Atacames Special Area Management Plan: …Atacames-Srta-Muisne According to employment estimates,approxi-mately MVo of the ZEM economy dependson activities relatedto coastalresources,while

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AtacamesSpecialAreaManagementPlanAtacames-Sfa:Muisne

StephenOlsen. DonaldD.Robadue,Jr.. LuisArriaga

- - -- - - -ffsl.Dt olncrcr{E.-

GoastalResourcesCenterUniversityof RhodelslandNarragansett,Rhodelsland

IntemationalCoastalResourcesManagementProiectBureaufor ResearchandDevelopmentUnitedStatesAgencyfor IntemationalDevelopment€H

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,.li{l

nio foar na;c goalsof the Intsnatimal CoastalResourceeltdmagementPrrogram(CRMP)areto: l) apply,as rypa.-,1trid&,fiisftg experienoein 66stelr€sourctr- rnanlg€mcnttolow:imecotmtrie$;2)assfut&se lon-incmpn*timin te Oasiggmd imrpb,mentatimof integraedcoastalresdtrpessunagen€nt pmgten; 3) advmce6e staneof ttc ut ofcoastalrcsorrcs manag@€nt;ed 4) btrild tbeUniversity of RhodeIsld's capabilityto assistn*ftyu with cciptqlr6qrxrpe3mrnegem€nt..

T,btQ|!q,*gl" witbthecocperatingcounfriesto: ,

. fumuhp andimplerentiDtegntodcoastalf€so15cesmrnrgenrmtsllaEgi€s

. derrehppoceAnesfu fre asscssnentof Seimprctsof cmstaldevebementpryosab

. developinstitutionalandecnnicalsolutionsforresorrce.usecdicB

. $uppstrcscarchb befi€rrnderstan<ltte issrmthu affectee conditimanduseof coasalmsysemso imprcyethecapabilitiesof in-corntryprofessionalstaff16rplg1filf a4dmqnngeoastd &vehpment

TbcIntemationalCoastatResourcesManagementProgramis fuded by SeOfficeof Envirwent d l.IaruralRe.eorfioes,Bryau for ReseuctrandDevelopent U.S.Agwy fc hematioqalDevelopcnt tirrwgba coopersiwrgrc€nert wi6 tbcUniversityof RhodeIsland.

. i .

Ilt.qfnims, .fndings,cmclusions,mdrccommendatiinsexpftsd inthbftportrc those'of.Seauthrsad doffineigpry.ityteneatheofricialviewof tbeU.S.fuencyrc hWng@t Devd.gpt

For infsmation on theproject,contact:

S@€n Ols€n,DirectorInermtionat CoastalRcsorncesMmagemcntPrograCoa$talResorrcesCenterTbe University of Rhodel$landNmagrusea, RI 02882

lbkphons:(&D7n&nAroxi(not)zas46zo

rIiBN1-88545441-5

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Foreword

TheAtacamesSpecialAreaManagementPlan is oneoffive suchplanspreparedfor theEcuadorCoastalResourcesManagementPrograrnbetween1990and |gg2. h tt * i**rpte of the work of the

USAIDruRIInternationalCoastalResourcesManagementProjectin developi)gspecialareaplansin Ecuador,Thailandand Sril^antu. TheAtncarnesplan containsa consensusviewof theproblemsand opporrunitiesfacing the residentsof thisrurat ind underdevelopedregionof Esmerafdasprov-

ince,andputsforward an integratedvisionof thepolicies andactionsthat shouldbecarried out overthenextftve yearsto movetowardsustainablewe of thearea'scoastalresources,andimproved

qualityof ltfefor coastalresidents.

Thefield staffin theAtacantesspecialarea mlnagementzone,led by coordinatorRomuloJurado,and the technicaltearn,directedby Dr. LuisArriaga" workedhard'to build public awarenessand

involvementin all stagesofplanformulation. Theadvisorycommiaeepiayedan qcfiverole inidentiftcationof issues,framing ofprobtems,formulationofpolicy,ani testingoffeasibilityof

solutions'During theplanningprocess,thegovemmentof Eciidor wasactively"seekingto deter-minewhetherparticipatorymethodswerefeasible,andwhetherpracticalmcasurestoprovidestewardshipfor coastalresourceusecould beidentifiedand tested.Implementationof a large

proportion of theactionsrecommendedin theplan are now incorporatedin aproject n befinancidby theInteramericanDevelopmentBanlgbeginningin 1994. Oinerdonorsiorirrg in Esmeraldasprovincehavealsousedtheplan andthelocalfietd officeto helpguideandcoordinate

their own efforts.

Whiletheplan wasundergoingpublic review,a considerableamountof attentionwasgivento theneedto establishstrongcoordinatingmechanismsto implemcnttheplan. Theserelationshipsamongl<eyactorsare describedin detailin Chapter4, whichwassubstaniiallyrevisedasa resuttof publiccommentsandrecentdevelopmentsin thenationalprogram. Althoughtheexecutivedireciorateo7

theEcuadorcoastalprogrwn hasoverallresponsibiliry7orcarrytngoui theplan, thepermanentlocalspecial%reamanagementcommilteeestablishedbyExecutivebrrrr" SSggis expectedtoplay an

imponantrole in shapingandwerseeingtocalimplementationefforts,as well assirving o, i Torrmfor opendebateand resolutionof coastalarea useconflictsin Atacames-Stia-Muisne.ThenationalSovernmentcannotcarry outproiectsin thespecialareazonewithoutprior reviewandacceptance

by thelocal committee.

Thesuccessfuladoptionandfinancingof theAtacatnesspecialareamanagementplan andoffourothersiteslocatedin Manabi,Guayas,andEt oro proviices,offer thehopi thatsimilarconsensusdocumentscanbepreparedfor othercriticatarias of theEcuadoriancoast.However,themost

importantchallengefor thenextfive yearswitt beputting the vision,ideas,andpoliciesof thespecialareaplans into action in order to createlocal/nationalpartnershipsto achievesustainableiseso7

coastalresources-Coastalmanagersin all tropicatdevilopingcoastalnationswilt beableto learnfrom Ecuadoras itsnewexperimentin plan implementationunfolds.

DonaU Robadae,Jr.Luis Arriaga

October,1993

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIt

Introduction

Theexperienceof formulatingthe specialarearanagement planshasbeena learningpr@essfor all involved. Theworkbeganin 1990withthepreparationof profilesfor eachspecialarea managementzone (zona especialde manejo,or ZEM) followedby technical

reportson agricuftureand watersheds,coastalgeonnrphology,mangroves,fisheries,maricufture,watersupply,wastewaterand solid wastedisposal,and tourism.

Duringthe followingtwoyears, thecommiftees,usergroups,and authoritiesinvolvedin thecoastatft'anasemen':r?:":nffii:'{ffii:":::#'!:i:,1;:7;:;;&"::,:,;::,::y,;f

;::Theadvisorycommitteesreviewedandrevisedthe plansandapprovedtheminjoinf sessrbn

with theexecutivecommifteesof eachZEM. Twenty-twopublicmeetingswereheldduringthe process,involving68 coastalusergroups;60communities;19governmentagencies;

twonongovernmentalorganizations;radio,televisionand press;two universities;andsuperuisorsfromprimaryand secondaryschools.

Theplansreceivedfinalapprovalfromthe NationalCoastalResourcesManagementCommissionin May 1992.

Thehighlyparticipatorymannerin whichthe planshavebeenprepareddenpnstratesthat itis indeedpossibleto achieveconsensuson theproper useof coastalresources. The

planningprocesshasseruedas a meansof localself-development,andas an aid in findingsustainableusesof coastalresourcesto supportqualityof lifein coastalcommunities.

Thepresentationof thispublicationis an auspiciousmomentin thehistoryof theCoastalResourcesManagementProgram(CRMP). Thefoundationof thisnew effort has beenthe

activeparticipationof communitiesand usergroupsand interagencycoordination. This mustcontinueto be the emphasisof the CRMPin the futureto assurethe sustainabilityof thispiloteffortundeftakenby thegovernmentin itssearchfor sustainab/eusesof Ecuador's

naturalresources.

Miguel FierroExecutive Director

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Techni.calgroup thatpreparedbasicinformationanddocuments

for theplan:

Agriculture and Watersheds:CoastalGeomorPhologY:MangroveEcosYstems:Mariculture:Fisheries:

WaterSupplY,WastewaterandSolidWasteDisPosal:Tourism:SocialandEconomiclnformation:institutional/ssues;

Superuision:

Editingof FinalPlan:

EnglishVersion Translation:

Editing:

Production:

HolandoVicufiaH6ctorAy6nAlejandroBoderoSegundoCoelloBruceEplerMiguelFierro

Jos6VdsconezDavidParraRdmuloJurado '

WashingtonMacias

StephenOlsenDonaldRobadueLuisArriaga

LuisArriagaWashingtonMachs

M. lrisAllenDonaldRobadueJenniferPereiraElizabethGibbsTonyCoreyAnnetteBurgess

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III

Tableof Contents

1. EVOLUTION OF THE ZEM PROCESS

1.1 Background1.2 Atacames-Sria-MuisneZEM1.3 PresentSituationof theUseandManagementof CoastalResources1.4 Developmentof theZEM Processin Atacames-Sria-Muisne

2. COMPONENTSOF THE PLAN

2.1 Objectivesof theManagementPlan2.2 Preconditionsfor Implementation2.3 StrategicConsiderations2.4 Major ManagementIssues

3. KEY ISSUESOF MANAGEMENT, POLICIES,AND PROJECTS

3.1 Managementof theCoastline3.2 Managementof theNaturalResourceBasefor TouristDevelopment3.3 EnvironmentalSanitationandCoastalWaterQuality3.4 Managementof FisheryResources3.5 Managementof Mariculture3.6 Managementof SmallWatersheds

4. INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

4.1 PresentSituation4.2 PrincipalFunctionsof theCRMP4.3 YearlyZEM Work Plan4.4 CommunityWorkPlans4.5 Implementationof theManagementPlan

ANNEXES

I List of Tasksfor theManagementplan2 DescriptionandUseof theWatershedsin theZEM3 Participantsin theFormulationandApplicationof theplan

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Chapter1

1.1 Background

TheCoastalResourceManagementProject(CRMP)wasestablishedby a TechnicalCoop-erationAgreement,adoptedMarch3, 1986,betweentheUnitedStatesAgencyfor Interna-tionalDevelopment(USAID),theUniversityofRhodeIsland(URI), andtheGovernmentofEcuador(GOE). Its primaryobjectivewastoprovidetechnicalassistanceto createandstrengthena nationalcoastalresourcesmanage-mentprogram.TheCoastalResourcesCenterofURI (CRCruRDis responsiblefor implementa-tion.

Thefirst phaseof theprojectled to a proposalin1988to createa pennanentnationalcoastalmanagementcommission,to establisha rangercorpsto improvelaw enforcement,andto pre-parelocalcoastalplansin criticalareasof eachprovince.Publicofficials,privateinstitutions,andresourceusersalongtheEcuadoriancoastcameforwardto supportthisinitiative. TheGovernmentof EcuadorpublishedExecutivedecreeNo. 375(OfficialRegister117,January26,1989).This Decreeformallyestablished"CoastalResourceManagementProgramofEcuador,"CRMP,anddeterminedthestrategy,legalframeworkandinstitutionalstructureof theprogram.

The"NationalPlanof EconomicandSocialDevelopment1989-1992"(ExecutiveDecreeNo. 753,July 17,1989)incorporatedfor thefirsttime"Managementof CoastalResources"in its"NaturalResourcesandEnvironment''program.

ExecutiveDecreeNo. 375,in its 6thArticle,chosethefollowing SpecialManagementZones(ZEMs)of thecoastline(Figure1.1-1):

a) Esmeraldas,theAtacames-Sria-Muisnezone;

EVOLUTION OF TIIE ZE,:]MPROCESSIN ATACAMES-su,q,'-vturshlE

b) Manabf,theBahia de Caraquez-SanVicentezone;

c) Guayas,the Playas-Posorja-PuertoElMorro andtheSanPedro-Valdivia-Manglaralto zones;

d) El Oro,the Machala-PuertoBolivar-IslaJambelfzone;and

e) Galdpagos,to bedeterminedby theNationalCommissionof CoastalResourceManage-ment

DecreeNo.375stipulatedthateachZEM has:(a)an ExecutiveCommittee, formedby represen-tativesof governmentinstitutionslegallycompe-tentin themanagementof coastalresources;and(b) a ConsultativeCommittee,formedby"representativesof private,industrialandartisanalsectors,academicinstitutions,organiza-tions,andotherentitiesinterestedin themanage-mentof thecoastalresourcesof thezone".

Thesecommittees,with thesupportof "technicalteams"andthetechnicalsecretaryof theCRMP,werechargedwith developingmanagementanddevelopmentplansof thecoastalresourcesof theZEMand submittingthemto theNationalCommissionof CoastalResourceManagementfor considerationwithin two years.Thecommit-teeswereestablished,exceptin Galdpagos,throughResolutionsNo. 3 and4 by theNationalCommissionof CoastalResourceManagement,publishedin theOfficial RegistryNo. 402ofMarch23, \99O.

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Clnpter IBvolutian of the ZEM ProcessinAtscames-Srta-Muisne

Table 1.1-1 Summaryof the CoastalResourcesManagementProject,Ecuador

Fig. l.l-l SpecialManagomentAroas(ZEMs)createdby ExecutiveDecreo# 3399.

2

1986 Signingof theTechnicalCooperationAgreementamongUnitedStatesAgencyfor InternationalDevelop-ment-Universityof RhodeIsland- Governmentof Ecuador,for thedevelopmentof theCRMPin Ecuador.

1987 PhaseI of the CRMP. Gatheringandanalysisof existinginformationaboutcoastalresourcesin Ecuador.Extensiveconsultativeworkshops.Result:Ecuador:Prolile of its CoastalResources.

