂşC per year. Divers have observed inflow of warm hydrothermal water at 78m deep in the western part of the lake, indicating potential volcanic activity, specifically a limnic eruption. Gas emissions from several locations in the caldera also indicate that the volcano is still active. The lake is 3km wide filling the caldera and sits at the feet of the sharp-peaked (extinct) Cotacachi stratovolcano. It is highly alkaline and therefore supports very little life. The rim of the caldera is extremely steep, so steep that there is very little possibility of accumulation of the sediment required for hydrophyte

21 vegetation. What little wildlife exists within the caldera lake is to be found on the two islands where populations of silver grebe have been registered.

IBDIJNCJSP 7PMDBOJD $PNQMFY (UR1)

Chachimbiro: Compound volcano (4,105m) Potentially active Cone: Huangarillo Ecuador 0º.28’N/-78º.17’W Nearest population: 30km:356,162 DRT: Dacite Domes: Anburo, Puncara, Cochapata, Hugá (4,009 m), Pitzantzi, Loma Rodeopampa (2,812m), San Alfonso, Tababara, Tangima, Tumbatú, Ventanillas. This is a large volcanic complex 25km NW of Ibarra. The most recent volcanic activity was registered at the Pitzantzi lava dome with ash deposits between 3640-3510 AC. The late Pleistocene collapse of the andesitic Huangarillo stratovolcano produced a 6.8km2 debris avalanche deposit and a 4km-wide dome, including the rhyodacitic Hugá lava dome. The avalanche deposit is overlain by three large ignimbrile and pyroclastic flow deposits related to dome growth. The late Pleistocene-to-Holocene NEW trending dacitic Chachimbiro-Pucará line of lava domes includes the Pitzantzi lava dome. Recently, Bernard et al (2014) have produced analytics of the DRT produced by the three successive phases of the complex, listed by them as Huangarillo, Tumbatú and Hugá, with the identification of at least four (4) eruptions associated to Hugá in the last 6,000 years. These were powerful but low-frequency explosive eruptions of acid andesite to dacites with VEI ranging from 3 to 6 and by lava dome extrusion. Hot springs (Chachimbiro, Timbuyaco, Arco Iris and Savia under commercial exploitation) and thermal areas are also present in the Chachimbiro Complex.

NCBCVSB IB1): Compound Stratovolcano (4,621 m, Diameter: 16 km) Potentially active

Ecuador 0º.256’/-78º.182’ Last known eruption>8,000 yrs BP Nearest population: Otavalo, Ibarra, Antonio Ante. DRT: Andesite/Basaltic andesites Domes. Cubilche (3,828m), Cunrro (3,240m) and Huarmi Imbabura/Azaya (3,927m) Cones: Pangaladora, Angalaroma, Artezón, Zapallo Loma.

Monitored at Level 2: Seismicity, deformation The Imbabura volcano, two superimposed edifices, the upper of which bears traces of solidified lava, rises to the North of the Laguna de San Pablo in the centre-west of the Hoya del Chota in the Inter-Andean valley, extending N-S. The main conic edifice is known as Taita Imbabura (Father) with Huarmi Imbabura (3,927m: Huarmichild) forming an extruded lava-dome complex on the SW flank and Loma Artezón, a 4,030m cinder cone to the North. To the NW is Zapallo Loma at 3,824 m and to the SE, Angalaroma at 4,136 m. Pleistocene activity gave rise to the Imbabura edifice, a large constructed andesitic stratovolcano, formed as the result of lava eruptions and small Strombolian explosions. As a result of its height and the fact that it is traversed by an active fault, the edifice has experienced two (2) major landslides (volume>1km3) which involved broad-ranging segments of the N and NW flanks and which partially destroyed the edifice (Andrade, 2009). A major eruption 25,000 years ago produced a debris avalanche, and the possible lateral blast was followed by the growth of Huarmi Imbabura lava dome, the youngest part of the volcano. Evidence shows that Imbabura erupted around 8,000 years ago (Le Pennec et al., 2010). This activity and the fact that the volcano is surrounded by densely populated urban areas means that it is permanently monitored. (Control level 2) It belongs to the Quaternary Pliocene and thus the rock types are andesites, dacites and pyroclasts. The crater measures 49 hectares with a radius of 2.8km. Although this is severely weathered, it is still open, facing East, and on occasions may be snow-capped. Besides its obvious attraction as a volcano and for climbers, Imbabura is a magnificent look-out point from which to view and photograph Cotacachi, Yanahurco, Cayambe, the Cordillera de Angochagua, Cubilche and Cunrro among others. There are steep sandy allophone slopes of D3 soil derivatives of pyroclasts. The climate is semi-humid Mesothermal and when temperatures lower, the peak and slopes are shrouded in heavy cloud and mist. There is an area on the slopes of Imbabura where a budding Polylepis thicket is growing. Polylepis is a genus in the family Rosaceae and is restricted to the high Andes. Seven species of Polylepis are known from Ecuador (Romoleroux 1996) Polylepis is well adapted to the harsh climate in the mountains, with its reduced flowers and leaves covered with woolly hairs and thick, rough barks protecting it against nocturnal frost. At altitudes between 3,500 and 4,000 masl, Polylepis is the only resource of

22 wood in a zone where other tree species are unable to grow (Fjeldså & Kessler 1996). Some species of Polylepis even occur at an altitude of 4,850 m (Braun 1,997). The Polylepis forests are most common on mountain slopes, deep canyons and ravines, often among rocks and boulders as is the case here. The growth of Polylepis has been hypothesised to be limited to favourable microclimatic conditions, which occur on rocky isolated slopes (Velez et al. 1,998). However, today most scientists believe that the high Andean vegetation largely is anthropogenic. The practice of burning large areas of forest to create and improve pastures has reduced Polylepis forests to a scant percentage of their original extension (Kessler 2002).

FSSP &M $VOSSP (IB4) (3,240 m) Parish: Ango-

chagua. Canton: Ibarra. Nearest urban centre: Agochagua (3.8 km): Zuleta (6.1 km) Quaternary in origin The slopes, that are moderate to steep and whose soil composition is sandy-clay mollisol C2, as pertains to mesothermal humid areas, are covered with eucalyptus and pines that are harvested regularly. These impede other growth of endemic species in the area. On the lower reaches of the mountainside, there are Andean lupins (Lupinus pubescens), the Barcharis specias and Macleania. The fauna is not abundant either due to the woodcutting activity. There are sparrow hawks (Falco sparvenius), thrushes (Turdus fuscater) and turtle doves (Zenaida auriculata), together with wolves (Pseudolupex culpeus) and rabbits. There is a small lagoon atop the volcano. The geo-conservation of the area surrounding the volcano, not the volcano itself, has been altered due to the aforementioned reforestation of eucalyptus and pine for the wood carving activity in the nearby area of San Antonio de Ibarra. The area affords possibilities of hiking, cycling and horse-riding. Areas of archaeological, craft and conservation interest close by are the Hacienda Zuleta (7.3 km) and the related Trust Fund, Fundación Galo Plaza (famous for its food products, its condor breeding and conservation centre but, above all, for the embroidery work of the local women, responsible for the designs of President Rafael Correa’s trademark shirts). Buses run daily between Ibarra and Zuleta and the access can be reached also by jeep/ private car.

FSSP &M $VCJMDIF IB2) Parish: La Esperanza.

Canton: Ibarra Nearest urban centre: Zuleta (8.1km) and Angochagua (13.8 km). This is an area covered principally with feather reedgrass (Calamagrostis sp.) together with chicory (Hypochoeris sp., Werneria sp.) and sweet peas. On the lower reaches, there is agriculture in the shape of maize, broad beans and Andean lupins. The fauna consists mainly of wolves, quails and sparrow hawks. The steep slopes are entisol C5. The area affords a magnificent lookout point over Otavalo, Ibarra and other parishes. It is also excellent, thus, for photography of Cotacachi, Imbabura, Fuya Fuya and the Angochagua mountain range. The climate is typical of high mountain ranges in Ecuador with a high of around 10ºC. The Cubilche and Cunrro are usually tackled in hiking after Cuicocha. Both Cubilche and Cunrro can be reached by bus (daily from Ibarra). In the case of Cubilche, the access point for hiking and other activities is Paniquindra.

FSSP -B 7JVEB 6SDV (UR13) (3,360 m). Canton: San Miguel de Urcuquí. Parish: Pablo Arenas

Nearest towns: Pablo Arenas (11.45 kms) Cahuasquí (18.2 km) The Cerro La Viuda Urcu is the remains of a volcanic mantle with black cinder volcanic vents (thus giving rise to its name though local legends would have believe that the reasons are other) with a highly irregular profile and 70% steep slopes. The flora in the area is white clover (Trifolium repens), Andean lupins and Macleania, the woody vine cat’s claw (Mimosa quitensis), tiger paw (Oreopanax ecuadorensis) while the tree and shrub cover is myrtle (Eugenia halli) elderberry, butterfly bush (Buddleja incana), alder trees (Alnus sp.) and acacias (Acacia macracantha). The most outstanding fauna are mountain cats (Felis yagourandi), little red brockets (Mazama rufina) rabbits, armadillos, weasels, spectral bats (Vampirum rotundus), Andean condors, carunculated caracaras (Phalcoboenua caranculatus), turtles doves, owls, woodpeckers and necklaced spinetails. The steep slopes of mollisol C4 have suffered serious processes of erosion. The surrounding woodland of secondary forest is considered to be Bosque protector (guardian forests). The thermal springs of Chachimbiro are close by (24.6 km). There is a bus service daily from Ibarra to Pablo Arenas

23 (40.9 km)

PSEJMMFSB EF "OHPDIBHVB (IB8) (3,645 m).

Nearest urban centre : Angochagua (5.3 km) or La Esperanza (11.2 km). This mountain range of ridges is part of the Cordillera Occidental that begins at Mojanda-Cajas. The Cordillera de Angochagua is where the rivers Tahuando, ChamachĂĄn and Chota begin. The flora consists of ferns, bromelia, myrtle, pepper vines, orchids and the genus Hedyosmun cumbalense. The fauna consist of squirrels, guinea pigs, rabbits, sparrows, blackbirds and tanagers. There is Andean forest and scrubland on the higher reaches and pasturelands and crops on the lower lands. On the higher ground, there are various natural look out points such as Alto de Reyes. The Cordillera de Angochagua is the result of a linear Pleistocene eruption.

