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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Patricia Ocampo-Thomason
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The Ecological Mangrove Reserve Cayapas-Mataje is located in the delta formed by the estuary of the Cayapas-Santiago-Mataje rivers in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, on the border with Colombia. This area harbours the most pristine mangrove ecosystem of Ecuador and is one of the last sites where traditional mangrove resource exploitation activities have not yet been displaced by other uses. Some 6000 inhabitants rely on the mangrove forest for their livelihood; however, changes brought about by new developments such as African palm culture and commercial shrimp farming are having an impact on the mangrove ecosystem. This research examined how these effects on the mangrove ecosystem are affecting local communities. Research found that fishing and cockle gathering are the most important economic activities, with 85% of the households depending on them. In contrast, the 3000 ha of shrimp farms employ only 0.6% of the locals. Construction of shrimp farms has led to the destruction of cockle-gathering grounds and damage to agricultural land. Local people responded to these changes by creating new management strategies, from the creation of mangrove defence groups to the implementation of a novel stewardship practice called 'custodias'.
Author(s): Ocampo-Thomason P
Editor(s): Hoanh, C.T., Tuong, T.P., Gowing, J.W., Hardy, B.
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Environment and Livelihoods in Tropical Coastal Zones: Managing
Year of Conference: 2006
Pages: 140-153
Publisher: Wallingford: CABI Publishing
Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item
Series Title: Comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture series
ISBN: 9781845931070