1988 Phase2 of the CRMP. Designandextensiveconsultationconcerningthestructueandobjectivesofcoastalmanagementin Ecuador.Manifestoof supportfromtheauthorities,managers,andrepresentativesof thecoastalcommunities,andrequestto thepresidentandvice-presidentto establisha governmentalprogramfor therationalmanagementof coastalresources.Result:Structureand Objectivesfor theCoastalResourceManagementProgram in Ecuador,July 1988.

1989 Publicationof ExecutiveDecreeNo. 375establishingthe"CoastalResourceManagementPrograminEcuador"(CRMP)anddesignationof theSpecialManagementZones(ZEMs).

1990 Phase3 of the CRMP. Developmentof the"G'M Process"for theplanningandselectionof specificmanagementprojectsfor thefive ZEMsof thecontinent.Establishmentof fieldcoordinatorsandtheiroffices,establishmentof thetechnicalteam,andpreparationof technicalreports.Inaugurationof advisoryandexecutiveZEM committees.

1991 Preparationof draftsof plansfor eachZEM.

1992 Analysisandapprovalof theplansby theEM committeesandNationalCommission.

1993 Phase4 of the CRMP. Publicationof ExecutiveDecree3399,strengtheningthestructureof theCRMP.Issuanceof internalregulationsgoverningtheoperationsof theSpecialAreaManagementZonesandthe

CoastalResourcesManagementProgram.

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1.2 The Atacames-Sria-MuisneZENII{

TheAtacames-Sria-MuisneZEM embracespartof thecantonsof EsmeraldasandMuisne,Esmeraldasprovince.It startsin PuertoGaviotato theeastof themouthof AtacamesRiverandendsin thebasinof MuisneRiverto thesouth.It encompassesthemountainousareasofAtacamesandMuisne,reachinganaltitudeof upto 3(Dmeters.Severalhydrographicbasinsoriginatehereanddraininto thePacificOcean;theirlengthsvarybetween15and35kilometers.Thelargestbasinis theMuisneRiver,whichcovers471squarekilometers(Figure1.2-l).

ThezonebetweenTonchigueandGalerahasadry tropicalctmate,with anaveragetemperatureot23 to 25 degreescentigradeandanannualaverageprecipitationof between1,000and1,500mm. Therainyseasonis from Decemberto May, andthedry seasonis from JunetoNovember,with precipitationonly in theform ofa verylight drizde.

Theareasof Muisne,SanFrancisco,andAtacameshavesubhumidtropicalweather,withspecificvariationsduring theyearof anaveragetemperaturebetween23 and26 degreescenti-gradeandanaverageannualprecipitationbe-tween1,500and2,0fi) mm.Therainyseasonisfrom Decemberto June;however,thereis atendencyto rain throughouttheyear.

TheZEM populationis approximately27,000inhabitants(1990),who live within thefollowingvillages:

Chapbr IBvolution of the ZEM ProcessinAtacames-Srta-Muisne

According to employment estimates,approxi-mately MVo of the ZEM economy dependsonactivities relatedto coastalresources,while 36Vois a combination of short-term agriculture,pennanentplantations,and extensivecattleraising.(Figure 1.2-2).

Canton

Atacames

Muisne

Zone Area

Atacames(1) Tonsupa(1)CastelNuovo(1)PiedraFinal (2)Taseche(2)Cumba(2)

Srfa(l) Guachal(2)Muchfn (2)

Tonchigue(l) Barlovento(1)MacarfQ)EsteroAncho (2)

Muisne SanGregorio(1)LasDelicias(1)

SanFrancisco(1) Bunche(1)Tongorachi(1)BocadeChipa(*)

Llano deChipa(*)PartideroElCabo(*)Crisanto(x)

Quingue(l) Caimito(2)T6ngora(2)

Galera(l)

Bocade la Chonta

(1) Locatedin the coastline(2) Interior

1*; Will be consideredin futureactionsof theZEM.

Esterode Pl6tano(1)Galerita(2)SaltodeEsterode

Pl6tano(2)

Mocora (2)

Quitito (2)

II

Ctupter IEvobtian of thc ZEM ProcessinAtocames-Srta-Muisne

4

llIrlIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

FAtacames-Stia-Muisnehaschangeddramaticallysincethe 1940s,whentheregionwasisolatedandtheeconomywasbasedprimarilyon subsis-tenceagricultureandfishing. This ZEM hasbeensubjectto cyclesof economicgrowthandenvironmentaldegradation,whichhaveleftresidentsvulnerableto thefollowingenviron-mentalproblems:collapseof near-shorefisher-ies;negativechangesin thepublicimageoftouristbeachesandfacilities;drought;epidemicsof waterbornedisease;declinein thepriceoffarmproducts;andlossof soil productivity.

Primaryforestwascutin the 1940sand1950s.Thesubsequentdevelopmentof bananaplanta-tionscreateda temporaryspurtof prosperitythatwascut shortduringthebananacrisisof the1960s.Economicdeclinecausedmigrationto thecity of Esmeraldasasplantationownersat-temptedto diversifytheiractivitiesinto cattle,

ChaptorIEvolution of thc ZEM ProcessinAtacames-Sfia-Muisne

cacao,coffee,andcoconut.Deforestationcontinued.Roadsfrom Esmeraldaswerebuilt inthe 1970s,first to Atacames,thento TonchigueandBunche.New usesof coastalresourcesemerged,includingtourism,mangrovecutting,shrimpmariculture,andintensivefisheriesforpostlarvalshrimpandgravidfemaleshrimp.Populationin coastalvillagesgrewconsiderablyduringthisperiod.

Figure1.2-3illustratesthepatternof accumula-tion of resourceusesfollowedby problemsintheAtacames-Sria-MuisneZEM. Thediversifi-cationof usesof thecoastalresourcesin theZEM wouldnormallybea greatstrengthof thelocaleconomyexceptfor onecrucialfacf today,eachoneof thesesectorsis overexploitedanddegraded.Thedemiseof onewill quickly befollowedby overuseandcollapseof theothers.

I Comm"r"e&Others2}Vo

Nl Agriculture36Vo

E CoastulResources447o

F,.g g E g g' t r 5 = t r : 9

.e n q E.d =r { t ! h l i F o - A

EE> Obe(r) 6

U

Employmentestimatesfor theZEM Atacames-Sda-Muisne,1989(Source:R. Jurado,1989)

Figure1.2-2

5

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Clwptar IEvolution of the ZEM hocess inAtacames-Sfia-Muisne

RelationshipbetweeneconomicdevelopmentofAtacamesand use of natural resources

27.072[1984]

isolated communitestransport within the zoneand tb other areasonlY bYboat

firstroadbuilt firstroadbuiltbetween betweenEsneraldasand TonchigueandAtacames Brmche-

Ilvtngrovedesdirction

wild postlarvae fishery

environmentalsanitation qreatlYdeficient iicoastalcommunities

loss of :manSrovedue todurcoalprroduction

conversion ofhighest quality soilsto ufbarnrrses

populationmigration toEsmeraldas

6

cuttine of primary forest.decfinE in hrbber-andcoffee plantations

banana plantationsin the whtershedsof Vilsa andMuisne rivers

Agricultute

Mariculture

Fisheries

developmerntofshrimdlarvaegrow-but ponds

artisanalfisherv fishingfor eggb€anngtemaresluimp

loss of river fisheryand accesstomangrove crabs andsheilhshin estuary

exploitationofblackcqral :..-. Tourism

f \ deteriorationofI rapid pfowthofl beaches,noI toitisir in | turther growthI Atacamesand I insectoi[St!a I\-

errergerrceof private resort facilities

Figure1.2-3

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L.3 PresentSituation of the UseandManagementof CoastalResources

Presently,theAtacames-Stia-MuisneZEM seesa carelessexploitationof coastalresourcesduetothecommunities'andresourceusers'lackofadequatemanagementplansandlackof knowl-edgeofthe ecologicalbasisofthe interrelationbetweenecosystemcomponents.Theconse-quenceis theprogressivedegradationof re-sourcesthatcanbesummarizndbythefollowingfacts:

- Theindiscriminatedestructionof mangrovesfor theconstructionof shrimpponds,urbanexpansion,andcharcoalandfirewoodpro-duction

- Progressivedeforestationof thecoastlineforpasturesandenlargementof agriculturalandcattle-raisingareas

- Reductionof traditionalfishingareasduetothedestructionof thehabitatfor speciesofcommercialimportance

- Degradationof environmentalqualityduetosolidwasteandsewagedisposalin watershedandrecreationalareas,suchasbeaches

- Overfishingandexcessivegatheringofbiologicalresources,suchasblackcoralandshellfish,associatedwith themangroveecosystems

- Lessaccessto theresourcesfrom traditionaluserswho aredisplacedby outsidebusinesspeople,fur0reringtheunevendistributionofgoods

Until theesablishmentof theAtacames-Sria-MuisneZEM, therehadbeenno significant

ClmpterIEvolution of the ZEM ProcessinAtuomes-Sia-Muisne

effortsto harmonizedevelopmentwith theconservationneedsof thenaturalresourcebaseor with environmentalprotection.Thetraditionalrole of thecommunitieshasbeento preparelistsof needsor demandsfor actionon specificissues,presentthemto theauthorities,andwaitto seeif therewouldbeanyfinancialassistanceto carrythemout.

Thepre-existingnationalpoliciesandproceduresapplicableto coastalmanagementhavebeenverygeneraland,in manycases,not veryhelpfulin guidingthesolutionof specificcoastalman-agementproblems.In thepast,mostof thesolutionsto localproblemshavebeenformulateda greatdistancefrom theproblems'occurence,in theprovincialor countrycapital,withoutconsiderationof viewsor needsof thearearesidents.

Publicinstitutionshavenotactedeffectivelytoconfrontthecontinualdegradationof environ-mentalquality or to accelerateprogresstowardsocialandeconomicdevelopmentto matchtheneedsof a rapidlygrowingpopulation.Thisisbecausenationalcoastalrcsourcemanagementinstitutionsdonot havethepersonnel,financialassistance,or administrativemeansto organizeaneffectivefield presence.Withoutthiscon-tinuouspresencein coastalarezrs,theseinstitu-tionscannotproperlyevaluatefheuseof re-sourcesor counteractillegal actions.

Therearefew specificrulesandregulationsthatapplyto theprotectionof resourcesandenviron-mentalquality,andfor themostpart,thosethatdo existon paperarcnot observed.In practice,thereis a lackof coordinationamongauthoritiesin dissemination,awar€ness-raising,andcollabo-

IIIIIIIIIIIItIIIIII

ration amongresourceusersregardingmanage-mentnorms. For example,the annualbansonshrimp fishing lack effective enforcement,andthe fishermen who are expectedto comply arenot provided with an explanationof what thehardshipof a ban is expectedto accomplish.The larvae fishermen continue to captureyoungshrimp,and laboratoriescontinueto purchaseimpregnatedfemales during closed seasons.Asimilar pattern occurswith lobster-and crab-fishing bans. Industrial vesselsalso frequentlyoperatein areasreservedfor artisanalfishing.

As in the control of developmentin urban areas,the rules governing usesof recreationalareasarenot well developed. In the caseof control ofbeachuseandconflict resolutionbetweensec-tors, only very simple guidelinesexist, and theyare enforced only sporadically, without the

support of educationalawarenesscampaigns.

There are notablevariations among theZEMcommunities regarding the extent of local par-ticipation in the construction of potablewatersources. The variations have greatly affectedthe

successof thesevital projects. In Atacames,Tonsupa,and Sfa, the structureand managementof a committee promoting water supply improve-mentsresultedin the constructionof an emer-gency systemuntil the regional potablewatersupply project is implemented. The estuariesofPldtano,Quingue, and Cabo SanFranciscohavewater sourcesbuilt by EcuadorianInstitute forSanitaryWorks with community participation.Boards of PotableWater, formed by residentsofeachcommunity, are in chargeof the manage-ment of the systems.In contrastwith theseprojects,which have worked relatively well, is

one in Muisne: This project, servedby a sourcebuilt by IEOS without community participation,is not performing properly and hasan inadequatemanagementsystem.

ChaptorIEvolution of the ZEM ProcessinAtacames-Sia-Muisne

Thereis alsoa widerangeof situationsin theZEMregafiing thedisposalof fecalwaste.InQuingue,almostall houseshavetheirownlatrinesdueto theactiveparticipationof villageresidents;yet,in villageslike El Pl6tanoestuary,thelatrineprogramwasstoppeddueto thelackof communityparticipation.

AlthoughtheproblemsthattheZEM resourceusersfacediffer dependingon which partof theecosystemis importantto them,thereareat leastthreecommonelementsthatshouldbeconsid-eredin thesearchfor viablesolutions:

Mostproblemsaretied to oneanotherto acertaindegree;consequently,thesolutiontoonerequiresactionsthatwill affecttheothers.For example,theprotectionof theAtacamesRiverthroughpromotionof naturetourismrequirescontrolof waterpollution,garbagecollection,etc

Groupsof userscanlearnbetterwaystohandleplanningandorganizationalprob-lems. The stepsrequiredto successful$managesmallwatersupplyprojectscanbeequallyusefulin organizinga smallwork-shopontherepairof outboardmotorsor atouristbeachcleanupcampaign

Groupsof resourceusersandcommunitiescanactjointly throughtheplanningprocessandtheZEMframeworkplanto attractattentionandobtainthepolitical support,financialresources.andtechnicalassistancetheyneedto reachenvironmentalqualitygoals

a)

b)

c)

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d)

e)

9

1.4 Developmentof the ZEM Processin Atacames-Sfia-Muisne

The initial activities of the CRMP in theAtacames-Sfa-Muisnezonefacedsomeresis-tanceand distrust due to a history of unfulfilledpromisesof assistanceprogramsand actionsthatwould benefit the area. The processof preparingthe ZEM plan included the organizationofmeetingsand workshopsto analyzninformation,determineproblemsandconflictsin the useofresources,and selectalternativesand priorities.This time-intensive processgenerateda partici-patory work systemand a greaterawarenessofthe managementand rational useof resources.Italso createdmore credibility and supportfor theCRMP, which will facilitate the implementationof the activities of the ZEM's ManasementandDevelopmentPlan.