PKBOEB $PNQMFY 05 N 4trato-

volcano. Inactive/dormant Ecuador 0Âş.13â&#x20AC;&#x2122;N/-78Âş27â&#x20AC;&#x2122;W

Nearest population: 17 km: 480,382 DRT:Andesite/Basaltic Andesite Cones: Cushnirumi (3,776 m), Fuya Fuya (4,279 m), San Bartolo Domes: Cerro Colangal, Cerro el Panecillo, Puellaro, San Jorge The volcano Mojanda is a large inactive stratovolcano 85 kms North of Quito and 17 kms from Otavalo. This area is protected by law, as of 2008. There are three tur-

quoise crater lakes that occupy the summit caldera: these are known generically as Lagunas de Mojanda: Caricocha or Laguna Grande, the male lagoon, Huarmicocha, the female lagoon and Yanacocha (the Black Lagoon). Mojanda was marked by an explosive Plinian eruption that also signalled the end of its volcanic activity almost 200,000 years back. The Mojanda complex consists of two volcanoes that were active simultaneously and whose volcanic vents are only 3 km apart.

VZB 'VZB 05 N Stratovolcano in

the Mojanda complex. North InterAndean Depression. Inactive/dormant. Ecuador 0.13ÂşN/-78.27ÂşW Nearest population: Otavalo DRT: Andesitic-to-Rhyolitic The andesitic-to-rhyolitic Fuya Fuya volcano was constructed contemporaneously immediately to the West of Mojanda and produced two major rhyolitic Plinian explosive eruptions. The volcano underwent partial edifice collapse less than 165,000 years ago, leaving a large horseshoe-shaped caldera open to the West. Subsequently, a new composite dome and dacitic lava domes were extruded inside the caldera. The youngest domes are unglaciated and possibly date to the Pleistocene. There are paramos and shrub lands around Mojando, above the area of cloud forest. There is one single dated eruption of Mojanda that dates back 1,450,000 years ago. Part of the crater rim reaches altitudes of 4,000 masl such as is the case for the SE end, known as Cerro Negro (or Yanaurcu).

C- GEOCONSERVATION C-1 Current or potential pressure on the proposed Geo-

park he current and potential pressures on the proposed Geopark are basically the result of the same phenomenon: emigration of the young people due to lack of perceived opportunities in the province, or aspirations to a different life from their parents thanks to improved education. As such, not only the traditions and cultural differences are under threat but the very environment. As was pointed out in the IUCN meeting in November 2014 in Australia, no government can cover the costs of protecting the environment and it requires local people to assume responsibility for doing so. This has always been the case in Imbabura, where the people organise in “mingas”, community volunteers, to look after their paramos, improve accesses and, in general, care for the Pachamama. This local capacity is already severely debilitated. That the cultural fibre is also under pressure is clear from the recent call for action on reversing dangerous trends toward acculturation (IV Congreso Ecuatoriano de Gestión Cultural: Minga Nacional para la construcción de una nueva matriz cultural). The trend of the emphasis of productive activity in Ecuador away from oil and toward tourism as a major source of economic activity, partly due to the falling prices on the market for fossil fuels, is clear. However, this area has always been under severe pressure since the times of the Incas on account of its established rich deposits in silver and copper, apart from the newly coveted rare earth elements. Should there be no perceived alternative to eradicating poverty and creating employment and resources, such as a well-developed tourist market, said pressure will increase with all of the attendant consequences for the population (above all, the women) especially in the buffer zone of Intag. Increased building in European style, as the result of the retirees who have chosen to live here, has also placed a greater pressure on natural stone extraction around Cotacachi, in particular, apart from sending land and housing prices up to astronomical levels, outside the reach of locals and endangering areas that are not protected.

C-2 CURRENT STATE OF GEOCONSERVATION

n the branding of the image of the “new” inclusive, stable, progressive Ecuador under President Rafael

Correa, El Buen Vivir and quality of life through “harmonious relations on a macro community scale (with nature, ancestors, gods and with other people) as well as on a micro individual scale (with spirituality, emotions, mental state, and physical health)” (which) are basic concepts that should be given legal guarantees under the Constitution (passed in 2008)”. What is to be measured, according to SENPLADES is not the GDP but the living standards of people through indicators related to the satisfaction of their human needs. This principle of the Happiness Index, also proposed by the NEF (The New Economics Foundation) in the UK and by Jeffrey Sachs, the UN Secretary Advisor among others, is at the root of the eco-touristic bio-polis, proposed in the context of a post-petroleum economic model (el cambio de la matriz productiva) aimed at generating and re-distributing wealth for el Buen Vivir. The Love Life and All You Need is Ecuador brands of the Ministry of Tourism’s recent promotional campaigns are designed to introduce the world to the most ecologically bio-diverse country in the world through a “tourism of conscience” (turismo consciente) that goes beyond sustainable to encourage “a human exchange of life, of who we are, of culture between visitors and hosts”. Article 275 of the Constitution states the following: El Buen Vivir requires that people, communities, towns/ tribes and nationalities effectively enjoy their rights and exercise their responsibilities under the frameworks of intercultural relations, respect for diversity and harmonious co-existence with nature. This process of “harmonious co-existence with nature” is underlined also at the level of the UNPPD and ART programmes of Bio-Corridors and Productive Landscapes that have been carried out in the area of Imbabura, or the Socio Bosque process of reforestation, backed by the FAO and run by Cofan Survival Fund together with the ICCA (The Institute for Conservation and Environmental Training), supported by USAID. Old-growth forests are under threat due to timber extraction and replacement with African palm and teak plantations. Likewise, the illegal open gold prospecting, above all in the area of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve bordering on Esmeraldas, in turn, has caused widespread primary forest clearing. Carbon offsetting is a priority for the Government with locals paid up to 30$ per hectare to maintain native forests (under Socio Bosque also supported by UN-REDD) and PROFAFOR, responsible for CO2 emissions trading

25 in Ecuador, pay from 77$ to 135$ per hectare reforested.

LEGISLATION RELATING TO NATURE PRESERVATION

he whole of Chapter Seven of the Ecuadorian Constitution is devoted to the Rights of Nature or PachaMama. For example, Article 71 of the Ecuadorian Constitution states the following : “Nature or Pachamama, where life is reproduced and exists, has the right to the integral respect for its existence and maintenance as for the regeneration of its vital cycles, structure, functions and evolutionary processes. Any person, community, people or ethnic group may demand of the public authorities that they comply with the rights of nature. In the application and interpretation of these rights, the principles established in the Constitution must be observed as befits. The State enjoins all legal and natural persons and groups to protect nature and to promote respect for all the elements that form an ecosystem.” Art.72 foresees the retribution and restorative measures that should be taken when communities dependent upon natural systems are affected by destructive processes. “In such case as permanent or serious environmental damage is incurred, even should such circumstances be given as the result of exploitation of non-renewable natural resources, the State will establish the most efficient mechanisms to achieve due restoration and will adopt the measures required to eliminate or mitigate the harmful environmental consequences.” Art.73 goes on to outline how “The State will apply precautionary and restrictive measures on all activities that may lead to the extinction of species, the destruction of ecosystems and the permanent alteration of natural cycles. It is strictly forbidden to introduce organisms and organic or inorganic material that may definitely alter the national genetic heritage”.

ción Ciudadana where the President visits different localities every Saturday (la sabatina, broadcast on the radio every Saturday and followed massively by the Ecuadorian people) and personally responds to the citizens’ questions with respect to their grievances and concerns, outlining Government policies and explaining why things are done as they are. There are military police responsible for patrolling and protecting the Nature reserves from poachers and people intent on damaging the ecosystem. Special studies in the Nature Reserve (of biomes, birds or safety conditions) are only allowed with specific permits. The systems of paramos or steppelands, commonly referred to as alpine tundra ecosystems in that they constitute high montane vegetation above the continuous timberline, are abundant in the area. In the Northern Andes, the paramos consist of neo-tropical high mountain biomes with vegetation composed mainly of grasses, giant rosette plants and shrubs. According to scientists, paramos may be evolutionary hotspots and among the fastest evolving regions on Earth. The paramos and steppelands of Ecuador are mainly in the North West corner. Guandera Biological Station at Guaca, technically speaking in Carchi, and the Jatun Sacha Foundation, an NGO, are responsible for the protection of native forestlands, cloud forests and primary cover, working with Conservation International (CI), the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the WWF for Nature. They are originally responsible for the 10km2 around the station but have expanded their protection beyond their private reserve through extension efforts and regular engagement of the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente). They offer reforestation programmes and environmental education seminars to inform with respect to the importance of the gentians, club-mosses, valerians and asters that abound in the area due to the air masses from the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In other areas, such as Taita Imbabura, it is a local minga that look after the integrity of the area as also occurs in Puruhanta, Peguche and multiple other areas, where the people are guardians of their natural surroundings, the Pachamama.

C-3 THE CITIZEN REVOLUTION AND POPU- As far back as the publication of the Brundtland Report, LAR PARTICIPATION IN NATURE CONSERVA- Our Common Future, there has been insistence on the TION fact that native people are the best guardians of their envi-

hese, naturally, are grand principles unless they are enforced and/or taken up by the citizens and made their own. This is the case in the Ecuador of the Revolu-

ronment. In the recent IUCN Conference in Sidney, Australia, this point of environmental governance was again underlined as basic to the conservation of any ecosystem.

THE VITAL ROLE OF THE ECUADORIAN INS- their natural surroundings resulting in quarrying eventually being abandoned in most cases. Stone is not harTITUTE OF GEOPHYSICS The province and its geo-sites constitute a natural lab for observation, research, control and monitoring of plate tectonics. There is active deformation of the whole of NW South America as a result of the interaction between the Caribbean and Nazca plates in contrast with the classic Andean convergent margin South of 5ºS. This change in the plate configuration is reflected in the distribution and kinematics of active structures in the upper plate, as the strain is distributed over hundreds of active structures capable of generating damaging earthquakes. The national body responsible for charting the volcanic activity in the whole of the country, the National Institute of Geophysics at the National Polytechnic in Quito (www.igepn.edu.ec) does magnificent work in the field of research, control and monitoring, together with public liaison, with respect to the volcanoes and volcanic sites of Ecuador, in general, and Imbabura, in particular. They have seven monitoring stations in the area around Imbabura and Cuicocha. Their webpage and database are extremely comprehensive, their publications and training projects/programmes are sensible and, in the case of more general subjects such as safety measures to be adopted in the case of earthquakes and eruptions, how to fortify typical earth constructions to withstand earth tremors or historical documentation on the socio-economic fall-out of past volcanic eruptions, the language is easy for lay people to understand. Their research records are impeccable and the Institute is permanently involved in innovative projects and international research. The fact that Earth Sciences will soon be housed in Yáchay, in Urcuqui, together with the INER (the Institute for Renewable Energy) bodes well for the Project Geopark Imbabura and its becoming an active lab for researchers in the various geo-scientific disciplines and related fields, actively participating toward education programmes and research, guaranteeing the successful promotion and geo-conservation of this area and the geoparks of the GGN (See Letters of Support).