The stepsfollowed in the Atacames-Sfa-MuisneZEM processcan be summarizedasfollows:

a) Selectionof the Atacames-Sfa-Muisneareaas a Special Managementzone (ZEM) basedon the "Profile of CoastalResourcesofEsmeraldasProvince" analysis

b) Formation of the ZEM Advisory Committee,which included 23 distinguishedresidentsofthe community and representativesof impor-tantZEM activities. The organizationof thecommittee(January1990)includeddefiningresponsibilitiesand guidelinesfor its opera-tion

c) The organization of the ZEM ExecutiveCommittee, under the managementof thegovernor of Esmeraldas,integratedwith thefollowing provincial authorities:PrefectofEsmeraldas;Chief of ForestryDistricqProvincial Delegateof the national tourism

Clupter IEvolutionof theZEM ProcessinAtacames-Srta-Muisne

agency;Captainof EsmeraldasHarbor,ZoneChiefof IERAC andtheSubsecretaryofFishingResources(Decreeof theNationalCommissionof CoastalResourceManage-ment,Official RegistryNo. 402,March23,1990).

Thepreparationof "BasicDocumentsof theAtacames-Sria-MuisneZEM" (November1989)included:

- Legaldocumentsof theCRMP

- Profileof theAtacames-Sfa-MuisneZEI|I

- Reportsfrom theCRMPtechnicalteamson specificsubjects:tourism,mangroves,artisanalfishing,environmentalsanita-tion,geomorphology,andcoastalpro-cesses

Theinitial basicdocumentationwasrc-viewedin detailby theAdvisoryCommittee,whichbothpromotedbroaderawarenessoftheconditionof coastalresourcesandhelpedselectlocally appropriateoptionsfor man-agement.

An intensiveeffort of disseminationandpubliceducationwascarriedoutin conjunc-tion with thetechnicaldiscussionsandfocusedonenvironmentalproblems,conser-vationof resources,andpromotionof theZEM developmentprocess.Teachertrainingandschoolactivitiesattheprimaryandsecondarylevelswerealsoincluded

IIItIIIIIIIIItIIIII

Clupbr 1Evolutian of the ZEM ProcessinAtacames-Srta.Muisne

An importantactivityin theZEM processwastheimplementationof the"PracticalExercisesin IntegratedManagement".Theseincludedlow costprojectsor activitiesdesignedto addresspriority problemsin thecommunities.The selectionof "exercises,"controlof theirexecution,evaluationof theresults,andnecessaryfollow-upweredoneby theAdvisoryCommittee,with personnelsupportandconsultantsfrom theCRMP.The objectiveof theseexerciseswastrainingof theAdvisoryCommitteeandthecommu-nitiesfor carryingoutmorecomplextasksthatwill takeplacewith theimplementationof the ZEM developmentplan.Someof theseexerciseswere:

- Organizationof a "commissary"for thesaleof fuel, lubricants,andmaterialsfortheTonchigueartisanalfishermen

- Rehabilitationof publicsanitaryservicesin Atacames(in thevillageandnexttothebeach)andin Sfa

- Constructionof a collectioncenterinBunchefor shrimplarvae

- Managementof theAtacamesmangrovethroughpassiverecreation.Theobjectiveof this exerciseis to protectthesmallmangrove(52ha)thatstill existsin theestuaryof AtacamesRiverandto pro-moteits recuperationthroughreforesta-tion. The exerciseincludesa recreationalandeducationalwalk throughtheestuary,mangroves,andshrimpponds.Theexercisehasproducedadditionalactions,suchas:

Formationof an"EnvironmentalSanita-tionCommittee"in chargeof organizingtheclean-upof theAtacamesRivershoreline(whichhadbecomea garbagedump)andestablishinga permanentsystemof garbagecollection

Organizationof a "Folkloric Music andDanceGroup"with theparticipationoftheSchoolof Tourism,"EstrelladeMaf," of Atacames

Organizationof a groupof "touristguides"for thewalksin the mangrove

Useof themangrovefor energyrc-sources.Thisexerciseinvolvestheuseof20ha of mangroveforestperyearin arotatingcycleof 10yearsfor theproduc-tion of charcoalandfirewood.The cycleincludesthereforestationof exploitedlotsandtheproductionof charcoalinmetallicovens,which aremoreefficientthanthetraditionaldirt ovens.Theparticipantsin this exercisearetheproducersof charcoalandfirewood in theMuisneRivermangroveestuary,whohadbeenindiscriminatelydestroyingthemangrove.

Organizationof an"AssociationofCaipirinheros,"unitingsmallbusinessesthatoffer drinks (caipirinha)to thevisitorsof theAtacamesbeach.TheCRMPhasprovidedthemwith someequipmentandmeansfor maintainingtheorderlinessandcleanlinessof thebeaches,aswell aswith lifeguardsforswimmersat risk.

10

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Clnpbr IEvolution of tlu ZEM hocess inAtacames-Sta-Maisne

To date,the"ZEM Process"hasgeneratedpositivebenefitsin theconstructionof a newcoastalplanningsystem,in whichthecommuni-ties,governmentauthorities,andresourceusershaveparticipatedandshareimplementationresponsibility.As theexercisefor theprotectionof theAtacamesRivermangrovedemonstrates,aneworientationis emergingin theZEM favoringtheachievementof importantgoalsfor theconservationof theecosystems,whichmeanstheattainmentof continuedproductivityfor theenvironmentandlocaleconomy.

l l

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

T

llIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

lrChapter 2

This plan is an important tool to strengthenthelocal capacity to achievethe developmentobjec-tives of theZBM. It is a framework createdwiththe help of user groupsand coastalcommunitiesto guide their joint efforts to implement thespecific resourceprotection,rcstoration,andappropriateuseprojectsincluded in the plan.

COMPONENTS OF TIIEATACAMES ZE|MPLAN

2.LObjectivesof the ManagementPlan

a) To formulateandimplementthroughahighlyparticipatoryprocesssite-specificresourcemanagementstrategiesthatinte-grateconservationanddevelopmentasmutuallyreinforcingactions

b) To initiateandstrengthencommunity-levelformsof governmentcapableof implement-ing suchintegratedmanagementstrategies

t3

IIIIIIIIIIIItIIIIII

2.2 Preconditionsfor Implementation

In order to ensurethat conditions for the success-ful implementation of any actionsare present,the following preconditionsmust be met:

a) Participation of the community in planningthe action and community commitments toits implementation and maintenance.Evi-denceof suchparticipation may includeformal commitmentsof labor,cost-sharing,and formal agreementsto abide by manage-ment strategies

b) Demonstrationof acceptanceof any agree-mentswith municipal authoritiesand theRangerCorps necessaryto the successof theproject

c) Demonstrationthat needsfor training re-quired to carry out and sustainthe activity orfacility have beenidentified and provided for

Chapter2ComponenEof theAtacarnesZEM PIan

2.3StrategicConsiderations

Thefollowingcriteriashouldbeappliedwhensettingprioritiesamongtheactionsto beunder-takenduringanygivenperiod:

a) Theactioncontributesdirectlyto sustainingor restoringecosystemquality

b) Theactionis supportedby a significantsegmentof thecommunity(s)affected

c) Theactionwill generateexperiencetransfer-ableto othercoastalareas

d) Theactioncanbeimplementedwith thetime,funds,andtechnicalexperienceavail-able

Thecentralcriterionfor selectinginitial projectswill betheextentto whichtheprojectsincreasetheinterestandparticipationof thecommunitiesandpromotethelocalself-developmentandinitiative requiredto successfullycarry outdevelopmentprojectsin thelongterm.

I4

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2.4Major ManagementIssues

Theplanfor theZEM givespriority to thefollowing issues,takinginto accountthecharac-teristicsof eachpartof theZEM, its communi-ties.andtheconditionof its coastalresources:

a) Managingshoreuses

b) Managingandpromotingtourism

c) Improvingwaterqualityandcommunitysanitaryconditions

d) Managingfisheriesresources

e) Managingmariculture

0 Managingsmallcoastalwatersheds

g) Developinglocalinstitutionalcapacity

Six aspectsof eachissuearetreatedin theplan:

a) Importanceandmanagementoptions

b) Characteristicsof thesector

c) Principalmanagementproblems

d) Objectives

e) Policiesandspecificactions

0 Expectedresultsfrom implementation

This chaptersetsforth theoptionsfor managingcoastalresources,andtheresourcemanagementpolicesandspecificactionsacceptedby localcommunities,resourceusers,andauthorities.Thefocusof theproposedactionsis on stepsthatcanbetakenin thenext four yearsandthatcan

Cruptur2Componen&of theAtaconesZEMPlan

contributeto maintainingor improvingthecapacityof coastalenvironmentsto provideeconomicdevelopmentandqualityof life for theresidentsof theZEM.

Thefirst partof eachsectionfocusesonkeymanagementissues,followedby thepolicies,actions,andexpectedresultsof implementationin theplaceswhereprojectswould becarriedouL

Thesuccessof theproposedactionswill dependin largemeasureon theorganizationandcapabil-ity of resourceusergroupsandon thehelpofregionalandnationalinstitutionsthroughtechni-calassistance,financing,and,mostimportant"thepersistenteffort to carryout theZEM plandespitepoliticalchangesat thenationallevel,wheremajorplanninganddevelopmentdeci-sionsaremade.

Theemphasisof theproposedactionsvariesfrom issueto issue,dependingupontheoutcomeof thelocalconsultativeprocessandtheamountof availableinformation.Theprojectsaregroupedin thefollowingmanner:

a) Zone-wideprojectswhichwill provideabenefitto theentireZEM; for example,actionswhichstrengthentheinstitutionalstructure,publiceducation,andoutreach

b) Communityprojectsaimedat resolvingspecificlocalproblems;for example,buitd-ing latrines,collectingsolidwastein smallvillages

c) Integratedmanagementprojecs for a coastalwatershed,suchashillsidereforestation,family gardens,agriculturedevelopment.Theseinitial effortswill permitworkingprogressivelytowardlanduseplanningand

15

assigningappropriateusefor thelargerandmorecomplexwatershedsof theZEM, suchastheAtacamesandMuisnerivers.

Theimplementationof projectscanalsobedividedintotwo groups:1)pilotprojectsthatwill testmanagementtechniquesandserveasexamplesto promotecommunityinterest,and

Clupter 2Componen$of theAtacwnesZEM PIan

2) projectsaimed at directly solving a fundamen-tal problem in the ZEM.

This plan is a meansfor working out new tech-niquesand planning policies that can be appliedto other coastalareasand eventually to thenational developmentProcess.

T6

Chapter2Componmtsof theAtacancs ZEM PIan

Fig.2-la Main featuresof thecoastof theAtacames- Sta - MuisneZEM,Atacamesarea.

T7

Chapter2ComponenEof theAtrcones ZEM Pbn

Fig. 2-lb Main featuresof the coastof the Atacames- Sua- Muisne ZEM, Galeraarea.

18

Crrapter2Components of the Atacames ZEM PIan

Fig.2-lc Main feanrresof thecoastof theAtacames- Sua- MuisneZEM, Muisnearea.

t9

IItIIIIttIIIIIIt

Chapter3

3.1 Management of the Coastline

A. Importance and OPtions

Thecoastlineis theresourcethatcreatedtouristactivityin the ZEM andmaintainsthetraditionalfishingactivity. Thebeaches,landscape,estuar-ies,cliffs, andmangrovesform ttrebaseonwhichtourismandestuaryfisheriesdepend.

If thedevelopmentof thecoastlineis notwell-managed,economiccostsandsocialconflictswill increasesignificantly,andthepotentialtosupporttouristactivitycanbedestroyed.Specifi-cally,improperdevelopmentof thecoastlinehascausedor couldcausein theZEM:

- Collapseof infrastructureandroadsinunstableareasor naturallyerodingareas

- Reductionof beacharea

- Lossof publicaccessroadsto thecoastlinefor tourists,fishermenandotherusers

- Degradationof theaestheticvalueof thezone

- Lossof habitatimportantto speciesassoci-atedwith thecoastline,includingmostofthetraditionalfisheriesof mollusks,crabs,shrimp,andestuarinefish

- Lossof lives of swimmersandriskstorecreationalusers

B. Characteristicsof the Sector

Fromnorttrto south,thecoasthaselevatedandlowercliffs borderedby sandybeaches.A seriesof streamsfed by smallbasinshascreatedplains

KEYMANAGEMBNTISST]ES,POLICIES,AND PROJECTS

of fertileland.Thesedimentsof theserivers,andthenaturalerosionof thecliffs andtheirrockyplateaus,feedthebeaches.Thecliffs areun-stableandinappropriatefor anykind of con-struction.

TheAtacamessectoris acoastalstripof lowlandsurroundedby hills between50 and150metersthatform cliffs in certainplaces,markingphysi-cal divisionsamongthebeaches.Thesoilsaredeepandargillaceous,with mangrovesandsandy-calcareousmarinedeposits.

Themouthsof theAtacamesandSriariversandestuariesform barriersthatlimit beachaccessandallow for variationsin theintensityof usedependingontheavailabilityof perpendicularaccessfrom thecoastalroad.

TheMuisnezoneis composedof a beautifulandextensiveestuarythatdrainsthesmallmountainrangeof Mache.Theprincipalcenterof CantonMuisneis locatedin a flat andlow islandcreatedby coastalprocesses.Themouthof BuncheRiverandtheMuisneplainaresubjectto rapidchangeswhentheMuisneRivercutsnewpathsto theocean,severelyaffectinginfrastmcture,traffic,andagriculturalactivities.TheMuisneRiverestuarysystemhasmanymudflats,whichwerenaturallycoveredby mangroves.Thereareno saltflatsin theZEM.