POPULAR DEFENCE OF ENVIRONMENT: HISTORICAL. Stone quarries exist but are fiercely contested where they do (see Caranqui and San Clemente), above all by the women, who have defended the harmonious balance in

vested either for local handicraft, with the main sculptures made of wood and other crafts relating to textiles and natural fibres or tagua (vegetable ivory). Mining projects also have tended to focus exclusively on Intag but have met with stiff opposition from the local communities in the past. The hot springs of Chachimbiro are operated as a State venture (Empresa Pública: infrastructure set in place by the State on a non-repayable basis but designed to be self-sustainable economically) with strict regulations as to health and sanitary procedures in place and recently refurbished to upgrade the accommodation on offer. The other major thermal springs in the province (Nangulví in Intag, Timbayacu in Urcuqui, and El Arco Iris, also in the same area) are privately-run community businesses, less secure in quality services but ensuring, nevertheless, that the resources are preserved. Yanayacu, another ferruginous thermal water complex, is temporarily closed, but it is hoped to design new infrastructure for this to provide services for visitors with special needs. Both the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve (and, thus, the Cotacachi-Cuicocha complex) and Peguche have visitor controls and rangers who safeguard the integrity of the natural surroundings. In Cotacachi, they are government employees whereas in Peguche, the protection of the natural and geological heritage, together with activities designed to embellish the area around the waterfall, is carried out by the traditional mingas, groups of community volunteers who are never scarce. When the train begins to function throughout the province (it runs at present from Ibarra to Salinas return), there will also be visitor controls in place and more guards, at stations and en route, to ensure safety and safeguarding of nature. At the moment, there are no controls over the foreign tour-operators in the area. However, the physical challenges presented by the routes around the geo-sites and the specialist knowledge required to discover the treasures of the area means that most of the geo-sites are handled by local tour operators (who may or may not be Ecuadorians but who are residents in the Province and members of the communities). This guarantees that the natural and socio-cultural heritage is preserved and respected. Runa Tupari Native Travel is a tour operator specialised in rural community tourism, set up by the UNORCAC together with four indigenous communities in 2001. All of Runa Tupari’s profits are reinvested to improve living conditions in the rural communities, directly through the

27 community councils or cabildos or through UNORCAC and their projects. Runa Tupari is one of the community

movements that are most enthusiastically supporting the Project Geopark Imbabura (see Letters of Support).

MINGA

C-4 LISTING AND DESCRIPTION OF NON-GEOLOGICAL SITES AND HOW THEY ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE PROPOSED GEO-PARK

Since all natural sites are free access and cannot be charged for under the Ecuadorian Constitution, the only way to ensure that the local communities can benefit from tourism on a sustainable basis without excessive leakage (as foreseen at present) is to bring them together in a Geopark CTC, organised by geo-sites and with smart phone payment to pay for the services offered by the Association members within (see Business Plan). Each geo-site will have a predominant and complementary theme. The theme for Otavalo is SUMAK KAWSAY: LAS RAÍCES (EL BUEN VIVIR: BACK TO THE ROOTS).

TAVALO: (G1,G6,G7,G8,G9,G11,C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12,C13,C14,C15,C16, BA2,BA3,BA5,BA6 & BA8) Otavalo is 100 kms to the North of Quito and the first canton encountered on the route into the Project Geopark Imbabura. The city of Otavalo in the Inter-Andean Depression, home to the famous craft market of the Plaza de Los Ponchos, one of its consolidated perceived attractions for international tourists, stands at an altitude of 2,256 masl and offers a range in the canton from 1,500 – 4,560 m. The climate is mild from 10º to 25ºC all year round. The population of the canton is 104,874 (according to the 2010 census) with a broad range of ethnic groups, such as pertains to the whole province, but here home to one of

the strongest and most vibrant groups, the Kichwa Otavalos who, together with the Kichwa Cayambe and mestizo groups, make up the bulk of the population. Rural parishes dominate in a canton where the landscape is the quintessence of the Andean world vision, dominated by volcanoes and lakes (Cotacachi, Imbabura and Mojanda all have an imposing presence in the landscape), with the Lago de San Pablo (Imbakucha), an important apparent scenic element, and the Lagunas de Mojanda, a hidden incentive for explorers. Otavalo is a vibrant example of how cultures and traditions survive when the language supporting them is used on a practical and applicable everyday basis. There are only two urban parishes or parroquias, San Luis and El Jordán, as opposed to the nine rural: Miguel Egas Cabezas (Peguche), San Juan de Ilumán, San José de Quichinche, San Pedro de Pataquí, Selva Alegre, San Pablo de Lago, González Suárez, San Rafael de La Laguna and Eugenio Espejo. The area of Otavalo, as befits a highly agricultural area, was one of the cantons most highly affected by emigration in the darker moments of the Ecuadorian economy. The influence of the remittances (remesas) of the emigrants to their families is patent in the spate of unfinished and atypical grey cement house building that is a sore on the landscape, above all in the vicinity of the lake San Pablo, though steps are now being adopted toward remedying

29 the situation. The typical architecture closer to the Lake, and on the less commercial side, is still houses of stone

and earth (cancagua).

30 The entire focus of past tourist activities, to the exclusion of all else, has been on the famous handicraft market known as La Plaza de Los Ponchos in the town of Otavalo itself. It figures somewhat anomalously as attraction number two and number three on the list of “musts” recommended by visitors on Trip Advisor, thus affording a comment worthy of reflection with respect to the downturn in the identity of this market, once famous for its area devoted to the typical “bartering” between natives (now only “staged” occasionally for the day-tripper tourists). The tourism excursions have been designed around short-term consumption of place and goods (tagua or vegetable ivory jewellery and complements, alpaca wool goods including the famous ponchos, colourful woven cloths, leather-wear, clay pots, embroidered shirts of the type worn by the President Rafael Correa and much more) with very little cultural interaction existing outside the trade transactions. This means that a large part of the benefits of the tourism are not retained in the town itself, not even from the point of view of the restaurants and the excellent gastronomy, since the tour

excursions are directed where most commission is offered (i.e. they look for payment rather than offer payment for the services on offer). It also means that there is little appreciation of the magnificent landscape surroundings and geo-sites and, thus, little chance of a return exploratory trip. The positive effects of the ephemeral tourist presence in the area, however, has been to improve street decoration with the lamp-posts festooned with pendants and permanent symbols of the identity of the otavaleños as made manifest in their traditional festivities (Pendoneros and El Coraza). This is a spin-off (and off-spin) area for American retiree residents also (the main area being Cotacachi) meaning that the native traders are proficient in English as, indeed, are most of the population (who serve the non-Spanish speaking population). These American residents are not integrated into the local community and tend to take over restaurants as their own, leading to a standardisation of the product on offer. However, they are important in that they attract friends and relatives to the area who stay longer and interact to a greater extent than their hosts.

The canton of Otavalo is not only renowned for its strong ethnic mix but also for its immense biodiversity and cultural heritage, the latter of which is scientifically preserved in the museum and publications of the magnificent Instituto Otavaleño de Antropología. Lying as it does on the limits between the Hoya or Basin of Guayllabamba and the Basin of Chota, Otavalo in Pre-Incan times represented the area of integration of the two major tribes, the Cayambes and the Carangues (also known as Caranquis), and was rich in cotton and coca plantations together with significant deposits of silver and gold. The Cayambes and Carangues shared a similar culture. “They were stratified by class and familiar with the horizontal loom, cotton, wool, sisal and ceramics; they knew how to produce stonework, engraved on shells and bones and founded metals; they had mirrors and feather head-dresses; they produced basketry using reeds and guaco; they knew how to sculpt conventional symbols and possessed an enormous range of solid dyes with which to colour their cloths; they cultivated the earth using rudimentary tools made of stone and wood and built suspension bridges with lianas and ro-

pes, as can be seen in present times in the Basin of Intag; and they built houses of stone and earth. A people, as such, that possessed a technology adapted to their environment. They trade by bartering, exchanging coloured plumes, shells, tobacco leaves, maize, salt and cotton. They believed in various protective divinities and in other malign spirits. Their merchants achieved a privileged status within the society that, above all, respected its kings or native capaccuracas” (Tamara Bray) This shared culture allowed the Cayambes and Carangues, therefore, to offer stiff resistance to the Incas. The natural geography of gorges, cloud and primary forest, rivers and steep mountainsides gave rise to a system of micro-vertical agriculture, to fully make use of the water resources and ensure, in the various micro-climes, food all year round. This is still to be remarked in the landscape where the vestiges of terraced plots, camellones and irrigation channels are clearly visible. In fact, it is now the basis of a return to the agricultural practices of the past as water resources become less abundant, for various reasons. Likewise visible, but likewise ignored as a resource

32 up until now, are the tolas (funeral mounds and ritual ceremonial sites) and the remains of the elaborate Inca communication system of lookout points (pucarás), installed to maintain their dominance of their Empire (see the chasquis and quipus mentioned elsewhere) above all in Pijal, Caluquí, Huaycapungo, Tocagón San Miguel, Pucará Alto, Carabuela, Azama, Ilumán and Peguche. There are two archaeological museums, housing private collections in Otavalo, that are signalled as tourist attractions (www.visitecuador.com) but are not locally signposted or evident: El Museo Arqueológico César Vasquez Fuller and the Museo Victor Alejandro Jaramillo. There has been a marked attempt on the part of the local communities, native tourism academics and various NGOs and UN agencies to promote cultural “mystical” tourism, above all, in the area around the sacred bosque protector and waterfall of Peguche as a means toward eradication of poverty. In Ilumán, shamans and private consultancies work on a much more improvised and piecemeal tourism of faith-healing (using eggs and guinea-pigs in their ritual analyses) but the spectacular beauty of the area of Peguche, and the organisation of its interpretation, has led to its being placed fifth on the list of “musts” to visit in the canton of Otavalo on Trip Advisor (and to the nearby waterfall of Taxopamba being practically ignored). Peguche is a clear manifestation of the Spanish colonial influence in the area, as are the multiple estates or haciendas and the churches. It was devoted to textile production and represented one of the major slave workforces (obrajes) in Ecuador. This fact is only reflected in a signpost, exclusively in Spanish, at the entrance to the sacred site. Peguche, as occurs overall in the Northern Andes, is a place of legends and myths, where Pachamama is revered and protected. The Otavaleños believed that malign spirits, known as “chusalungos” inhabited the local volcanoes of the male volcanoes, Imbabura and Mojando. Legends tell that Imbabura and Mojanda were rivals for the affections of Cotacachi (with nearby Cayambe acting as Celestina). It was decided that they should fight for her affections by flinging stones as far as they could over the valley. Imbabura, who was famed as a womanizer and was weakened by a night of amorous pursuits, failed in his throw and an enormous boulder, called Achi-

lly Pachacamac, fell on the valley floor of Peguche. This rock was sculpted and painted as an Earth Mandala by a visiting American, with the help of the community, using all the symbols of the essential male and female qualities required, according to the natives, to achieve harmony: the rising sun (peace), the crescent moon (growth through peace) and the ear of corn that provides permanent nourishment for Mother Earth’s children. The sculpture looks toward the protective volcano, Taita Imbabura. It is blowing an enormous conch or “churo” to call together the indigenous people for them to return to their values and live in harmony. The area of Peguche is heavily visited mainly by tour companies (as an en route attraction) from Quito, who pay a pittance (if at all) to the local community for access to the site. Most contributions toward the community are made on a voluntary basis and are highly precarious. Other similar initiatives, such as the community-run ethnographic Museum El Obraje in the former textile factory of San Pedro suffer the same fate. A large amount of international aid (Belgian, Dutch and American/Canadian, even Japanese in the case of Peguche) has been ploughed into projects that have only lasted as long as the funding (the ethno-botanical gardens, the chicha de jora bottling factory), due to lack of market research, publicity and promotion, ownership on the part of the community and identification of economic needs/ sustainable means of providing for the same on the part of the benefactors. Most of the communities identify money-spinning tourist activities to consist in selling handicraft, providing local gastronomy and/or accommodation, resulting in a plethora of low quality establishments and cluster-like supply of identical goods, competing purely on a low-price basis that cannot lead to sustainability. The main tourist attractions that exist, including the popular Parque del Cóndor (a bird preservation centre in the area of the Lago de San Pablo) survive on the basis of voluntary contributions and do not revert on the general well-being of the community, while the main tourist ventures in the area of San Pablo (Las Cabañas del Lago, PuertoLago and others) are privately owned, favoured by day trippers from Quito, and whose returns do not improve the general environment or contribute toward geo-conservation.

The intervention of the original proposal is signposting, interpretation and organisation/coherent coordination of the services that already exist, upgrading and enhancing them through smart phone applications, e-commerce and the application of TICs/alternative energy and capacity building (above all for the women).

OTACACHI.

The canton of Cotacachi is 25 kms SE of Ibarra and 104km NE of Quito and covers a surface area of 1,809km2. The population is 45,000 of Spanish and Kichwa-speakers that cover all the ethnic groups, indígenas, mestizos, Caucasian (with a large floating population of American pensioner residents) and Afro-Ecuadorian. The rural parishes outweigh the urban in number. There are only two urban areas, El Sagrario and San Francisco. The rest, Quiroga, Imantag, Apuela, Peñaherrero, Cuellaje, Vacas Galindo, García Moreno and Plaza Gutiérrez are rural. The canton is spectacular from the point of view of natural attractions and geo-sites, covering part of the major Nature Reserve of Cotacachi-Cayapas (243,683 hectares shared between Imbabura and Esmeraldas), the Cotacachi-Cuicocha complex (studied by Wolf, Whymper, Stubel and la Condamine) and the whole of the valley of Intag, 39 km West of the town of Cotacachi. Intag is renowned for possessing two of the major biodiversity hotspots of the thirty four that exist the world over. The Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve (IUCN VIprotected area with sustainable use of natural resources) covers a total area of 3,044 km2, partly rainforest and accumulating 10 distinct ecological zones, of which the Andean and sub-tropical zones are most common. It is one of the most important of the Ecuadorian systems of reserve and preserve, running from the Sierra to the western edge of the coastal rainforest of Esmeraldas. Like much of the Inter-Andean highlands, it has been replanted with pines and eucalyptus in many parts, making preservation of endemic species an immense and important effort. The plants in this area have adapted to the high altitudes (reduced water availability, low temperature and high winds) since the conditions are not as extreme as can be found on the steppelands or páramos (3,600-4,800m). This area is internationally acknowledged to be one of the most important bioregions in the world (The Chocó corridor from South Panama to North Peru). There are 500 different species of birds plus anteaters, sloths, ocelots, the rare spectacled bear and deer. There are at least 2,000 identified species of flora, some of which are vital as natural cures for illnesses and in bio-pharmaceutical products. The park elevation ranges from 300- 2,400 masl with the Cotacachi end providing the higher altitudes. The temperatures range from 10-25º 17,000 people of the community of Cotacachi live in the area of Intag in 76 rural communities that survive with

small-scale agricultural holdings, although there have been some recent and successful incursions into eco- and adventure tourism in the area, especially around the Nangulví thermal springs, plus great strides made in the field of fair trade shade-grown coffee of high quality. Cloud forests are to be found here (from 650-4,000 masl) in an area of 151,167 hectares, between Intag and Manduriacos, that represents 2.5% of the world’s tropical forests and offers two of the 34 hotspots in the world, at the confluence between the Tropical Andes and the Chocó-Tumbes-Magdalena corridors. There are areas of bosque protector such as Los Cedros, La Florida, Siempre Verde, Azabi and Alto Chocó. Hydropower is exploited by the Consorcio Toisán and Hidrointag, with ten micro-hydro dams in place. The Tropical Andes represents 15-17% of the plant species in the world, especially orchids, and 20% of the bird diversity. The rainforest area of Intag offers 1,500 different plants and 750 species of trees. The area is also rich in archaeological sites with the tolas at Gualimán and the remains of the Caranqui culture at Peñaherrera of particular interest. There is an ancient route that winds down from behind Intag to Esmeraldas through the Cordillera de Toisán that was used by the Inca chasquis to communicate with the coastal region for provisions and information. The Laguna Cuicocha (Kuychik-Kucha or Lake of the Rainbow, possibly on account of the different colours of water in the lagoon) was considered to be sacred by the native people and to the Incas thereafter. Indeed, there is a theory that the peculiar red sculpture erected at the entry to Cotacachi in the Plaza del Sol represents the nine important mid-points that intersected in Cotacachi, according to the Incas and the four axes that they maintained constitute the basic functions of the Universe. In any case, it would appear that Cotacachi is on a direct line (or ceque according to the Incas) with Lake Titicaca in Peru-Bolívia, considered to be the birthplace of the Incan nation, where Manco Capac and Mama Oclló emerged to found the Inca Empire. Cotacachi is also on a direct line that ran between Quito and Cuzco (the two main centres of the Inca empire in the respective countries of Ecuador and Peru) and Yucatán, a place that the Incas revered as one of the highest seats of ancient civilization. It is also midway between Taita Imbabura, the masculine force of Nature and Mama Cotacachi, the feminine energy. A local association of community members, the Committee Kuychik Kucha, including ASOPERDIS (The Association for People with Special Needs) have organised various services around the area of the Centre of Interpretation

34 at Cuicocha, including a 340 metre interpretative route called the Ruta Sagrada consisting of five elements: the Solar calendar, the Lunar Calendar, a sacred site for offerings, an area for ritual bathing and cleansing and the tumarina or communal area where the community met to ask for forgiveness. They also offer a series of guided hiking and bike routes round the perimeter of the Lake Cuicocha thereby affording more possible income from geo-tourism for the inhabitants of the isolated hamlets such as Morochos and Chilcapamba. There are organised boat trips around Lake Cuicocha, a restaurant and cabin accommodation at the entrance to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve, overlooking the Lake, a Centre of Interpretation with seminar facilities and a recently designed botanical garden. Another recent incorporation has been the coffee bar run by the ASOPERDIS association. The area is being redesigned to allow for special needs tourism to be catered for, with ramps and special boat access devices being put in place. The area is controlled for visitor numbers and origin/age of tourist although no fee is paid for entry, as such is illegal under the Ecuadorian Constitution. Cotacachi, the town itself, is famous for its leather industry, a legacy of the Spanish colonial times but offers numerous attractions outside the magnificent leather goods that produce, above all, weekend tourism. Known as the Capital Musical de Ecuador on account of the Ins-

tituto Luis Ulpiano de la Torre, Cotacachi has formed the nation’s musicians for many years (since 1936) though the reality changed only a short time ago. There are musical instrument and natural dye-tapestry artisans to be visited in the vicinity who are seeing extra income to be harvested, above all from the American resident retirees and their friends and families. The small town also boasts the Plaza de la Interculturalidad designed for open-air theatre and the closed theatre (Teatro Cultural de La Paz) with the famous Mural de los Excluídos by Pavel Egüez. The ethnographic museum, set up by the Fundación Unidad en la Diversidad, called El Museo de Las Culturas has recently been re-opened with the nearby Casa del Convento, run by the Association for people with special needs, planning to offer conference services in the short term. The canton of Cotacachi is, perhaps, the most traditional area in the province, despite a semi-invasion in recent years of American retirees whose buildings (housing complexes) are easily identifiable in the area and are not adapted in style or materials to the local surroundings. The Americans are attracted by the excellent climate and natural surroundings, the quality of life offered in the area and the excellent value for money. They have been easily accepted by the locals but do not integrate into the community, rather forming their own walled complexes. This semi-invasion has caused house and land prices to soar in the area.

Here, the project intervention will centre on the present facilities available at Cuicocha, upcycling the same using the present budgets available (feasible) and incorporating special needs tourism, both from the perspective of suppliers and consumers.