Accordingto CLIRSEN'sstudy(1987),in 1969approximately3,452haof mangroveswerepresentin theZEM, representingl0.8%oof themangrovesin EsmeraldasProvince(32,032ha).Approximately1,000hawerelostbetween1969and1987,mostlyfor shrimpponds.In 1969Atacameshad170haof mangrove;presentlyithas52ha.Accordingto CLIRSEN,approxi-

2 l

ItIIIIIIIIIIItIIIII

mately 840 ha of mangroveswere reduced(from3,282hato 2,446ha) in the Muisne River estu-ary-

The destructionof mangrovesin Muisne hascontinuedsince 1987. Additionally, traditionalmangroveusefor charcoalproductionstillpersists.The productionof charcoalfrom man-grove wood in the Muisne zoneis approximately1,200,000poundsper year.Anothertraditionalactivity in Tonsupaand Atacamesis the extrac-tion of "blue crab". An abundanceof crabsandshellshasexistedin the BuncheandMuisnemangroves.

C. Important Management Problems

The diversity of coastlinefeaturesof theAtacames-Sf a-Muisne ZEM reflectsthe varietyof problems found along the entire Ecuadoriancoast.Thesecan be summarizedasfollows:

- Constructionof touristresidencesincoastalsanddepositsformed by the stormsurgesof "El Niflo". Constructionover ornear eroding beaches.Constructioninactive unstablebarrier spits adjacentto tideentrance.Extractionofbeach sandorbermsthat absorbwaves,causingerosion.

- Developmentof shrimppondsandcon-struction of flooded zones.Disturbanceofthe natural drainage,causingflooding ofresidential,construction,and agriculturalareas.Filling of small coastallakes and softgrounds,including mangroveareas.

Certain ZEM areashave beachesof black sandrich in minerals of substantialeconomicvalue.Someof thesebeacheshave beencompletelydestroyed,causing severeimpacts on fishingactivities and the scenicvalue of the zone. This

Chapter3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and Projects

exploitation continueswithout a managementstrategy.

By far the most dramatic changeto the estuariesof the ZEM andthe traditional way of life israpid and continuousdestructionof mangrovewetlands,causedprimarily by the construction ofshrimpponds. This destructionhasbroughtthevirtual disappearanceof once important fisheriesfor mangrovecrab, conch, and oyster, and thetimber that supportedcharcoalproduction. Asrecently asthe 1970s,mangrovefisheries andcharcoalproductionwere a major sourceofincome for residents.In Muisne, and to a lesserdegreein Atacames,the shrimp ponds haveproducednegligible employment.Both the pondownersand their employeesare almost allnewcomersto the area.

The destructionof the mangrovesalso resultsina large reduction of habitat for the wild shrimpthat arethe basisof the shrimp maricultureindustry. Mangrovesplay a major role as anaturalfilter, absorbingand treating nutrientsand other potential pollutants. Yet, this watertreatmentcapacityis being lost at a time whenpopulation and human wasteare increasingrapidly. The destructionof mangrovesalsobrings major deteriorationof scenicvalues andthe tourism potential of the area.

The Atacames-Sria-Samearea,whose roadsarethe oldestin the ZEIN|,is threatenedby majordamagedue to improper infrastructureconstruc-tion and the effects of the natural erosion andflooding.

When the seasonalroad that borderstheTonchigue- Bunchecoastis paved,the intensityand characterof the zone's developmentwillchangenoticeably, and control and managementof land usewill be more difficult.

22

IIIIIIttIIIIIIIIIIt

A commonproblemthroughoutthe ZEM is

continuous deforestation.This will have a great

impact on the coastalstrip, causing:

- loss of scenicvalue

- advanceof desertification

- loss of possibilities for tourist diversifica-tion

The specific problems of the Atacames-Sria-

Clupter 3KeyManagementIssues,Polbies, and Proiects

Muisne coastinclude:

instability of cliffs and other slopes

changesin the rivers' mouths,causing

restrictionson navigation

habitat destructionof estuaryspecies,causedby fast sedimentationand changesin the flow of clean water.

and a reduction of freaticos levels

(a) Impact of the poor siting of roadsand urban development

Place Problems and Issues

PuertoGaviota Constructionof touristresidenceson theerodedcoastalflat plain

Castelnuovo Constructionof touristresidencesin overwashareasduring "El Niflo"

Atacarnes Constructionin flooding areasduring "El Niflo"; lack of building regulations;constructionon unstablebarrierspis; filling of smallcoastallagoons;destructionof

flvrngroves

Sria Constructionover thebarrierwithout neededregulations;erosionof coastalroad

Same Conflict overbeachaccess

Tonchigue Coastatroadbuilt alongthecliff; shrimppondsdisturbingthenaturaldrainageof Tonchigue

River

Galerato San Deforestationnearthe cliff edges;constructionof coastalroadFrancisco

Bunche Useof undevelopedbarrierbeach;banier spit; shrimppondsin BuncheRiver

Muisne Beacherosion,MuisneIsland

23

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D. Objectives

1. Organize the processof developmentand ecosystemchangealong the

Chaptcr3KeyManagementIssues,Polieics,and Projects

shorefrontby designing and imple-menting plans, ordinances,andpermit systems

Obviate economic,social, and envi-ronmentalcostsbrought about by

2.

(b) Mangrove ecosystemalteration

Place Problems and Issues

Atacames Conversionof mangrovehabitatto otheruses

Lessavailability of woodfor frewood, charcoal,andtimber

Reducedareasfor crabreproductionanddevelopment,decreasingthevolumeandquality ofcrabsavailablefor thepopulation

Overexploitationof crabpopulation

Changesin thestructureof fish speciescommunities;lessmulletexists,greaterquantityof otherspeciesof lesscommercialvalue

Changesin theplacesof sedimentdepositsandforrntion of newislandsin themouthof theriver; thosethat slartedto form 10yearsagoarepresentlycoveredwith mangroves

Scarcityof shellfish

Worseningriver waterqualityin theestuaryzone

Decreasedproductionandexportationtowardstheestuarywatersof detritusandfoliageoriginatedin themangroves

Habitatlossfor birds,crusta@ans,shellfishandreptiles.Before,therewasa high presenceofcrocodilesin Atacames;today,crocodilesarenonexistent

Muisne Conversionof mangroveto shrimpponds

Uncertaintyof futue wood supplyfor charcoalproduction;lesswood fbr constructionandtimber

Reducedareaswhereedibleoab populationis developed

Reducedquality andquantityof fish of highercommercialvalue(snapper,porgy)

Scarcityof shellfish

Conflicts in theuseof areasfor crabandshellcollectionamongshrimpgrowersandshellfishcollectors

24

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIt

I

FIt

T

inappropriatelocationof roads,buildings and shorelineprotectionstructures

3. Preserveand restore(wherepossible)important natural habitatsand coastalfeaturesthat are prerequisitesforsustainabletourism

4. Assurepublic accessto (andalong)the shore

E. Specific Policies and Actions

Although the Atacames-Sria-MuisneZEM stillmaintains most of its rural character,the exploi-tation of its beachesduring the last ten yearshasseverelydeterioratedsmall estuariesand man-groves-the natural resourcesupon which thelocal economydepends.Hence,theZEM needsstrong policies to protect what is left of coastalresources,and to start the long andexpensiverecuperationprocessof severelyaffectedareas.

The loss of mangroveshasbecomea criticalmanagementissuefor the ZE::M.The new ap-proach developedby Ing. Alejandro Bodero andthe Mangrove Work Team of the CRMP pro-posesfour elements:recuperation,protection,public education,and rational use.The activitiesto promote awarenessand supportfor mangrovemanagementstartedin 1990with the designofspecific plans for the Atacamesand Muisnemangroves.

The AtacamesRiver Mangrove Plan was initi-atedin 1990 through a "practical exerciseofintegratedmanagement"that included: reforesta-tion; recreationand environmentaleducationthrough field rips to the mangrove,the river'sestuary,and shrimp ponds; protection of the 50ha of mangroveremaining in the estuary;clean-

Chaptcr iKey Management Issues, Policies, and Projects

upcampaignsandsystematiccollectionofgarbagedumpedon theriver'sshore.Theseinnovationsareconductedby local peopleandinstitutions.

TheMuisneRiverMangrovePlanincludes:organizationof mangrovecharcoalproducers;improvementof technologyby usingmetallicovensthatincreaseoutput;limitationof man-grovewoodextractingarea;establishmentofreforestationcyclesto maintaindesignatedareasfor theattainmentof raw materialfor charcoalproduction.

Previousexperienceshavealreadyshownlargelocalsupportfor themanagementof coastalresourcesandgivevaluableevidenceof thefeasibilityof thenewconceptsproposedby thisplan.

Policy3.1.1Constructionof buildings,roads,hotels,restaurants,houses,andparking areasmustnot beallowedin hazardouscoastalareaswheredamageor lossof hfe is highlyprob-able,includingerosionzones,or in thezonefloodedby theEl Nifiostormsof 1982-1983,asdeterminedby theoverwashline. Wher-everpossible,setbaclcsandalternatesites,ratherthanseawalls,brealsrtaters,andriprap,shouldbeemployedtoprovideprotectionfor water-dependentfacilitiesfromwavesandcunents.

Thespecificactionsto implementthispolicyinclude:

3.rJ(r)hning and designationof coastal use

Zoning of the ZEM coaststrip to assigngrounduseand marine spaceadjacentto the shore.

25

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIItI

Establishmentof rules (includingmunicipalregulations)aimedat: strict enforcementofdesignatedlimits; restrictionsfor future urban-ization andfilling of estuaryandmangroveareas;and establishmentof limits for urbandevelopment.The urbandevelopmentandregulationfor the coastalstrip will be basedonbalancingwatertransportationneeds,accesstofishing, balancingcommercialactivities,and,especially,the environmentalquality of theMuisne, Sria,and Atacamesriver estuaries.

Developmentof mapsshowingthe zoningofpresentterritorial use and marking risk areasandintensiveprocessesof the coastline,suchas:lines of maximum flooding of "El Niflo;" nar-rows andother sitesof increase:erosion;un-stablecliffs; physiographicelementswith risk oferosionandcollapse.Presentationof this plan tothe appropriateauthoritiesfor approval andexecution,including training programs,publiceducation,and the necessarysupportfor itsimplementation. (SeeSection4).

3.1.1(2)Normsfor constructionin thecoastline

Developing norrnsfor constructionof bridges,water transportationservicesand economicactivities that require direct accessto the coast-line. The purposeof this is to minimize theimpact on coastalecosystems.Determining theminimal distancesfor constructionin relation tothe annualrate of erosion in the critical zonesofthe coastline.

3.1.1(3)Protection of the coastline

Development of necessaryregulationsand othernonns to: avoid dumping residualwatersand

ChapteriKeyManagementIssues,Policics,and Projects

untfeatedwasteon the beaches;ensurethat pipesare buried to avoid exposure;ensurethat dump-ing and seawaterintake are locatedoutside thebreakwaterzone.The regulationswill attempt toprohibit modifications of natural drainagepat-ternsof the rivers in the estuariesand in thecoastline.Whereverpossible,andespeciallyinflooding areaswhere shrimp pondshave beenbuilt, specific projectswill be designedto restorenatural drainagechannels.

s.1.1(4)Protectionof specialrecreationareas

Developmentof normsto protecttheZEM'stopographiccoastalfeaturesthathavebeautyanduniquecharacteristicsappropriatefor touristactivitiesandecologicalprotection.Theseareaswill becarefullydeterminedby developingmapsandlegalnonnsto protectagainstoveruseanddestruction.

3.1.1(s)Coastal road Same-Tonchigue -GaIera-Bunche-El RellenodeMuisne

Improvementof theSame-Tonchigue-Galera-Bunche-ElRellenodeMuisnecoastalroadwhilerespectingthezone'scoastalprocessandtouristpotential,with particularattentionto theremain-ing primaryforestsandscenicbeautyof thecoastline.

SincethepresentdesignonlyreachesBunche,itshouldbeextendedto El RellenodeMuisne.Theentireroadshouldbepermanentandpaved.

26

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

inappropriatelocationof roads,buildingsandshorelineprotectionstructures

3. Preserveand restore(wherepossible)important natural habitatsand coastalfeaturesthat are prerequisitesforsustainabletourism

4. Assurepublic accessto (andalong)the shore

E. Specific Policies and Actions

Although the Atacames-Sria-MuisneZEM stillmaintainsmost of its rural character,the exploi-tation of its beachesduring the last ten yearshasseverelydeterioratedsmall estuariesand man-groves-the natural resourcesupon which thelocal economydepends.Hence,theZEMneedsstrong policies to protect what is left of coastalresources,and to start the long and expensiverecuperationprocessof severelyaffectedareas.

The loss of mangroveshasbecomea criticalmanagementissuefor the 7EM. The new ap-proach developedby Ing. Alejandro Bodero andthe Mangrove Work Team of the CRMP pro-posesfour elements:recuperation,protection,public education,and rational use.The activitiesto promote awarenessand supportfor mangrovemanagementstartedin 1990with the designofspecific plans for the Atacamesand Muisnemangroves.

The AtacamesRiver Mangrove Plan was initi-ated in 1990 through a "practical exerciseofintegratedmanagement"that included: reforesta-tion; recreationand environmentaleducationthrough field trips to the mangrove,the river'sestuary,and shrimp ponds; protection of the 50ha of mangroveremaining in the estuary;clean-

Chaptor iKey Management Issues, Policies, and Proiects

upcampaignsandsystematiccollectionofgarbagedumpedon theriver'sshore.Theseinnovationsareconductedby local peopleandinstitutions.

TheMuisneRiverMangrovePlanincludes:organizationof mangrovecharcoalproducers;improvementof technologyby usingmetallicovensthatincreaseoutput;limitationof man-grovewoodextractingarea;establishmentofreforestationcyclesto maintaindesignatedareasfor theattainmentof raw materialfor charcoalproduction.

Previousexperienceshavealreadyshownlargelocalsupportfor themanagementof coastalresourcesandgivevaluableevidenceof thefeasibilityof thenewconceptsproposedby thisplan.

Policy 3.1.1Construction of buildings, roads, hotels,restaurants,houses,and parking areas mustnot be allowed in hazardouscoastal areaswhere dnmageor lossof hfe is highly prob-able, including erosion zones,or in the zonefloodedby the El Nifio stormsof 1982-1983,as determinedby the overwashline. Wher-everpossible,setbacl<sand alternate sites,rather than seawalls,brealcwaters,andriprap, should be employed to provideprotectionfo r water-dep endentfac i.lities

from waves and currents.