NTONIO ANTE

Antonio Ante is the smallest of the cantons in the North West of Imbabura at 83km2 and with a population of 43,518. It is bordered to the North by Ibarra, to the South by Otavalo, to the East by the towering Imbabura and to the West, by Cotacachi and Urcuquí. The ethnic groups are mestizos and indígenas and the languages spoken are Spanish and Kichwa (with Natabuelo no longer in existence). There are two urban parishes: Atuntaqui and Andrade Marín, the latter of which boasts the railway station (recently rehabilitated) and the EP Fábrica Imbabura (four museums, conference centres, a handicraft market, Auditorium and restaurant for events and conventions). These two initiatives, embarked upon in 2010, were Compromisos Presidenciales, an investment of over forty million dollars in this area of Imbabura alone. The other parishes, rural in nature, are San Roque that affords easy access to the slopes of Imbabura and the hiking routes around, including the Polylepis forest at 3,290m with its own station on the “new” old railway line, Chaltura (famous for its restaurants offering the local delicacy, cuy), Natabuela (home to the lost language of Natabuelo and the smallest people in the province, the Natabuelos who are considered, originally, to be Mitimaes imported by the Incas) and Imbaya. The area offers excellent fartmland and had extensive sugar cane plantations in the past, giving rise to a series of traditional sweets. Now, it is given over to horticulture. In 1860, before the canton was established, the people of Antonio Ante were arrieros or mule-drivers, with a firm reputation as hard-working and honest However, the canton of Antonio Ante has been associated with textiles particularly since the factory, now the EP Fábrica Imbabura, was set up in 1926, although hand and loom weaving existed before on a cottage-industry basis. The factory and the hydroelectric plant (still in working order and providing electricity) were investments made by Spaniards (mainly from Valencia and Catalonia) as occurred in the rest of Latin America at the time. Most of the machinery was transported by mule to the factory and remounted there since the railway was a posterior development (three years later). The machinery was imported from Colombia (second-hand) or directly from Britain

or Germany, requiring that technicians from these countries come and stay for a period of time in the factory bounds to teach the workers how to make spare parts or repair the machinery. The foreign influence, above all European, made itself felt in the introduction of certain sports and a different style of architecture from the typical and traditional cancagua constructions of the past. The EP Fábrica Imbabura in many ways has marked the recent history of Antonio Ante, affecting its identity. It was the place where Trade Unionism was born in Ecuador and, unfortunately, the place that became known as the Ecuadorian Fuenteovejuno, when the factory was closed down after the local community killed the general manager, outraged by the threatened closure and bankruptcy of the factory. The fact that it has been rehabilitated and converted into four museums (the history of the factory, the history of the canton, the history of Trade Unionism and a science and technology museum organised by the SENESCYT) has restored self-esteem to the population while offering a focus of industrial heritage preservation and rehabilitation in the Project GeoPark Imbabura. However, the past of Antonio Ante is, perhaps, even more important since it would appear that Huayna Capac married the Princess Pacha (of the conquered people) in the canton after the fierce battle of Atuntaqui and the victory of the Incas, to thereby appease the conquered tribes. The area would appear to have been an important centre for the pre-Incan people with the Paila-Tola (the site around which the aforementioned Battle of Atuntaqui was waged unsuccessfully by the Shyry XV, Cacha against Huayna Capac’s Incas) and Orozco-Tola (where it is famed that Cacha is buried with his daughter, Pacha, buried in the nearby Pupo Tola) as the main truncated pyramids/burial mounds in an area riddled with tolas. The archaeological heritage is partially protected but undeveloped as a tourist attraction. Apart from the obvious attraction of the myriad of shops selling good quality cotton goods at cheap prices, especially at Carnival-time when the gigantic Trade Fair is organised, Antonio Ante’s Yuletide celebrations on the 28th December and the days leading up to the New Year, a mixture of the Spanish fallas and Carnival celebrations, are National Intangible Heritage (Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial del Ecuador) and famous throughout the whole of Ecuador, attracting people from near and far.

36 Here, the project intervention will focus on the EP Fábrica Imbabura and making it work, above all in conference and events tourism, together with the possibilities offered by the San Roque Station (at present, unused and rehabilitated) as a centre for hiking, biking, mountaineering, camping info and equipment hire by the extremely poor communities who live around this area.

AN PEDRO DE PIMAMPIRO

Pimampiro is in the NE of the Province of Imbabura, some 52 kilometres from the capital of the Province. It limits to the North with the province of Carchi, to the East with the province of Sucumbíos and to the West with the Canton of Ibarra. It covers a total 442.5 km2 and has a population of 12,970, mainly indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian and mestizo, with Kichwa and Spanish as the main spoken languages. The parishes are mainly rural with only Pimampiro itself (90.6 km2) urban: Chugá, Mariano Acosta and San Francisco de Sigsipamba are rural areas. At altitudes ranging between 1,600-4,000 masl, with large areas of native cloud forest, valleys and steppelands and forming part of the Ecological Reserve of Cayambe-Coca, this area has suffered fierce processes of emigration on account of perceived lack of economic prospects outside of agriculture, in a canton hard-hit by the fact that it is off the beaten track of the Panamericana. There are remains of the pre-colonial agriculture systems of terrazas, camellones and irrigation channels, a system denominated microverticalidad, above all in the area known as Terrazas del Cerro Cebadal in the vicinity of Hacienda La Mesa .

This area is described by Tamara Bray as an important multi-ethnic trade centre in the 16th century, as proven by the archaeological remains found at the sites of Shanshipamba and La Mesa (which are also the sites of petroglyphs with shared iconographic motifs, such as the double-headed serpent). Pimampiro’s geographical position in the Chota-Mira valley, which now works against it, before was an important conduit from East/West interaction, attracting the mindalaes, long-distance traders who trafficked goods of high prestige and value, including coca. In the late Pre-Hispanic period, Pimampiro (and the later annexed Chapí) were areas of considerable economic interest on account of their crops of coca, cotton, indigo and ají (capsicums). The trade in coca (one of the reasons for which the Incas were set on conquering the province of Imbabura in general, mobilised social labour and produced social inequality at the local level, allowing for a clear hierarchical structure to be established within the polities of the various existing under the umbrella of the Caranqui-Otavalo, Cayambe, Cochasqui and the Caranqui people themselves. The chronicles of the parish priest, Antonio Borja, are a source of great ethnographic detail, explaining that “there are always more than 300

37 foreigners from Otavalo, Caranqui, Latacunga, Sichos and other even more distant places that come to contract for the coca.â&#x20AC;? Significant archaeological remains of obsidian, gold, shell, greenstone axes and non-local pottery, currently represented in the Hacienda La Mesa are to be admired naturally (and unprotected) in CuanibaquĂ, otherwise known as El Inca. There is also a considerable amount of tolas in this area. The canton of Pimampiro is particularly important on account of its landscape values nowadays. Even the agriculture is endangered and a merit-worthy project organised by the Ministerio de Ambiente, Yo Prefiero, is an attempt to secure income for the small landowners in the area, through pre-orders and distribution by the Ministry itself. The Laguna de Puruhanta which is a glacier lagoon (3,400 masl) surrounded by the Cordillera Puruhanta is an area used for camping (there are rainbow trout in the Lagoon), adventure tourism and endurance treks, given

the difficulty of the terrain (at time, marshlands, gorges and densely-knit cloud and native forest, including the Bosque de Matachi, with natural springs of ferruginous water and clear water waterfalls, Tornillos, together with rudimentary means of crossing gulleys such as the Ford at Molinoyacu). The expert guides of Shanshipamba ensure the safety of visitors to the area. In Mariano Acosta, there is a handicraft centre where the women sell their embroidery, woven goods and knitting. The local gastronomy, as befits an area where the main activity is agriculture, is extraordinarily rich and wholesome. The 16th century parish priest, Borja also alluded to the fact that the people of the area were respected for their knowledge of medicinal herbs and healing, a skill that has been revived in the Bosque Medicinal Jambi Sacha by a valuable outfit called Nueva AmĂŠrica that is making use of the even more valuable governmental system, in conjunction with the FAO, called Pagos para Servicios Ambientales.

This is one of the priority areas for the Project Geopark Imbabura. It is planned to offer volunteer geo-tourism (targeting archaeology and anthropology specialists, first and foremost to the area) to build up quality bivouacking campsite equipment and geodesic domes, also using the present Community Tourism as accommodation. There will be resistance training for top-quality athletes and sports people (included on a circuit with nearby Carchi and the Natural Reserve of El Angel and with the Lita centre in Ibarra) while upgrading the ethno-botanical products on offer and improving agricultural output and distribution through exploitation of the ancient agricultural practices. There will be permaculture courses offered likewise, using the local expertise. This will allow for the agriculture to be inserted into the value chain of the tourism in the rest of the area. The Geopark status is designed to give Transaction Governance Capacity to the local producers, cutting out the middlemen. Such tourism as is organised will be low-scale, highly qualified in order to upgrade Pimampiro into the important gateway to the East, or at least a semblance of the same, that it was before.

AN MIGUEL DE URCUQUÍ

San Miguel de Urcuquí (generally known as Urcuquí) is in the NW of the province of Imbabura, 19 km. from the city of Ibarra and 133 km from the city of Quito. It is the youngest of the cantons, founded on the 9th February, 1984. It borders to the North with the canton of Ibarra, to the South with Antonio Ante and Cotacachi, to the East with the canton Ibarra and to the West with the Province of Esmeraldas. With a population of 15,888 (according to the census of 2010), largely mestizos, indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian, with some Awá, the parishes of this canton are largely rural: only Urcuquí itself is urban, with the other parishes, San Blas, Tumbabiro, Pablo Arenas,

sed and respect their identities, proud of their dress and customs. Of particular note is the community in Iriguincho “considered to be the cultural remains of natives of the clans or ayllus Urcuquíes, the original inhabitants of the area who have kept their ancestral customs alive and intact.” Two of the parroquias, Pablo Arenas and Cahuasquí are considered to be Patrimonio Cultural de Ecuador on account of their colonial buildings made of adobe/straw, with tiled and thatched roofs, double eaves and wooden or stone balconies.

Cahuasquí and La Merced de Buenos Aires, rural. The climate ranges from subtropical to cold (on the paramos and steppelands) according to the altitudes that range between 800 and 4,400masl. This is largely an agricultural area, given over to farming and husbandry. However, it is also an area rich in volcanoes (the Chachimbiro itself and Yanaurcu), with three complexes managing the thermal springs (Chachimbiro, State-owned, Timbuyacu, community owned and Arco Iris, privately owned) that are highly popular with the nationals, giving rise to a large number of visitors at local holidays and long weekends. As occurs in most traditional agricultural communities, the native residents of Urcuquí are very community-ba-

This is also the area of the famous glacier lagoon, Lagunas de Piñán (known locally in singular, Laguna Donosa de Piñán, but actually a series of lakes at 3,400 masl on the higher reaches of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve) and the lakes and lagoons around the volcano, Yanahurcu (also known as Cerro Negro) including the Yanacocha (The Black Lake) at 3,800 masl This is typical highland paramo with condors, rabbits and deer abounding. It is possible to fish for rainbow trout in the lake, together with the abundant tilapia and the catfish or preñadilla. There are

39 waterfalls in abundance: the Condor Paccha, the Nido de Cóndor (along the same track), starting off from Cahuasquí and guided by the local association of community tourism, Eco Sachapamba (to ensure safety). This is an area, as the name indicates, of condors. In San Blas, close to the community owned Timbuyacu thermal spring complex (with water temperatures between 30ºand 40º recommended for rheumatic cases) lie the tracks for the waterfalls Conrayaro (25 metres) and the canyon spout of water, Guagala (5m). Close to Timbayacu also is the Mirador Pan de Azucar, at 3,200 masl, that affords a natural lookout point on clear days over a large part of the province of Imbabura, the snowy peaks of Antisana and Cotopaxi, the Laguna de San Pablo, part

of the Valle del Chota and part of Carchi. Pablo Arenas is the home to the significant Afro-Ecuadorian population in this canton and to the business initiatives of the women of that population, namely Cerámicas La Victoria (formed in 2012) and the dance group, Samba Tropical who have re-introduced the bomba, marimba and other tropical rhythms that were dying out. In the whole of the province, the juego de la pelota or tabla (a kind of tennis with a somewhat caveman-like bat/racquet) and giant spinning-top competitions are common. The two complexes of Arco Iris and Savia (both private ventures) are thermal springs whose waters proceed from the nearby Cerro la Viuda and Cruz Sacha and reach a temperature of 55º, rich in minerals, considered to be efficient in combating obesity, cellulite and varicose veins.