The specific actionsto implement this policyinclude:

3.1J(r)hning anddesignationof coastaluse

Zonng of theZEM coaststripto assigngrounduseandmarinespaceadjacentto theshore.

25

IIIIIIIIIIttItIIItI

Establishmentof rules (including municipalregulations)aimedat: strict enforcementofdesignatedlimits; restrictionsfor future urban-ization andfilling of estuaryandmangroveareasland establishmentof limits for urbandevelopment.The urbandevelopmentandregulation for the coastalstrip will be basedonbalancingwater transportationneeds,accesstofishing, balancing commercial activities, and,especially,the environmentalquality of theMuisne, Sria,and Atacamesriver estuaries.

Developmentof maps showing the zoning ofpresentterritorial use and marking risk areasandintensiveprocessesof the coastline,suchas:lines of maximum flooding of "El Niffo;" nar-rows and other sitesof increase:erosion:un-stablecliffs; physiographicelementswith risk oferosion and collapse.Presentationof this plan tothe appropriateauthoritiesfor approval andexecution,including training programs,publiceducation,and the necessarysuppoft for itsimplementation.(SeeSection4).

3.1.1(2)Normsfor construction in the coastline

Developingnorrnsfor constructionof bridges,water transportationservicesand economicactivities that require direct accessto the coast-line. The purposeof this is to minimize theimpact on coastalecosystems.Determiningtheminimal distancesfor constructionin relation tothe annualrate of erosion in the critical zonesofthe coastline.

i.t.t(3)Protection of the coastline

Development of necessaryregulationsand othernorms to: avoid dumping residualwaters and

Chapter 3Key Management Issues,Policics, and Projects

untreatedwaste on the beaches;ensurethat pipesare buried to avoid exposure;ensurethat dump-ing and seawaterintake are located outside thebreakwaterzone.The regulationswill attempt toprohibit modifications of natural drainagepat-ternsof the rivers in the estuariesand in thecoastline. Wherever possible,and especially inflooding areaswhere shrimp ponds have beenbuilt, specific projects will be designedto restorenatural drainagechannels.

3.r.1(4)Protectionof specialrecreationareas

Developmentof normsto protecttheZEM'stopographiccoastalfeaturesthathavebeautyanduniquecharacteristicsappropriatefor touristactivitiesandecologicalprotection.Theseareaswill becarefullydeterminedby developingmapsandlegalnormsto protectagainstoveruseanddestruction.

3.r.1(s)Coastal road Same-Tonchigue -Galera-Bunche-

El ReIIenode Muisne

Improvement of the Same-Tonchigue-Galera-Bunche-El Relleno de Muisne coastalroad whilerespectingthe zone's coastalprocessand touristpotential,with particular attentionto the remain-ing primary forestsand scenicbeauty of thecoastline.

Sincethe presentdesignonly reachesBunche, itshould be extendedto El Relleno de Muisne. Theentire road should be permanentand paved.

26

IIIIIIIIIIIItIIIIII

Policy3.1.2AII mangroveforestsandfringeswill beprotectedandconservedin orderto sustainandenhancetheir role in theestuarineecosystemsof theZEM asfisheriesandwildlifu habitat,theirvalueasa renewableenergysource,andtheir contributionto theattractivenessof theZEMfor tourism.

Thespecificactionsto implementthispolicyinclude:

s.1.2(6)Controlof theftKrngroveareasby theConserva-tion andSurveillanceUnit (UCV)

Establishcommitmentsandproceduresin theConservationandSurveillanceUnits(UCV)to:(a)disapprovenewconcessionsfor shrimppondsor filling of mangroveareas;(b) monitormangroveresourceandenforcerelevantlaws;and(c) establishcriteriaandproceduresfor therenovationof concessionsin areasthataffectthemangrove.

3.1.2(7)Recuperationof theAtacames,Srta,andTonchiguemnngroves

Reforestationof 45 haof mangrovein theAtacamesRiverestuary.Reforestationin areasadjacentto theSfa villageandshrimpponds.Ananalysisshouldbedoneon theoutreachandfeasibilityof reforestationof theSriamangroveandmangroveareasthatusedto existinTonchigue.

Completeprotectionof the50 hamangrovestillleft in theAtacamesRiverandthesmallman-groveof theSdaRiverthrougha specificman-agementplanandstrictenforcementof munici-

Chapter3KeyManagementIssues,Politics, and Projects

palnormsandregulations.In orderto implementthis action,theUCV shouldhaveadequatemeansandshouldrely on ttrezoningtasksandthedesignationof coastlineusesforeseeninact ion3.1.1(1).

3.r.2(8)Useof theAtacamesmangrovefor recreationalpurposes

Programfor the developmentof tourism throughwalks in the mangroveand estuary.There areassociatedcampaignsand actionsfor the clean-up of the estuary,garbagecollection,andelimi-nation of wastedisposalto restoreand maintainwater quality in the estuary.Development ofcultural actions,such as the disseminationoflocal folklore (marimba) and mangrovewalksfor students.This involves follow-up actionstothe "exercise" initiated in 1990.

3.1.2(9)Public educationand awarenessfor mrrngrovec.onservation

Continuousawarenessand educationalprogramsregardingthe ecological role, economic value,and appropriatetechnology for sustainablemangroveusedirectedatZEM residents,schooland college students,and mangroveusersinadjacentareas.

The program should include the establishmentoflibraries inZEM communities, training of localpersonnelin library management,and promotionof the permanentuseof the libraries to reinforceknowledgeof mangroveresourcemanagement.

3.1.2(10)Reforestationof the Muisne River mangrove

27

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Reforestationof 200 ha of mangrovein differentplacesof the Muisne River estuarybetweenBuncheand El Firme estuary.

A secondphaseof reforestationwill be carriedout in the El Firme-SanGregorio area,where thedestructionhasintensifiedin recentyearsduetothe constructionof shrimp ponds.Reforestationwill alsotakeplacein abandonedshrimpponds.

3.1.2(11)Protection of the Muisne River mnngroves

Developmentof a managementplan for theconservationof naturalresourcesof the ecosys-tem of the Muisne River estuary,including:enforcingpresentlegal normsand new regula-tions from the Muisne municipality to protectmangroveand mangrovestrips adjacenttoshrimpponds;conflict resolutionamongusersofecosystemresources(larvae,shrimpgrowers,artisanalfishermen,charcoalproducers);trainingand negotiation on the shareduseof resourcesthroughworkshopswith thoseinterestedinconservationand resourcesutilization.

3.1.2(12)Useof mangrovefor energycreatingpurposes

Promoteefficient techniquesin the productionofmangrovecharcoalin Muisne throughforestrymanagementof 200 ha of mangrove(rotatingcyclesof cutting and replantingmangroveusingsmall lots of about20 ha per year).This actionisdesignatedfor local families that traditionallyproducemangrovecharcoal.


Policy 3.1.3Public accessto the shorefor tourism,recreation,fishing, and boating must beprotectedthroughoutthe shoreline.Therightof lateral passageup to the high tide linemustbe guaranteed.Specificaccesspoints tothe high tide zonemust be identified andprotected.

The specificactionsto implementthis policy are:

s.1.3(13)Public accesszoneto the coastline

Preparationof a policy to proposea public zoneadjacentto the coastlinethat will guaranteeaccessandprohibit construction.The conditionsand proceduresto authorizeconstructionin thiszonewill be determinedand limited to excep-tional cases.

i.1.3(14)Policy of accessto the coastline

Creationof an inventoryof traditionalcoastalaccesspoints;preparationof mapsmarking thesepointsandtheir establishedlegal condition. TheZoneCommitteeof the CRMP will carry out aconsultativeprocessandmediationto establishagreementswhen thereis conflict betweengroupsthat require coastalaccessand owners ofadjacentland, for example. Designswill beestablishedto meetdemandsfor placesthatrequirespecialpublic accessfacilities, suchasbeachesof high tourist demand,intensetishingactivity, or commercialpiers.

F. ExpectedResults

The aboveactionsarecloselyinterrelatedandonceimplementedshouldproducethe following

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Chopter3KeyManagementIssues,Policios,and Projects

major improvementsin the useand managementof the shoreline:

l. Halting of further destructionofmangroves

2. Selectedrestorationof mangrovesthrough replanting

Improvmentin conditionof remain-ing mangrovesthroughspecificmulti-usemanagementschemes

Implementationof detailedproce-duresandstandardsfor shorefrontmanagementof the entireZBM

Assuranceof continuedpublicaccessto theshore

3.

4.

5.

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The Atacames-Sria-MuisneZEM has27 km ofbeaches,and its resortshave amongthe highesttourist demand. Atacamesand Sria,in particu-lar, areresortsofnational and internationaldemand.with visitorsfrom the Fruadoriansierra and the coast aswell as Colombiansfromcities adjacentto Ecuador.No lessthan one-fourth of the economically active population (anestimated1,700inhabitantsin 1989)is directlyinvolved with the tourist sectorof the ZEM.

The impact of tourism on the local economyisreflectedin the high cost of living. This is aresult of the constantincreasein the transientpopulation, which in turn increasesthe demandfor goodsand servicesand producesenviron-mentalproblems.

Besidesthe quality of the beaches,tourists areattractedby the exuberantnature and richnessof black folklore with its diversity in music,dance,and handicrafts.

Local businesspeople feel that the growth intourism will continue in the next decade,in-creasingemployment and developmentofhousing and hotel establishmentsin PlayaAncha,Tonsupa,andCastelnuovo.This willincreasethe demandfor medium- and high-quality tourism, internal and foreign tourism,and for high-volume recreationin Atacamesand Sfa.

Chaptcr 3Kcv Management Issues, Polieics, anil Projects

Sameis a specialcase. This areahasa concen-tration of strong private investmentin high-incometourism.However,the location of fiveshrimp larvae laboratoriescould affect the futuredirection of tourism on this beach.

The Muisne island at the southend of theZEMhaspotential for recreationand tourism. How-ever, the characteristically beautiful naturalsceneryof the ideal tropical beach,with its sand,palm trees,and tranquillity, is accompaniedbythe lack of basicservicesand policies to controlenvironmentaldegradation;the latter is begin-ning to appeardue to vacation facilities and theunregulatedsaleof food.

The needto plan Muisne's tourist and urbandevelopmentis evident. This island has a uniqueatmospherethat harmonizesthe natural scenerywith the restorationof surroundingsof particulararchitecturaland cultural value. Muisne shouldhave its own identity, associatedwith the imageof a peacefulandrestful corner connectedwithnature,where pedestriansare privileged andautomobile accessis limited.

An immediate problem is the saturationin useofAtacamesand Sriabeaches.This is why thereisa needto diversify recreationaloptions in theZBitd. Options might include seatravel fromSfa to Muisne, the use of the Atacamesman-grove for tourism, visits to areasthat still haveprimary forests,excursionsto the caves,familytourism in Muisne, expandedaccessto handi-crafts, etc.

The introduction of tourism to small communi-ties will require that they be provided with basicservicesand equipment,including fire preven-tion andcontrol.

3.2 Managementof the BasisofNatural Resourcesfor TouristDevelopment

A. Importance and Options

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B. Characteristicsof Tourism

1. Tourist FacilitiesandActivities

The developmentof tourism in Tonsupa-Atacames-Sfa was initiated in the 1960s.Theconstruction of the first hotels and restaurantsstartedin the mid-seventies.During the eightiestourist promotions and facilities grew signifi-cantly, especially real estateand hotel invest-ment. Presently,urbanizationand building ofvacation homeshave increasedthroughoutthecoastalzone.

The ZEM's total capacity for visitors in 1989was 89 establishments;1,561roomsand 5,934beds(Parraand Landivar, 1989).The distribu-tion was asfollows:

The ZEM's lodging registryincludesa toralof490 rooms,mostly (37.gEo)the "cabafla"type;24.IVoin hotels; I3.4Voin inns: andl0.2%oinresidences.

The Atacames-Sriaareahasalso developedtheso called "vacational complexes" operatedbybank entities and private and public institutions.There are also vacation sitesand family resi-dencesmanagedby organizationssuchastheCatholic University and National Army.

Opportunities for water recreationin the ZEMare very limited. There are no installationsforsailing,suchas marinasor clubs.Sportssuchassurfing, wind surfing, fishing, or diving havenotbeenpromoted.

The Tonsupa-Castelnuovosectorshowsa notice-able increaseof land subdivisions.Six subdivi-sions have beenidentified that occupy about 16

Chaptor3Key ManagementIssaes,Policics,and Projects

ha with a total of 320 vacation lots. Vacationfacilities in Samearecharacterizedby largersiteswith extensivebeachfronts.

The increaseof shrimp exploitation competeswith tourism becauseit occupieslarge areasofbeachfrontfor the installation of post-larvaelaboratoriesand grow-out facilities as well asinterior land for pond construction.