It is possible that Urcuquí will change with the presence of Yáchay although, for the moment, the academic staff seems to have opted for living in the nearby Ibarra. There are plans to lay out a Botanical Garden in Yáchay. Yáchay also figures highly on the newly planned Ruta del Conocimiento and will have a link to the train-line at Hoja Blanca. All project plans will coordinate with Yáchay.

BARRA

Ibarra canton is 115 kms from Quito and 125 kms from Tulcán, covering an area of 1,111.27 km2, standing at 2,240 masl and with a population of 181,175. This canton is half and half: half urban parishes (San Francisco, El

Sagrario, Guayaquil de Alpachaca, Caranqui and El Priorato; and the other half rural: Lita, La Carolina, Salinas, Ambuquí, La Esperanza, Angochagua and San Antonio de Ibarra). The population is made up of a large number of

40 Europeans, mestizos, indigenous people and Afro-Ecuadorian, the last of which mainly live in the area of Salinas, Lita, Ambuquí and La Carolina, although there is a sector of San Miguel de Ibarra that has a large Afro-Ecuadorian population. The climate is largely mild and dry though this depends upon the lay of the land. The steppelands or paramos of La Esperanza, Angochagua and San Antonio de Ibarra are cooler, whereas the dry arid areas are Salinas, Ambuquí, La Carolina and Lita. The city of San Miguel de Ibarra was devastated by an earthquake in August, 1868, meaning that the city had to be completely rebuilt. This is perhaps the reason for the marked number of churches and squares that dot the whole of this most colonial of the cities in the province. The city was chosen by the Spaniards (and the Incas before them) to set up fort. The Spaniards owned Haciendas, farmlands and mills but preferred to live in the urban area of San Miguel de Ibarra. The Incas, after the cruel and savage battle of Yahuarcocha, set up residence in the area above the city, known as Caranqui (home to the conquered Caranqui). What remains exist of the Palace of Atahualpa, who reigned over the Ecuadorian part of the Tahuantinsuyu while his half-brother, Huascar did so from Cuzco in Peru, are scant, un-interpreted and un-signposted. The Museo Atahualpa in Caranqui has been closed down and its collections are not on permanent display. The city has recently received some refurbishing round the area of the marketplace and the train station (El Tren de la Libertad, that runs between Ibarra and Salinas). Otherwise, the city is peaceful and unexciting with little to offer in the way of entertainment apart from the newly opened Parque Céntrico and the area around Yahuarcocha. The Museo del Banco Central houses an exceptional collection of pottery and gold jewellery and is excellently interpreted in both English and Spanish, but is rarely visited. There are three Universities in Ibarra itself (PUCESI, UTN and UNIANDES) and two more in the province of Imbabura: Yáchay (Urcuquí) and Otavalo (Otavalo). The city is largely dormitory, with little nightlife. It does boast, however, excellent hotels, hostels and restaurants. On the slopes up and behind Yahuarcocha, perched on the top of Yuracrucito is La Estelita, a luxury complex and restaurant with breathtaking views, favoured by the President Correa when he is in town. In the vicinity is the Bosque Protector Guayabillas which is used for bike rides, hiking and picnics. It also houses the Centro de Rescate Animal Guayabillas where animals saved from illegal tra-

fficking (boas, parrots, squirrels, ocelots etc.) can be seen and visited. The area of San Clemente in La Esperanza, above Caranqui, is highly developed from the point of view of community tourism with excellent infrastructure and complementary cultural products and/or guided nature tours. However, they are finding it difficult to survive because of commercialisation costs. Much the same can be said of La Magdalena that struggles to survive beside the upmarket Hacienda Zuleta (and the Fundación Galo Plaza) although promoted by the same as part of their attractions and community support. The Fundación is active in protecting (though not interpreting) the many tolas in the area, in promoting the embroidery work of the women of the community, in commercialising agricultural products and conservation of the condor through the Cóndor Huasi project. It offers the same as other hostelries in the area: horse-riding, guided tours, and commercialisation of local handicraft and food products but a cut above the rest, in a typical Hacienda structure where the service as offered by the community is the winning factor. San Antonio de Ibarra offers little in the way of hostelry (with the nearby Paraíso de la Aventura offering almost the only coherent community-based tourism in the area and the Hacienda Chorlaví and Hostería Natabuela largely absorbing the out-of-town requirements) since it is a parish where people buy furniture or artwork, normally made of wood. It is an important centre, nevertheless, in the forming of great figures of art in Ecuador in the Escuela Daniel Reyes, slightly on its uppers at present. Much of the production in San Antonio is unsuitable for tourists – too large or too bulky to be carried home easily. However, the furniture can and should be incorporated into the nearby hostelries and work done to improve e-commerce and export within the Project Geopark Imbabura Framework. The area of Salinas, one of the first areas of predominantly Afro-Ecuadorian population is the last stop on the train. It is not the boundary with Esmeraldas, thus leaving Ambuquí, La Carolina and Lita (with one of the last remaining Awá populations) off the map of tourism as it stands at present. This is important since tourism in Salinas is based on a mere consumption status, with the Proyecto Palenque, a community project, working full-out to provide entertainment and food but no other activities designed to produce a more substantial input to their economy (or for a greater understanding of their reali-

41 ty, based on the sugar cane and cotton plantations and work in the salt mines). Since this and the surrounding areas are where the greatest international football players have come from, the local academy and the footballers themselves should be promoting the same worldwide. There is an initial effort that has been made to put together an ethnographic museum and the handicraft and/

or food products require re-thinking from the transport, export and packaging aspects. Beyond the last stop on the railway, AmbuquĂ, La Carolina and Lita suffer badly from the perspective of promotional capacity to attract international tourism. Most of what is on offer at present is designed by way of â&#x20AC;&#x153;fast foodâ&#x20AC;? entertainment (in the shape mainly of adventure tourism).

This area requires particular attention within the Project Geopark Imbabura to upgrade and enhance the potential of areas such as the Bosque Protector Golondrinas and Bosque de Paz guadua bamboo and eco-conservation project. Lita is particularly rich in orchids and in agro-tourism developments. It will be linked on the orchid route to other areas within the Project Geo-Park (Intag and Imantag) and the agricultural products inserted into the tourism value chain. Work on the main city will be coordinated with the local entities responsible for the same, who are working positively in the direction of identity building and who give excellent promotion, at present, to community tourism initiatives within Ibarra.

D-1 ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

he planned economic activity is organised by interconnected major geosites/cantons. Given that the area is almost exclusively devoted to services and agri-

culture, the activity is organised specifically around these sectors and complementary projects/products. In general, therefore, the emphasis is on improving turnover throu-

42 gh longer stays in the province and greater efficiency in use of the resources available within the Project Geopark itself. This is to be achieved by designing new products complementary to those already in existence but, first and foremost, to upgrading and enhancing initiatives up and running but in difficulties. The immediate emphasis is, therefore, on the short-term and the perceived benefits of working together, as a minga but organised in a social enterprise for long-term sustainability. These short-term activities are designed to work within the scope of the geosites as they stand at present, without need for further investment other than that which can be provided under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, CoordinaciĂłn Zonal 1, in the shape of signposting and training. Thus, there will be time for all the future partners in the Geopark CTC or Non-Profit Association to come to a consensus on what they want from a series of proposals formulated by the steering commission designed to that end. The proposal that suggests itself at present as an overall structure, in the framework of Ecuadorian legislation as it stands, and bearing in mind that access to Nature cannot be penalised by cost, is a Centre of Community Tourism (CTC), working together with the Universities and other research institutions to produce greater efficiency in the use of the resource base and closed-loop systems. This CTC will charge for its services using a rechargeable smart-phone service, different for each of the six interconnected geo-sites. At the same time, the

Geopark Applied Research Foundation will attract longterm responsible investment (on a CSR deposit-basis and applying the principles for responsible investment designed by the UN (www.unpri.org) in order to build upon the existing base and ensure the Four Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Where possible, the steering commission will call upon experts under the Prometeo scheme of the SENESCYT to work with the local authorities, Ministries (Coordinaciones Zonales) and associations on special subjects requiring expert consultation in order to reduce external consultancy costs to a minimum, yet still ensure the guidance and input required. These, in their turn, will build up the awareness and research base in the Universities and education system in general, inside and outside the province and country, thus ensuring sustained interest and support for the Geopark. Likewise, the students from the five Universities in the area, through their practical placement programmes (and exchange placement programmes under ERASMUS MUNDUS with other Universities) should work conscientiously toward providing the volunteers required to ensure the sustainability in the Four Cs. In other words, incubator systems for social business start-ups and services should be developed in the five Universities in the province. However, the first activities of the Universities are to be concentrated exclusively on socialisation (different products for different audiences, working on geo-education in the schools upwards) and design/re-interpretation.

Such guidelines as are proposed here, therefore, are the proposed baselines and coherent short-term activities for the various geo-sites, working with the present resources. It is a harmonisation process where the steering commission will be responsible for the socialisation of the Geopark Project and producing the policy engagement and commitment required for sustainable growth and develo-

pment through clarity of message, coordination, consensus and consistency. Regional vitalization projects require intensive coordination for consensus-building. Time will be required, and much socialization, for the stakeholders to understand and consider the concept and advantages of Transaction Governance Capacity (a concept coined by Prahalad in The Fortune at the Base of the Pyramid), a

43 Geopark and its opportunities, plus to trust a system of smart-phone payment within the structure of the CTC (if this turns out to be the best solution). Trust is essential and cannot be produced overnight. The Geopark Ambassador system and the Growing the Geopark webpage will be in place by February 2015, getting the information out to the general public and building up support. The dossier, then, outlines the problems that exist and the solutions immediately suggested but, more importantly, how the main players in the steering commission, who are proposing the strategy, will work together to ensure consensus on the final structure chosen. As a leading proponent of Responsible Investment said in the recent UN meeting on the same in Canada; â&#x20AC;&#x153;With responsible investing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a journey, not a destination.â&#x20AC;? The presentation of the dossier is the first step on that journey.