C. Problemsand Conflicts

ThemainZEM problemscanbesummarizedasfollows:

- Garbageon thebeachesof Atacames,Sda,andtheentireZEM

- Pollutionin theAtacamesRiverwaterdueto dumpingandtrashon theshore

- Destructionof greenareas,especiallymangroves

- Unplannedgrowthof lots,urbanizationandvacationhouses

Lack of parking spaceand chaotic traffic

Invasion of public road by merchants

Installation of shrimp laboratoriesandwater intake and dischargepipes on touristbeaches

Deterioration of tourist image of theAtacames-Sriazonedue to socialproblems,mainly drug addiction, delinquency,andbeggingchildren;in addition,excessivenoise from night entertainment,whichdisturbstranquillity

3 l

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Chaptcr 3Key Management Issues, Policios, and Projects

2. Characteristicsof the ZEM's tourist beaches

Beach Surrounding Form sand water NegativeCharacteristics

Playancha Pastures,estuarywith palms, open Light gray semituxbid Rocksflatlandatbeachlevel

Tonsupa Pastures,estuary,embankmenl Open Light gray Turbid Logs.hashrustichouses,pipes,labs

Castelnuovo High palms,mouthof Atacames Open Darkgray Semiturbid Logs,trashriver,dunes,villages,hotel,urban atea

Atacames Palms,contaminatedestuary, Open 4 km Dark gray Turbid Logs, hashsborefront sheets,constuctionwithout rules

Sfa High and low bluffs, contaminated Closed Dark gray Turbid Logs, debris,estuary, shorefront streets,consffuction hashwithout rules

Same Palms, dunes,mangrove estuary, Open Light sepia Semitubid L,ogs,stonerockscliffs, rock, cabafras,hotel,dischargepipes, shrimp labs

Tonchigue High and low bluffs, shoreline open Dark sepia Turbid Logs, stonefilling, shorefront steets, rustic debris. hashhouses,vessels.abandonedwharf

Muisne Palms over dunes,low vegetation, open Light gray Semitubid Logs, hasbcabafras,rustic kiosks, concreteseawall

Lack of basicinfrastructure,especiallypotable water, sewagetreatment,garbagecollection, and telephoneservice

Speculationand increaseof land value inthe coastalstrip, pafticularly in theTonsupe-Samearea

Conflict betweenshrimp larvaefishers andtourists over the useof SriaBeach

D, Objectives

l. Reanangetourist-recreationalloca-tionsandactivitiesto reestablishattractivenessandenvironmentalconditionsof theAtacames-Sriazone

2. Regulatetheprovisionof touristseryicesandestablishcontrolmecha-nismsthatcontributeto qualitative' improvementof touristofferrngs

3. Train serviceprovidersto supporttheZEM's tourismimprovementinitia-tives

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E. ManagementPoliciesand SpecificActions

Tourism is the most important sectorof thecoastaleconomyof the Atacames-Sfa-MuisneZEM, secondonly to agriculture. The successoftourism hasdependedon severalfactors, suchasthe proximity of the areato Quito and Colombia,and the physical beauty and culture of the region.Thesefactors have generateda rapid increaseinvacation homes,developmentof coastalprop-erty, and land speculation.This growth did notmotivate the preparationof a solid program fortourismplanning.

Someimportant stepshave alreadybeentakenthrough theZEM processto addresstourismdevelopmentissues. A characterizationoftourism in the ZEMs was preparedjointly withthe EcuadorTourism Corporation and NationalPlanning Agency, followed by a detailedmarketstudy of the Atacames-Sria-Muisnearea.At thesametime, local initiatives havebegunto ad-dressthe problems of environmentalcontamina-tion and protection of the tourist resourcebase.Theseinclude the mangroveboardwalk inAtacames,which involves creatinga tour of theremaining mangrovesand tidal estuaryin the RioAtacames;an educationalcampaignled by theHotel Association to remove sewagedischargesand garbagedumps along the river, a beachclean-upand monitoring program led by the'taipirinheros" - managersof beachkiosksselling local specialty drinks, especiallyduringCamival and Holy Week; and improvementofpublic bathroomsin two important beaches.

The policies and specific actionson tourism areaimed at protecting the natural resourcebasethatvisitors seekto enjoy, improving and diversify-ing the quality of servicesfor and amountof

Chapter 3Key Management Issues,Policies, and Projects

spendingby eachvisitor,andpromotingtourismin theZEM. Theinitial practicaleffortsandexperiencesin tourismduringtheZEM planningefforthaveled to anemphasison theinterrela-tionshipsamongissues(for example,tourismservices,mangroves,andwaterquality)andtheneedfor localleadershipandcommunityactionto implementpoliciesandplans.

Policy 3.2.1Tourism in theAtacames-Sfia-MuisneZEMmust bepromoted in an integrated monne4both to the external market area and withinthe ZEM to residentsand the businesscommuniry.The emphasisof this promotionshould include environmentalquality anddiversity of attractions, high leveI of service,Iocal culture, music, and crafts. Creatingand maintaining this identity will serveas apowerful economicrationalefor coastalresourcesmnnagement.

Specific actionsto implemenr this policy includethe following:

3.2.1(1s)Updating the tourist inventory

With an updatedZEM tourist inventory, thelocation of attractions,facilities, services,roads,etc. will be identified, classified, and arrangedinthe national information systemthat CETURmaintains.

3.2.r(16)Touristguidein theZEM

Preparationof a bilingualmap-guideof theZEMwith exactinformationabouttouristaffractions,locationof basicandcomplimentarytouristservices,roads,accesses,etc.Carefulconsulta-

33

IrlIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

tion with experiencedpeoplefrom eachcommu-nity will becarriedoutin orderto avoidleavingoutimportanttouristor traditionalattractions.

Thepublicationshouldbeartisticandof highqualityfor nationaldistribution.

3.2.1(17)campaignof touristawareness

Awarenessandpromotionalcampaignsof touristattractionsof theZEM wlll takeplaceamongthelocalpopulation,andwill touchonrecom-mendedbehaviorwith visitors.Thecampaignswill besupportedby ZEM schoolsandcolleges.Therewill alsobepromotionalcampaignsorientedtowardvisitorsregardingnormsofconservationof the ZEM's naturalresourcesandwaysof obtaininginformationabouttheZEM.

Policy3.2.2Thequalityof tourismservicesandfacilitiesin theZEM mustbeupgradedto retainandproperlyhandlea clientelethatspendsahigheramountper dayin local businesses.

The specific actionsto implement this policyinclude:

3.2.2(18)Touristinformntionalsignsin theZEM

Basedon thetouristinventoryof theZEM, aninformationalroadsignplanguidingvisitorstobeachesandotherrecreationalareaswill bedeveloped.Thelocationandtypesof signsineachtouristareawill beidentified.Theprogramwill bedevelopedin coordinationwith CETURandtheMinistry of PublicWorks(MOP).


3.2.2.(19)Tourist informntionbooths

Establishmentof two information booths throughan agreementwith CETUR and with the partici-pation of studentsfrom Colegio Estrella de Marde Atacamesspecializingin tourism and hotelmanagement.The booths would function as partof the "El Manglar" complex of small restaurantsnear.theRio Atacames.

3.2.2.(20)Improvingthequalityof touristservices

Reinforcmentof programsandactionsaimedatpromotingartisanalproduction,trainingperson-nelfor touristservices,promotingmusicandfolk dances,andcreatinghighqualityhandi-crafts,hotelandrestaurantservices,etc.

Theoryandpracticecoursesandworkshopswillbedevelopedwith supportfrom CETUR,theHotelAssociationof Ecuador(AHOTEC)andlocalbusinesses.

3.2.2(21)Touristmulrt-servicemoduleof Atacames

Constructionof a multiservicemoduleforvisitorsof theAtacamesbeaches,includingparkingzones,dressingrooms,showers,bath-rooms,sportscourts,etc.

s.2.2.(22)Basictouristservicesin Sfia

Constructionof basicservicesandrestareasforvisitorsandSriaresidents.Offeringswill includeparkingareas,dressingrooms,bathrooms,sportscourts,etc.

34

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s.2.2(23)Basicservicesfor visitorstoMuisne

Determination of the needsand availablesitesto

establishbasic servicesand recreationalareasinMuisne Island, in relation to the urban develop-ment plans in Muisne.

Policy3.2.3Thenaturalfeatures,appearcmce,andenvironmpnnlqualityof theZEM mustberestoredandprotectedbyplacinggreateremphasison environmentallyorientedtouristvisitsin ordertopreventofurtherl.ossof thetourismmnrketshareof theZEM.

Specificactionsto implementthispolicy includethefollowing:

3.2.3(24)Landuseregulationin theZEM

Developmentof landusecontrolplansforAtacames,Sria,Muisne,andothercommunitiesof the ZEM thatrequireurgentattentiontozoninglandusein orderto solveconflictscre-atedby thecompetitionof usesandto protectimportantscenicvaluesandnaturalhabitats.

3.2.3(2s)Newtouristdevelopmentoptionsin theZEM

Optionsfor diversifyingtourismrecreationin theZEM shouldbe studiedanddesigned;for ex-ample,a scenicoverlookattheentranceofAtacames:accessto thePefl6ndel SuicidaandtheTonchiguecliff; walksthroughoutthecavesandfarmsandtheprimaryforestof Galera-SanFrancisco;family excursionsto Muisne;andafacility to exhibit the greatdiversityof wildlifeandvegetation(for examplethrougha diorama).

Clupter 3KeyManagementIssues,Policics,and Proiects

E, ExpectedResults

1. Zoningplanssupportingordinancesandthemeasuresrequiredto bringorderto thedevelopmentprocessineachof theresortcommunitiesof thisZEI[{{

2. Provisionof basicinfrastructurerequiredif theattractivenessof theareafor tourismis to besustainedwhile absorbinga greaternumberofusers.This includesparking,publicbathrooms,changingfacilities,garbageremoval,andlife guards

Managementstrategiesfor culturalandenvironmentalfeaturesthatdiversifytouristattractionswhileprovidingalternativelivelihoodsforresidentswhocanno longersubsistfrom traditionalmangroveactivities,fishing,andlumberharvest

Informadonprogramsandtrainingthatimprovethemanagementoftourismwhile protectingtheareaenvironment

3.

4.

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3.3 Environmental SanitationandCoastalWater Quality


Water is central to family life, communityhealth, environmental quality, and the economyof the Atacames-Sria-MuisneZEM. Adequatesuppliesof cleanwatersimply do not exist.It isimperative that watershedsare managedforsurfaceand ground fresh water supply and thatcareful attention is given to protecting the qualityof sources.Distribution systemsmust be prop-

erly designedand maintained,and water bodiesmust not be usedfor wastedisposal. Yet thesebasic stepshave not beentaken.

The health indicators of the ZEM populationshow that, of the threecausesof mortality, twocorrespondto water-originateddiseases:para-sites(28.97o)and gastroenteritis(17.57o).Thisdatarevealsthe poor sanitaryconditions of thevillages and the close interrelationshipbetweenthe environment and the residents'quality oflife.

The ZEM's economydependsgreatlyon envi-ronmentalquality and basic servicessuchaspotable water and appropriatedomesticandindustrial waste disposal. For example,researchregarding tourist demandcarried out in August1990revealedthat two-thirds of the visitors feltthat the water supply was bad or mediocre;nearly one-fifth indicated that the garbage,sanitation,and potable water were bad and thatthey did not wish to return to the zone.Similarly,the generalopinion of the ZEM residentsis thatthe potablewater supply, sewagedisposal,andgarbagecollection should have higher priority inorder to improve quality of life in the ZEM. Animportant objective of the ZEMpIanis to dem-

Chaptcr3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and Projec$

onstratethat the maintenanceof environmentalquality, through active leadership,is vital for theeconomyas well as for the well-being of theZEM residents.

Characteristicsof water supplyand sanitary situation

Water supply and environmentalquality

T\eZEMhas anaverageof 1,0(X)to 2,000mmof rainperyear,but duringthedry season,theamountof watercarriedby smallriversdimin-ishesdrasticallyanddisappearsin somecases.Ingeneral,theriversof theZEM, particularlythebasinsof Atacames,Sria,Tonchigue,andGalera,haveregistereda gradualreductionof watervolumeproducedduringthedry season.Themaincauseis consideredto bethedestructionofforestswithin thebasins.Therefore,theavail-abitty of cleanwateris limited andirregular.Theuseof groundwatersystemsis analternativethatshouldbethoroughlyanalyzed.

Thedispersionof population,which typifiestheZE}4 suggeststhatwatersupplysolutionsshouldfocuson individual,andnot regional,systems.

In Atacames.Sria,andMuisne,thereis anexistingsystemof potablewater,but thesupplyis deficientin termsof quantityandquality.Insomecasestherearestudiesor worksin progressto improveor extendthis service.For example,thefirst studiesonpotablewaterfor thevillagesof Atacames-Sriaweredonein 1968.Thesystemwasdesignedfor a 30-yearperiodfor apopulationof 7,300inhabitantsof Atacames,Sfa, andTonsupa.It wasbuilt by theMunicipalWaterCompanyof Esmeraldas.Presently,therearcseriousintemrptionsof theservicedueto

36

B.

1.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

flaws in the water distribution from Esmeraldas,as well as operatingproblems in the pumpingstation.This explains why cisternsremain themain sourceof water.

Water for human consumptionis presentlyprovided from a variety of sources,including:

Rainwatercollectedduringwinterseason

Groundwater

Potablewaterffansportedby tanktruckfrom Esmeraldasto cisternsfor thehotels

Watercollerted from Uni6n River

Watercollecteddirectlyfrom riversorestuaries,someof whichflows only inter-mittentlyduringthedry season

Hand-dugwells,whichdo notalwaysprovideadequatequalitywaterdueto highcontentof mineralsandbacteria

Thesesourceshavelimitations andrisks anddonotensuremeetingresidentialandbusinessneeds.

2. Disposalof wastewater

It is not surprisingthathealthstatisticsanddatafrom touristsurveysclearlyshowthattherearefew villageswith wastedisposalandsewagesystems.Theuseof septictanksis verylimited.Many tourist hotelsandfacilities arebuilt withinternalpotablewaterdistributionsystemswhichgeneratewastewaterthatis dischargedinto anearbywaterbody.TheAtacames-Sfa-MuisneZEM is a rural zone,andmostresidentsireconcentratedin a few villageslocatedat theedge

Clupter 3KeyManagemcntIssues,Policies,and Projecb

of a river or coastline.Stormwaterin urbanizedareas,whencollectedby drains,is oftenmixedwith domesticsewagebeforebeingdischargedtoa river.

3. Disposalof solid waste

Thecollection,transportation,andfinal disposalof solidwastearenothandledadequately.Service,in everycommunity,is poor.Wherecollectionsystemsdo notexist,residentsdisposeof theirgarbageby burningor simplyleavingitin emptysitesor nearwaterchannels.Trashalsoaccumulatesonbeaches,andtidal andriverareas,whereit is rappedon piling, fences,andestuaryvegetation,andpresentsvisualandsanitationproblems.In Sfa thesanitationprob-lemis complicatedby thedisposalof wastewaterandaccumulationof garbageat theriver andshoreedges.Whentherainfallis intensein thehighpartof thebasin,theriver overflowsandcarriestheaccumulatedwasteto the Sriabeach.Thereis a proposalthatwouldchangethecourseof theriver soit woulddischargein anotherlocation;however,beforeanyactionis taken,studiesshouldbedoneto determinetheeffectsthiscouldhaveon theenvironmentandon theflow of theSriaRiverandtidal estuary.

Thepresentstateof theservicesis thefollowing:

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Problemsand Obstaclesfor theImprovement of the Sanitary andPotableWater Situation in theZE]V.I

ZEM residentshave always beenfrustratedbyinadequatedesign and execution or operationofpotablewater and sewagesystems.There aremore examplesof failures than successes.Com-

Clupter 3KeyManagernentIssaes,Policies,and Projects

munityparticipationhasbeenlimited or non-existentin mostcases;only in thelastfive yearshastherebeencommunityparticipationin theimplementationandmaintenanceof services.

TheEcuadorianInstituteof SanitaryWork(IEOS),whichhasvastexperiencein thecon-structionandmanagementof basicruralsanita-tion,alsobelievesthatcommunityparticipationassuresprogramsuccess.IEOScontributes207o

C.

Community

AtacamesSfaTonchigueGaleraPlStanoEst.

QuingueSanFco.BuncheMuisne

PotableWater Collectlon

Pipedwater,tanknucksPipedwater,tank trucksWellsWells,riverPotablewaterPotablewaterPotablewaterWellsPipedwater,wells

Waste Dlsposal

Latrines, septic wells, open air dumpLahinesLaEinesLatrinesLatinesLaftinesLatinesLahinesSewer

Garbage Dlsposal

CartsNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneCollectors disposeon beach

4. Chronologyof Environmental SanitationServicesin the ZBM

Year hoJect Descrlptlon Rezult Observatlon

1965 Potable water in Muisne Poor Poor managementof system

1970 Potable water in Sria, Atacanes Poor Poor operation of hea0nent plant in Esmeraldasand of distribution svstem

1977 Sewagein Muisne Regular

1982 Potable water in Pl6tanoEstuary Poor Abandoned systemwith no community participationPotable water in Quingue PoorPotable water in San Francisco Poor

1983 Potable waterin Tonchigue Poor Abandoned

1987 Potable waterin Galera Poor Poordesign

1988 Potable water in Quingue Good With community participation

Quingue Latrinization Good 75Vocovenge

1989 Piped water in Atacames-Sfa Sadsfactory With community participationSan Fco. Latrinization Satisfactory 5OVocovetagePldtano Estuary Latrinization Poor Lack of community support

1990 Potable water in Pl6tanoEstuary GoodPotable water in San Francisco Good

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)

3.

of theprogramcostsfor communitysanitationworks.IEOSorganizesthecommunity,namingacommitteeof systemusers,andcreatesa legallyestablishedadministrativeboardthatis respon-siblefor providingcommunitycontributions.Thecommunitiesin theZEMtypically havenotofferedtheirtotalsupportto theproposedsystemin termsof localcontributionsandnecessarymaintenance.

Providingtheopportunityfor greaterlocalinvolvementis not sufficient.Communitiesandotherswho financeandconstructneededfacili-tiesandsystemsmustbestronglymotivatedbythecommitmentto solvethequalityof life issueswhich areposedby watersupplydeficienciesandcontamination.Theinabilityof a smallcommunityto obtaincleanwaterandproperlydisposeof sewageandtrashis notjust anincon-veniencefor residents,butrepresentsa publichealthissuefor theentireZEM. Waterbornegastrointestinaldiseasesdo notrespectvillageboundaries;touristsarejustasproneto sicknessaslocal residents;andthepollutiongeneratedinonecommunitydegradesfisheries,habitats,andresourcesusedby all.

D. Objectives

1. To promote awarenessthrough educationand monitoring of the vital link betweencontamination of water and land fromwaste disposaland deteriorationin qualityof life

To gain the commitment of ZEM commu-nities to develop and maintain adequatesuppliesof clean water and to adopt wastedisposalpracticesthat will protect commu-nity health and cleanliness

To provide training and technical support

Chapter3KeyManagemcntIssues,Policies,and Projects

for locallymanagedwatersupplyandwastecollectionfacilitiesandservices

E. Management Policies and Plan ofAction

Theimprovementof watersupply,adequatedisposalof usedwater,andcollectionandfinaldisposalof garbagearemattersthataffectthehealthandqualityof life of all ZEM residents.Thesemattersalsoatfecteconomicactivities.mainlytourism.Goodwaterqualityandgoodpracticesfor wastedisposalareessentialformaintainingthequalityof estuaryhabitatandtheZEM environment.

Thespecificpoliciesandactionsregardingenvironmentalsanitationemphasizetheimple-mentationof well-conceivedsmallprojects,manyof whichhavealreadybeendesignedand,in somecases,partiallyimplemented.In addi-tion,technicalevaluationsof theneedto reha-bilitatesomeexistingserviceshavebeencarriedout. In all cases,the key to successwill betheparticipationandresponsibilityof thecommu-nity andlocalgroups.In addition,helpfromentitieslike IEOSandmunicipalitiesin construc-tion,operation,andservicemaintenanceis a keyfactor.Consequently,theZEM planconsidersthefirst phaseto includeboththerehabilitationof deficientservicesandcommunitytraining.

Policy 3.3.1Adequatesuppliesof cleanfresh water mustbe mndeavailable throughout the ZEM usinga mixture of sourcesand distibution systemsthat can be operatedand maintained to thegreatestextentpossible by local communi-ties.Projects must be accompaniedby publiceducationcampaignsin the treatmentofdrinking water,food handling, and in train-

local oersonnel-

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Specific actions to implement this policy in-clude:

3.3.1(26)Design,constructionandmaintenanceofpotablewatersourcesystemsfor Muisne-Bunche,Atacames,Sila,Tonchigue,andtheGalera-SanFranciscozone.

Provisionof potablewaterfor Muisnethroughasystemthatwill guaranteewaterqualityandquantityfor humanconsumption.Undertakingstudiesto considersuperficialsourcesof thecontinentalarea.Studiesof sourcesandof apotablewatersupplysystemfor Bunche.Im-provementin servicemanagementfrom localboardsandmunicipalauthorities.

Improvementin potablewatersupplyforAtacamesis includedasanemergencyprojectbecausetheRegionalPlanof PotableWaterofEsmeraldasdoesnot yethavethefinancialsupportto finish thework in thisvillage. Thisprojectis aimedat improvingtheorganizationandoperationof thepresentservicethatsuppliespotablewaterto theAtacamespopulation.Theactivitieswill involveanevaluationof thesituationandof theoperationof thepresentemergencysystem,anddesignandimplementa-tion of proposedsolutions.

Expansionandimprovementof thepotablewatersupplysystemin Sria.Trainingfor servicemanagement.

Rehabilitationof waterwellsfor Tonchigueandcomplementaryworksthatcoverbasicsupplyneeds.If possible,rehabilitationof waterdistri-butionsystem.

Rehabilitationof waterwellsthatsupplythesmallcommunitiesbetweenGaleraandSan

Chapter3KeyManagementIssues,Policics,and Projects

Francisco.Organizationof distibutionsystems.

3.3.1(27)Campaignfor sanitntioneducation

Carry out door-to-doorcampaignsthroughouttheZEM concerningappropriatetechniquesofwater purification and food handling to preventcontaminationand the spreadof diseases.

3.3.r(28)Trainingfor operation of water supply systens

Provide training and supportto groups involvedin the managementof potablewater supplysystemsto ensureappropriateoperation andmaintenance.

Policy3.3.2Thewaterqualityin touristareas,estuariesthatserveasfish andshellfishhabitatandharvestareas,andriversthatare usedaswatersupplysourcesor dischargedirectlyinto touristzonesmustbeprotectedandimproved,especiallyin thecasesofAtacamesandSrta.Thisrequiresuseof well-designedandwell-situatedlatine s andsepticsystems,andtheintoduction ofcentralized wastewater treatment techniques,suchasoxidntionlagoonsand wetlandsincertainurbanareas.

Specific actionsto implement this policy includethe following:

3.s.2(29)Protection of coastal water qualiry in Atacames

Study and preparepolicies and regulationsforcoastalwastedischargeand disposalfacilities inAtacames-PuertoGaviota. The activities willinvolve: analysisof geomorphologicstudies;

40

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selectionof basic rules; control, surveillance,and inspection; and determinationof basicrequirementsfor proper septic tanks and latrineconstruction.

3.3.2(30)Sanitaryinstallationson thecoastline

Constructionof septictanksandlatrinesin Sria,Tonchigue,andsmallcoastalcommunitiesbetweenGaleraandBunche.

Theactivitiesin Muisneinvolvethefollowing:improvementof publicrestroomslocatednearthepier;preparationof a manualof operationsandmaintenancefor thewastewaterpumpingstation;cleanupof thesanitarysewagesystem;andpreparationof a studyon effectivenessofoffshoredischargeandtheneedfor improve-mentsin dispersion.

s.3.2(ir)Centralized tr eatmentof wastewater

Investigatethe feasibility of establishingcentral-ized treatmenttechniquesof wastewater,suchasoxidation lagoons.Selectionof appropriateareasand sites for pilot projectsof wastewatertreat-ment through slow dischargeinto wetlands.

Policy 3.3.3Solid waste disposal on beaches,coastlines,and rivers must be halted, and degradedareas restored.Incally mnnagedcollectionsystemsneed to beput in place, along withthe identification and proper operation oflandftll sitesfor Atacames,Srta,and Mui,sne.Recycling and compostingtechniquesshouldbe introduced, al.ongwith a sustainedpubliceducation campaign---aimed at r esidents,businesses,and nurists--4n theproperdisposal of solid waste.

Clnptcr 3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and Projects

Specific actionsto implement this policy includethe following:

3.3.3(32)CollectionanddisposalofgarbageinAtacames,Sila, Tonchigue,and Muisne

Collection and disposalof solid waste in theAtacames-PuertoGaviota areaare neededthrough an emergencyproject made up of sev-eral elements:inspection of the area;determina-tion of basicneedsfor garbagecollection, andoption selection;designof collection and finaldisposalroutes;selectionof practical operationmeans;and campaignsto obtain communitysupportand serviceimplementation.

Collection and disposalof solid waste in Sria,Tonchigue,and small ZEM communities.

Increasecoverageof solid wastecollection inMuisne. This requiresthat the garbagetruck berehabilitatedand that somestreetsbe improvedso that the truck may enter districts presentlynotserved.Furthermore,the open air dumps must bechangedto buried forms to createa sanitarylandfill system. Until the truck is rehabilitated,alow cost operatingsystemshould be designedtocollect and disposeof garbageon the island.

Policy 3.3.4Routine monitoring and reporting on thewater quality, beachcleanliness,and habitatconditions should be conductedwith theinvolvementof local groaps and technicalexperts. Specific enviranmentalqualitycriteria should be establishedto measuretheseriousnessof degra.dationtrends and the

ffi ctiveness of sp ecifi c environmentalsanitation improvementactions.

4 l

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Specificactionsto implementthispolicyincludethefollowing:

3.s.4(s3)Monitoring of water quality and environmentalsanitation

Selectionof areaswith contaminationproblems(disposalof wastewater,poor water quality inshrimp ponds,intensive useof pesticides).Design of a plan for monitoring water quality inestuariesand important recreationalareasforproductivity of bioaquaticresources.Wheneverpossible,local personnelwill be usedto supportsampletaking, identify contaminationsources,and evaluateresultsof the analysis.

Develop facilities to carry out sampling andbasic analysisof the water quality in the ZEM.This will require coordination with institutionsand laboratorieslocatedin the province.

Monitor beachesand shoresfor garbagedis-posal,land filling, sandextraction, and otherdestructivepractices. Prepareperiodic reportsregarding the condition of areaswherecleanupand maintenanceare carried out, aswell asplacesthat have not beencleaned.

E. ExpectedResults

1. Provisionofadequatesuppliesofuncon-taminatedfreshwaterfor eachof thecoastalcommunities

Installation and maintenanceof sewagedisposalfacilities adequateto protect waterquality and human health

Implementation of environmentally soundsolid waste disposalpractices

Chaptcr3KeyManagementIssaes,Policies,and Projects

4. Publicawarenesscampaigns,monitoringandtrainingto ensurecontinuedfunction-ing of installedsystems,andadoptionofsanitarypracticesin communitiesandbusinessesto protectpublichealth

3.

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3.4Managementof FishingResources

A. Importanceand Options

Artisanal fishing is one of the main economicactivitiesof the ZEM.It is in third placeafteragriculture and tourism. It is leastdevelopedinterms of technology employed by fishermen.Shrimp mariculture, which, for the most part, issmall scale,is rapidly growing.

Artisanal fishermen areconcentratedin thevillages of Tonchigue, Galera,SanFrancisco,Atacames,Sria,and Muisne.

Although artisanalfishing of the ZEM producesa low volume of product, it hasa great impact,especially on the exploitation of black coral andcaptureof gravid female shrimp usedin shrimplarvae laboratoriesthroughout the Ecuadoriancoast.

There hasbeena loss of ecosystemquality and adecreasein the productivity of certain fishspecies,but overall, there is no indication ofirreversible damagein the coastalhabitat andfisheriesresourcesof the ZEM, exceptperhapsin severalsmall mangroveareasin Atacames.There still remainsthe opportunity to initiateintegratedfisheries managementin order toincreasebenefits provided by the sectorto thelocal economy and improve the quality of life forfishermen and their families.

B. Characteristicsof fisheries

Basicinformationaboutfish andshellfishstocksandlandings,geographicdistribution,andtrendsovertimeis neededto setpoliciesandtakespecificactionsto managenear-shorefishing


groundsandhabitat.Unfortunately,suchinfor-mationis simplynot availableexceptthroughtheobservationsof thelocalfishermenthemselves.A studyof thevitally importantshrimppost-larvaefisheryhasonly recentlybeencarriedoutby theNationalFisheriesInstitute. As a result,informationandissuesregardingfisheriesin theZEMtendto focuson theneedsandproblemsoffishermenratherthanfish stocks.