D-2 EXISTING AND PLANNED FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED GEOPARK

he proposed broad headings under which activities are grouped are: agriculture/tourism, culture/ tourism and knowledge society/tourism. Tourism is the common thread running throughout the myriad tapestries of the rural and urban parishes or parroquias, as it constitutes one of the priorities of the Ecuadorian government, in line with the move to shift the emphasis of production, and thus El Buen Vivir, away from extractive industries. Within tourism, activities promoting womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inclusion together with people with special needs and social business start-ups are the priorities. In all cases, the costs are calculated as near to zero as possible with agents responsible named, together with sources of financing when required. Plausible income has been calculated with the main economic agents operating in the field at present. The steering commission should work from the CoordinaciĂłn Zonal 1 in the Ministry of Tourism, identifying the players and stakeholders and organising the public forums where people can come together and propose objectives and activities. Otavalo and Cotacachi will be used as models of the system: Otavalo because it is the port of entry and already has the tourist association of the Plaza de los Ponchos and the train; and Cotacachi for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;mysticâ&#x20AC;? and conservation connections of its geosites, the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve and the constant monitoring presence of the

IGEP. Cotacachi is also included for the valuable work being done in making Geotourism accessible to people with special needs by ASOPERDIS that is Cotacachi-based. Runa Tupari, the main community tourism operator (www.runatupari.com) is also based in Otavalo. Both are much more developed and mature in perceivable infrastructure and perceived attractions than the other geo-sites. Common to all of the geo-sites/ethnospheres are the following that will be the responsibility of the Ministry for Environment and the Ministry for Tourism together with the five Universities in the year 2015. t 1SF "TTPDJBUJPO 'SJFOET PG UIF (FPQBSL UP CVJME up consensus, coherence and clarity of objectives (common to all geo-sites) through the Cultivating the Geopark site and Geopark Ambassadors t $PPSEJOBUJPO PG FOFSHZ BMUFSOBUJWF QPMJDJFT BOE SFcycling/waste management/upcycling (common to all geo-sites) with the cantons. t $PPSEJOBUJPO BOE DFOUSBMJTBUJPO PG FYJTUJOH UPVSJTU information (inventory + Geopark database: tourist information and business start-ups/opportunities for investment) plus greater efficiency/clarity of message with respect to the possibilities offered e.g. difficulties of routes around Mojanda, Fuya-Fuya, (horseback, cycling). QR solar-energy powered signposting/conventional signposting and smart-phone applications (common to all geo-sites) t $POTJTUFOU DPNNJUNFOU UPXBSE RVBMJUZ DPNNVOJty ventures such as UNORCAC (see www.unorcac.org), using the system of the Banco de Ideas (SENESCYT) and University involvement in re-interpretation/upcycling to provide new products and services, based on applied market targeting and TICs. t $VMUJWBUJOH UIF (FPQBSL .JOHB TFSWJDF 5SJQ "EWJTPStype information on what consumers have to say about accommodation, transport, services on offer. Coordination of accommodation services, including the Haciendas. t &OIBODFNFOU PG QSFTFOU SPVUFT XJUI DPNQMFNFOUBSZ thematic mixes between geo-sites, coordination of services (e.g. bike+horse hire) to produce longer stays and greater turnover. The work of moving towards renewables will be carried out in coordination with YĂĄchay/INER. The smartphone applications will be developed through agreements/projects with foreign and local Universities.

Steering commission in place and ready to create definite Association/Business Plan (Aug/Sep 2015) Pre-Association elects Steering Commission

Steering Commission elected.

Proceedings of election (1) (July 2015)

Steering Commission proposes options for future Four C plan

Website for Project Geopark. Options presented for general consultation

Website physically available and applications (18) designed (July 2015)

Pre-Association presents database and business plans to general public

1 meeting at least per canton

Minutes meetings

1 database available (online) At least, 5 volunteer Geopark Ambassadors per canton

Photos & Press cuttings

Number of different community enterprises and stakeholders signing ( >50)

Public Database of PreAssociation (Coordinaciรณn Zonal 1, MINTUR) (July 2015)

Training of Geopark Ambassadors to socialise

Form Association of Geopark

PreFriends

Coordination and centralisation of existing tourist info/maps etc. Database, conservation needs and opportunities for start-ups Upcycling of present products Reinterpretation applying TICs

Database updated including possible openings for social business start-ups At least, one business plan per area and per major geosite

Pre-Association meets up with unexpected changes in administrative law

Major political changes disrupting normal processes

List of volunteers and certification of training received (July 2015)

Public Database in Coordinaciรณn Zonal 1 (MINTUR) (July 2015) 18 business plans produced (the five Universities in the province) July 2015

Lack of personnel due to closing of contracts. Political changes

Lack of personnel due to closing of contracts. Political changes Yรกchay not yet fully productive. Major political changes affecting Universities

D-3

tavalo: BACK TO THE ROOTS Main Geo-sites: Mojanda/Fuya-Fuya, Lagunas de Mojanda, Lago San Pablo,Peguche.

Main resource base and focus for tourism: Health & Spiritual Tourism, Pachamama, Textiles, Ethnographic tourism = Experiential tourism (including volunteer). Soft eco-tourism & ethno-gastronomy. Special focus on longer stays: health tourism, ethno-astronomical tourism

Problem: Well-developed quality community tourism basis not fulfilling expectations. No market studies. Leakage.

otacachi: NATURE ALL INCLUSIVE

Main Geo-Sites: Cotacachi, Cuicocha, Reserva Cotacachi-Cayapas, Intag.

Main resource base and focus for tourism: Geo-tourism, Nature observation, physical endurance/hiking, cycling tours, ethno-astronomical tourism, tourism for people with special needs: boat-trips, scuba-diving, photography, biomimicry. Experiential tourism (Volunteer, specifically in the field of business development and environmental economics, reforestation and coffee production & by-products e.g. coffee fibre, together with alternative tourism for people with special needs). Specialist geo-park showcase facilities (inviting network partners for promotional and study tours) and geopark conferences in the seminar facilities at Cuicocha visitors’ centre organised by the association for people with special needs.

Problem: Need to protect rainforest and cloud forest cover. Threat of copper mining (albeit presumably responsible) and, therefore need for perceived alternatives.

imampiro: WORKING THE GEOPARK

Main Geo-Sites: Laguna de Puruhanta, Reserva de Cayambe-Coca, Terrazas el Cebadal, petroglyphs, Bosque Medicinal Jambi Sacha Main resource base and focus for tourism: Archaeology, Ethnography (with specific focus on healing). Agriculture (permaculture). Long-stays/low pressure, paying volunteer tourism dedicated to upcycling the archaeoligical treasures and, thus, the tourism product on offer. Special insistence on ethno-astronomy. Problems: Off the beaten track and agriculture is not inserted in value chain and suffers from excessive intervention of middlemen. Little or no perceived tourism “value” at present causing significant processes of emigration: archaeological remains largely unprotected

rcuquí: GEOPARK KNOW-HOW HOTSPOT

Main Geo-Sites: Chachimbiro Complex. Lagunas de Yanaurcu, Yanaurcu, Lagunas de Piñán, Cascadas de Conrayaro, Cóndor Paccha, Nido de Cóndor, de la Virgen, de la Primavera, the thermal springs of Chachimbiro, Timbuyacu, Arco Iris and Savia.

46 Main resource base and focus for tourism: Hiking, adventure tourism, cycling, health tourism, nutraceuticals, gastronomy, ethno-astronomy. Problem: It is not on the Panamericana and, therefore, largely unknown. YĂĄchay will change its destiny, largely through visits of relatives and friends to the resident guest academics.

ntonio Ante: WEAVING THE GEOPARK

Main geo-sites: Access to easier slopes of Imbabura complex, Polylepis forest, tolas EP FĂĄbrica Imbabura (museums & auditorium) Main resource base and focus for tourism: Conference tourism, events and trade fairs. Problem: EP FĂĄbrica Imbabura is an enormous investment that runs the risk of becoming converted into a â&#x20AC;&#x153;white elephantâ&#x20AC;?. Needs to be activated together with the train to produce conference tourism and stay overs in the area and surrounding (pre-and post-conference packages). FactorĂa Creativa to work with recycled fibres and naturally dyed fashion, offering top long-term training sessions.

barra: BUILDING THE GEOPARK

Main Geo-Sites: Imbabura, La Esperanza, Angochagua, Bosque Guayabillas, Bosque de la Paz, Laguna Yahuarcocha, La Ventana de Olmedo, Archaeological remains of Atahualpaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace, Salinas, Valle del Chota, Lita, Yuracrucito, Tolas. Main resource base and focus for tourism: Residential tourism (Ibarra) plus base for cycling, hiking, soft eco-tourism, cultural/religious tourism together with intercultural and volunteer tourism for archaeological sites (Ibarra). Develop resistance training, sports, the football academies and launch the Out of Africa oral history project in the Afro-Ecuadorian area of Chota, Salinas and Lita. The salt mines should be re-interpreted preferably interactively, and the gastronomy, traditional music and present staged re-presentations reworked and upgraded respectfully. Experiential tourism.

D-4

OVERVIEW AND POLICIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF GEO-TOURISM AND ECONOMY, GEO-EDUCATION AND GEO-HERITAGE The plan for geo-tourism and a sustainable economic income has already been dwelt upon in detail since it is the priority productive axis for the Ecuadorian Government and Imbabura is one of the provinces, if not the province, with most development in tourism infrastructure and certainly most potential for Nature and geotourism after GalĂĄpagos. It is also an area where women, above all, need to be empowered and to have sources of income based on flexible use of their time for various reasons but principally because it is, at present, the area with the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in the whole of the country.

"/ &9".1-& 0' 46$$&44 "40$*"$*Âť/ %& ("4530/0.Âś" "/%*/" %& -" $0.6/*%"% */%Âś(&/" %& -" $"-&3" Situation: The Association is an organisation of indigenous women in the canton of Cotacachi, in an area that is considered to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;highly dangerousâ&#x20AC;? and off the beaten track. These women were suffering extreme conditions of poverty and repression in a very male-dominated society. In 2006, Runa Tupari community tour operator encouraged them to set up an Andean cuisine catering service. The women presented a proposal, received the required training thanks to Runa Tupari and organised their self-financing and management programme, thanks to a micro-credit.

47 In 2014, the Association caters for groups organised by Runa Tupari to a total of 150 people per month with the lowest price paid directly to the Association of 8$ per person (1,200$). They have improved upon the existing infrastructure and offer not only food but also music and entertainment for their guests. The self-esteem and independence of these women has grown enormously. They have paid back their credit and are now working on other fronts (handicraft etc) to broaden their economic base.

fter running through the geo-education section of the self-evaluation, it is more than patent to us that there is much work to be done in that area in combination with the Institute of Geo-Physics, the Ministry of Environment, the Universities and schools, and within the overall communications strategy of the Geo-park. There is not a tradition of newsletters in the country or explicit targeting of geo-education strategies at present and this area will have to be adapted to the formal and informal learning systems in Ecuador. This will be the focus of the efforts over the next few months together with the design of a webpage where this information can be made available. However, this having been said, there have been campaigns toward upcycling and increasing recycling of waste, plus volcanic hazard education is well catered for, in both rural and urban areas. The Museo del Banco Central offers magnificent explanations, simply illustrated, in the city of Ibarra, of how the different continents were formed and the roots and tra-

D-5 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

he Project Geopark Imbabura focuses specifically on community empowerment through TGC (Transaction Governance capacity). The logic of the Revolución Ciudadana is such that the structures are in place to allow people to make their voices heard and to participate permanently in the policy making of the country. The worldview of Pachamama has meant that the local people have always worked together to protect the environment, with associations such as the Taita Imbabura (a small group of people from Antonio Ante and surrounding areas) who regularly look after the hillsides and peaks. Nature tourism and related outdoor activities (gastronomy, health and relax at thermal springs, photography, adventure tourism) account for almost 100% of the tourism among the Ecuadorians themselves. Under Ecuadorian legislation, there can be no discrimination in prices between Ecuadorians and tourists meaning that the smart phone services will be sold at reasonable, low prices to encourage the Ecuadorians to get to know their country/ province better. Freeman Tilden quoted in his landmark

ditions of the original settlers of Ecuador. And children are taught how to respect the Pachamama from an early age, by example, while imbibing the traditions through the many festivals, celebrations and associations designed to safeguard the Ecuadorian culture. Targeted and explicit geo-education with respect to identity in its multiple layers, however, is not carried out. The Geo-heritage is already re-valued merely by the consideration of becoming an aspiring geo-park but work will be done to protect, preserve and enhance the same likewise through the geo-education programmes and the web page. It is one of the areas that, again, is not explicitly taught but, implicitly, is handed down from one generation to another. That explains why the IUCN gave an award to community “mingas” from Imbabura and Carchi, the neighbouring province, for their tireless work in the protection of the paramos or high steppelands at their recent conference (November 2014) in Australia. work, Interpreting Natural Heritage (1956) the following: “What we don’t know, we don’t love and what we don’t love, we don’t protect”. The areas that have been developed exclusively and entirely by the communities themselves stand as testimonies to the people’s participation. There may be few legal community ventures organised, as yet, most still working on a voluntary donation basis and at a disaggregated level, but this is largely due to the ambiguities and grey spots of a law that was formulated in 1998 and revised in 2009/2010, needing to be reformulated to account for new developments and initiatives. There are already community tourism ventures up and running on a non-profit basis (www.unorcac.org), empowering women and working on inclusive tourism. There is no lack of initiative, above all, on the part of the return emigrants. The young people who are going abroad to study with Government grants (under which they are obliged to return to their countries to contribute toward raising the quality of life) act as natural ambassadors of their country and will reinsert into the productive system, ready to make their mark and to build up the

48 identity. However, years of unequal distribution of income and consolidation of intermediaries mean that the profits of the hard work of the Ecuadorians do not go into their pockets. This is something that the structure of the Project Geopark Imbabura seeks to redress. Geo-tourism and geo-conservation are not the problem, although much can still be done in those fields. However, more geo-education is needed to make people value their geo-heritage and to learn how to improve their economy from it.

D-6 SOCIALIZATION OF THE PROJECT GEOPARK IMBABURA

ue to the need for political go-aheads to be given when the heads of the Ministries and Ministries themselves are undergoing intense overhaul, the Project Geopark Imbabura will only now embark upon an intense process of socialisation on a pyramid-networking basis. In January 2015, there will be a Pecha Kucha session, the first of its kind, in the Universidad Técnica del Norte, a major brainstorm for ideas of how to socialise best methods and types of social business and new forms of organisation, alternative energies including human, artistic forms and design around the Geopark, innovations and development, empowerment and much, much more. In the Master’s programme on Tourism and Environment, we will be promoting sustainable research into best practices in Geoparks, including studies based on the examples presented at the GGN Connecting Conference in Canada. Meanwhile, there is also a parallel movement within the various administrations involved to move towards Turismo Consciente and the Geopark as the best way to do it. The archaeologists and cultural experts are also mobilised. In the recent conference of Gestores Culturales (on the 13th November) a decision was taken to form a minga to protect and promote identity through El Buen Vivir based on the respect for the Pachamama. At present, there are eight PhD theses near completion on areas relating to the Project Geopark Imbabura and around thirty dissertations reaching completion before the end of the academic year 2014-2015. The Master’s Programme on Ecotourism and Protected Areas is working on the Self-Evaluation for the trans-national Geopark of Carchi (Ecuador) and Nariño (Colombia).

E INTEREST AND ARGUMENTS FOR JOINING THE GGN “Now, more than ever before, there is a need for us as a human race to rediscover Nature; to do so, a useful tool is to reanalyse the wisdom of our ancestors to become aware of the fact that we need the planet but the planet does not need us. For five centuries, we have dreamt of the myth of the hidden gold, El Dorado, because dreaming is easier than making dreams come true. Now is the time to wake up and to start building El Dorado with the help of our elders…We, the archaeologists, should work with the local governments to make our culture the core element of our development and thus forge a region with a potent identity and a personality all of its own”. (Echevarría. 2006) The arguments for the Project Geopark Imbabura being admitted within the GGN are the following: t "MUIPVHI JU NBZ TFFN QSFDJQJUBUFE XIFO BT XF BSF aware, there is still much to be done in the way of pulling earth sciences and social sciences together to work for the eradication of poverty, the implementation of Yáchay in this province and the strength of the IGEPN as a permanent watchdog in geo-sciences are central to the concept of knowledge and applied know-how as the road to sustainable growth and development in the province. The Project Geopark Imbabura represents a showcase for the world vision of Pachamama and the wisdom of the past projected into the future, offering El Buen Vivir for the communities who act as their guardians. t ćF JOUSPEVDUJPO PG UIF USBJO NFBOT UIBU UIFSF XJMM CF more chances of leakage and focalisation of tourism in favour of central operators and agencies with more negotiating power than the communities, to the detriment of the latter and conservation processes. There will be less stays and less moving around outside the attractions included in the fare. The Geopark is designed to turn that situation around, affording a structure that allows for TGC (Transaction Governance Capacity) and an international promotion that cuts out the intermediaries t &DVBEPS USBEJUJPOBMMZ JT BTTPDJBUFE XJUI TDJFOUJĕD EJTcovery, above all with the Geodesic mission of La Condamine that gave rise to its name. The association with Darwin and evolution is also natural. To present, the Ecuadorians have set little store on their own fortunes in these terms. The admission into the GGN would produce new self-esteem, revalorisation of the geological heritage and a solid identity upon which to build in the province.

49 t 8JUIJO UIF QBOPSBNB PG UIF PWFSBMM WPMDBOJD QSPĕMF PG Ecuador, Imbabura offers a safe destiny for the geo-tourist. Safety is a priority issue for the Ecuadorian government and, therefore, for the IGEPN. t ćF GSBNFXPSL PG UIF $POTUJUVUJPO BOE UIF 1MBO EF Buen Vivir, together with the concept of Turismo Consciente are totally in line with the objectives of the MDGs and, therefore, the GGN t ćF 1SPKFDU (FPQBSL *NCBCVSB PČFST B NPEFM PG IPX to make profit coincide with purpose in places where Nature forms an indivisible part of human existence and cannot be paid for, just as one would not ask for payment to visit one’s mother. It is the services that are being paid for in the model of the Project Geopark Imbabura. As such, it is an interesting model for South-South cooperation, above all, in Africa. t #Z JOUSPEVDJOH UIF 'PVOEBUJPO UPHFUIFS XJUI UIF Non-Profit Association or CTC, the Project Geopark Imbabura introduces the concept of Responsible Investing and CSR (Community Social Responsibility) while respecting tradition i.e. mingas to ensure the Four Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. t ćF 1SPKFDU (FPQBSL *NCBCVSB TIPXT B MJWJOH DVMUVSF various interlocked ethnospheres, but with respect, not merely for consumption. It is designed to stop the emigration motivated due to lack of possibilities and to make a new generation responsible for the guardianship of their territory, whilst offering them the rewards merited for doing so. It produces innovation and motivates invention using TICs and alternative energy/ies to upcycle the wisdom of the Past. t ćF 1SPKFDU OFFET UP XPSL XJUI PUIFS (FPQBSLT JO other parts of the world to achieve mutual growth and

strength. Larrie Ferreiro, author of The Measure of the Earth (The Enlightenment Expedition that Reshaped Our World (2011)) refers to the greater implications of the Geodesic Mission, saying that, for the first time “… it gave explorers like Cook and others the understanding that it was possible to have international cooperation in doing long-range science.” Outside the purely scientific realm, the author goes on to say, the Geodesic Mission (whose scientific survey baseline laid in 1736 is at the site of the new Quito Airport): “When the expedition went there, they had a very specific scientific goal, but like any great scientific expedition, it changed the cultural landscape beyond expectation and influenced not just further scientific expeditions, but the idea that this is now a continent, a set of people who should be independent”. The most important part of the Project Geopark Imbabura, then, is to build up self-esteem and identity, independent control over sustainable and smart geo-tourism development of destiny/destination in a province where the rural environment predominates, and in a world that privileges the ever-growing standardisation and acculturation of mega-urban life. A local poet and music healer, José Quimbo, has carved the synthesis of what the Project Geopark Imbabura has to contribute to the GGN on the rock Achilly Pachacamac (near Peguche, Otavalo, site of the sacred waterfall/bosque protector). It is the following poem in Kichwa (Quichua): Tucui Shunguhuan Yuyacpica , Cai Rumi Yayapash Rimangami, Cai Yucu Mamapash Jambingami If you look at the stone with the eyes of your heart You will understand that stones speak And water heals, giving you life.