White Fish: In 1987therewerenearly230artisanalvesselsandabout7fi) fishermenin theZEM.Thebiggestconcentration,about140people,is in Tonchigue-In 1992 thereweremorethan300smallvesselsoperatinginTonchigue;morethan60 in Galera;andabout40in SanFrancisco.Fishingis of lessimportanceintouristareaslike Atacames.

Themostwidelyutilizedfishingtechniquesare:trammelnetsfor lobsterandshrimp;netsof upto 700metersin length;3fi)-600-hooklonglines;dragnetsfor shrimp;andhandlines. Most of thevesselsarebuilt with trunksfrom trees,enlargedwith boards.andreinforcedwith frames.Aboutonedozenfiberglassvesselswereobserved.

Two or threebuyersfrequentthis ZEM, andeachonehasconsiderablepower.Most of thecatchistransportedby intermediariesto thecity ofEsmeraldas.Becausefishermendo not alwayshavethespecies,quantities,andrequiredsizestomeetlocaldemand,partof thecatchin theZEMdoesrcturnto beresoldto restaurantsandhotels.

ThisZEM hasno wharves,ice plants,facilitiesfor holdingfish,fishingsupplies,or spareenginepans.UsuallytheenginesaresentoutsidetheZEM for repair. Fishinggearis not alwaysavailablelocallyandis usuallymoreexpensivein othercoastalareas.

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Capture of post-larvaeand gravid femaleshrimp: Thereareno reliabledataon thenum-berof peoplewhodependon post-larvaeshrimpfishing,butin someplaces,it is a veryimportantactivity.Forexample,mostof theBunchepopulationis dedicatedto this activityasameansof livelihood.It is verycommonthrough-outtheZEMfor fishermento keeppost-larvaeinsmallpondsor hatcheriesuntil theyreachayoungsizeandcanbesoldathigherprices.Gravidfemaleshrimpareavailablethroughouttheyearin this zoneandtheEsmeraldasProv-ince.

Black coral harvest: ThisZEM is oneof thetwo centersin thecountrywhercblackcoralisexploited,theotherbeingtheGal6pagosIslands.Thetotalproductionwasattributedto two diverswhousea "hookah"to harvestblackcoralindepthsof 30 to 40 meters.Eachdiverextractsnearly70 poundsper day,divingcloseto 20dayspermonth. In 1989thesellingpricein thevesselwas 1,000sucresperpound;themonthlyincomeof this harvestwascloseto 2,800,0(X)sucres.However,therealvalueis in theprocess-ing andmarketingsectors.Atacamesis theonlycenterin which20 commerciallocalespolishthecoralandmakenecklaces,braceletsandfigu-rines.

Other fishing activities:Thereareapproxi-mately30 peoplein theZEM who fish for thebluecrabthatlive in hightide zones.Approxi-mately25 yearsago,therewasexcellentstripedmulletfishingat themouthof AtacamesandMuisnerivers.Similarly,goodquantitiesof"CaliforniawalkeC'arecaughtwhencoastallagoonsform. Therearecollectionsof oystersandblackcocklein theestuaries,althoughtheiravailabilityis diminishing.

Chopbr 3Key Management Issues,Policies, and Projects

C. Problemsin the FisheriesSectorofthe ZEM

1. Fisheriespotential

Presentlythereis noinformationaboutor moni-toringof thevolume,species,sizes,andvaria-tionsof thecatch.Fishermenhaveexpressedconcernthattheircatchis diminishing,andtheyhaveaskedfor informationregardingthepoten-tial of otherfisheriesresources.Likely causesofthis decreaseareoverfishing,lossofestuaryhabitatdueto mangrovedestruction,construc-tion of shrimpponds,andwaterpollution.

2. Decreaseof artisanalfishing yield

Thedecliningcatchby artisanalfishermenis dueto anincreasednumberof fishermen,increasingefficiencyof techniques(shrimplarvaefisher-men,coastalfishermen,useof outboardengineson canoes),andreductionof estuarinemangrovehabitat.

3. Socialstructure and developmentofftshingsector

Thefishingsectorof theZEM is poorlydevel-oped.Therearenounloadingfacilitiesto prop-erly processandhandlethefish.Therearenostoresor shopsthatsellpartsandbasicvesselequipmentor thatrepairandmaintainengines.

Socialcohesionirmongfishermenis not strongbutshouldbestrengthenedif anycoastaldevel-opmentandmanagementeffort is to succeed.For example,Tonchiguedoeshavea cooperativeandsomepre-cooperatives,butthesedo notoperateadequately.

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5.

2.

3.

4. Black Coral

There is no regulation to control the exploitationof black coral. The extent and potential of thishigh-valuebut slow-growingresourceis un-known.

Conflicts between fishermen and otherusers of the marine coastal zone

The weak enforcementof fishing laws hasled tocommercial-scalefishing nearthe beach,whichdirectly competesfor stocksthat have beentraditionally caught by artisanalfishermen.Shrimp growers from other locationshavesettledin the ZEM, increasingthe destructionofmangroveand other habitatsof important specieslike crabs,shellfish, and finfish. Artisanal fisher-men complain that the shrimp farmersdo notallow them to captureblue crab and other estua-rine speciesas they have traditionally done.Artisanal fishermencontinue to usebeachsectorsto clean fish and dock their vessels.ofteninterfering wittr tourist uses.

D. Objectives

1. Establisha fisheries stock information basein the ZEM andpromote the participationof artisanalfishermenin complementingspecific fisheriesmanagementpolicies

Identify and promote local stock manage-ment, especially for estuarine-dependentspecies,as well as habitat protection

Promote better organizationof fishermenthrough self-help projects,including thosethat can reduceconflicts with tourism

Clupter 3KeyManagementIssues,Policics,and Projects

E. ManagementPoliciesand Plan ofAction

The challengefor artisanalfisheries managementand developmentin the ZEMis to find thebalancebetweenimproving the efficiency ofartisanalfishing and placing appropriaterestric-tions on fishing cercainspeciesor groundsduringspecific times to protect stocks. The problems offisheriesmanagementin Atacames-Sda-MuisneZEM arecompoundedby the lack of informationaboutthe life cycles of important speciesand theabsenceof stock assessments.The tradition ofpoor enforcementof fisheries laws and regula-tions further aggravatesthe situation.

Successfulcompletion of small projects andlocal initiatives to increasefishing efficiency andprofitability will be essentialfor building thecapacity of fishing communities to participateinmorecomplexendeavors.Suchendeavorsinclude habitat protection, stock assessment,andfishing activity and fishing groundsmanage-ment.TheZEM programin Atacames-Sda-Muisne hasalreadymade important progressthrough the active participation of fishermen inthe technicalassessmentand design of small-scalepractical exercises.One project, a storageand distribution centerfor suppliesin Tonchigue,was funded during the first round of smallprojectsapprovedby the ZEM Advisory Com-mittee. Another project, aimed at developing atour of the mangrovesin Rio Atacames,includesa componentto protect and restorethe estuarinehabitat of the river, larvae collection center,andlarvaegrow-outponds.

Policy 3.4.1Local managementof estuarineand near-shorefisheries stocla is essentialto preventa collapseof overfishedspecies.

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Specificactionsto implementthis policy includethe following:

3.4.1(34)Fishingzones

Establishenforceableagreementsto setpreciseboundariesbetweenthe designatedzonesforartisanaland commercial fishing. Develop azoning plan for estuarineand coastalareastodesignateallowable shellfish and artisanalfishing harvestsin the ZEM.

3.4.1(ss)Collection of basicfisheries data

Establishand maintain a systemof basicstatis-tics on the artisanalcatch,and utilize this infor-mation to experiment with local fisheriesman-agementregulations.

3.4.1(36)Managementof important estuarineand coastalresources

Develop and implement a systemfor the man-grove fisheries of blue crab, shellfish, and oysterin the ZEM through coordinatedaction amongfishermen and local fishing authorities.Specificplanswill be includedfor the managementoflobster stocksin the Quingue-Galeraarea;thesestocksare showing signs of overexploitation.

3.4.1(37)Rational exploitation of black coral

Study black coral resourcesand developaconservationplan to include extraction andefficient usesystems;identify alternativerawmaterial for the artisansthat processblack coral.

Chaptor3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and Projects

Policy3.4.2Fisherieshabitatsmustbeprotectedfromphysicaldestructionaswellasdegradationof waterqualiry.


3.4.2(38)Protectionoffisherieshabitat

Identifycriticalhabitatsin thelife cycleofeconomicallyimportantspeciesin theZEM,especiallynativeendangeredspeciessuchasoysters,shellfish,andmullet.Preparehabitatprotectionplansconsistentwith otherZEM planactivities,suchasmangroveprotectionandshoreusezoning.

3.4.2(s9)Studyand contol of petroleum contamination

Verify whether petroleumdischargesfrom oiltanker loading and transportin the terminal atBalao are affecting fisheriesresources.Recom-mend monitoring strategies.

3.4.2(40)Effectsof wastewaterand solidwaste onfisher-ies

Include the impact on fisheries and the safety offish harvestingasconsiderationsin the designand implementationof wastewatercollection,treatment,and dischargeproposals.

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3.

4.

5.

a)

b)

c)

d)

T

T

Pohcy3.4.3Primnryemphasisin thedevelopmentofartisanalfisheriesin theZEM mustbeplacedon increasingfishermen'sincomesthroughbetterquality,variety,andmarket-ing offish, aswell as loweringcostsandimprovingsaferyandconvenienceoffishingeffort.


3.4.3(4r)Infrastructure and servicesfor artisanal fishing

Promotefishermen'sparticipation in self-devel-opment activities, with emphasison improvingsafety and resolving conflicts with other beachusers.Severalactivities will be included:

Establisha commissaryfor fishingandvesselsuppliesin Tonchigue;It will beassociatedwith a processingandmarketingfishingcenter.Establisha similarcommis-saryon a smallerscalein Galera,operatingeitherasanextensionof theoneinTonchigueor independently.

Developa supplycenterfor fuel andlubricantsanda repairshopfor outboardenginesin Tonchigue.

Constructsmallfacilitiesfor unloading,cleaning,andhandlingproductionin thecommunitiesbetweenGaleraandSanFrancisco.

Establisha communicationsystemfor theZEM fishermento supporttheiractivitiesandimprovetheirsafetyandprotection.This systemwouldoperatein coordinationwith theRangerCorpsof Esmeraldasto be

Chqter iKeyMatmgementIssues,Policics,and Projects

moreefficientandto improvecoastalresourcemanagement.

e) Developrecommendationsfor a creditsystemorientedtowardsthespecificneedsof artisanalfishermenof theZBM-

3.4.3(42)Trainingof artisanalftshermen

Designandimplementa trainingprogramforfishermento includerepairof enginesandvessels,fishingtechniques,fish handlingandstorage,commerceandsmallbusinessorganiza-tion,andkey aspectsof biologyandecologyforfisheriesmanagement.

n ExpectedResults

l. Assessmentsof stocksandharvestsforimportantfisheriesin theZEM

2. Trialsof locallybasedcontrolson fisherieseffort,includingenforcementof existingrestrictionsoncommercialfishingin near-shorewaters

Implementationof specific measurestoprotectremaining habitat for estuarinespecies

Constructionand maintenanceof facilities,suchas landing piers and fish-cleaning andmarketing areas,to eliminate conflicts overuseand cleanlinessofbeach areas

Strengtheningthe organizationof localfishermenso they can be active partnersinthe implementationand refinement of plans

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3.5 ManagementofMariculture


Shrimp harvestingis the main maricultureactivity in the ZEM. There is a temporaryharvestof "chame" (Dormitator latifrons) duringthe winter when lagoonsform near AtacamesandTonchigue. It is estimatedthat approxi-mately 50 people are dedicatedto this activityand that the natural harvestareasreachabout 30ha. However, this activity remainsvery limited.

Shrimp harvestingis a relatively new activity in

theZEM, although its growth hasbeenquite

fast. It contributessignificantly to the income ofa large number of inhabitantsof the zone,andthere are entire communities, suchasBunche,which dependon shrimp mariculture.

A wide range of activities associatedwith shrimpmariculture can be found in the ZENI. Theseinclude post-larvaeand gravid female shrimpharvesting;production of post-larvaeshrimp inlaboratoriesand spawning stations;growth oflarvae (for saleand for harvestof young onesinponds);growth and fatteningof shrimpin ponds.

There is greatpotential to improve the produc-

tion by harvestwithout having to expandthepresentinfrastructure of the zone or increasethepressureover the natural stock. The shrimp stockin the zoneis unknown; however, there is specu-lation that the expansionof shrimp pondsand/oran increasein the fishing pressureswould resultin a drastic reduction of the resource.This is dueto the pressureson fishing sources(catchesoflarvae, gravid females,and adults) and the trendof decreasedstock productivity (decreasing

abundanceof adult shrimp, larvae, and gravidfemales).

Choptcr 3Key Management Issaes,Policics, and Proiects

In the small covesof El Roto, Ostional, andTortuga, and in the estuaryof the Muisne River,

the practiceof growing and fattening fish likemullet and "pargo" through artisanalmethodsoffencing hasbeenestablished. Technical assis-tancefor this activity is neededby fishermen in

organization,handling, and marketing.

B. Characteristics

Shrimplarvaeandgravidfemalefisheries,productionof larvaein laboratories,andshrimpproductionin pondsareall foundin the ZEM-

Shrimplarvaefishingis donethrougha processknownas"pierndn"(a fishingartknownas"tijereta"in otherpartsof thecoast)in whicha"chinchorro"(trammelnet)is spreadacrossthemouthof theestuaries.It is estimatedthattheZEM hassome100-500larvaePonds.

Artisanalfishermenof Tonchigue,Sria,andTonsupaarededicatedto gravidfemaleshrimpfishing.Theseareashaveinstalledcollectioncentersfor gravidshrimpthataresoldto buyersfrom otherzones.Gravidshrimpfishingis donein smallcanoesor boatsandshrimpvessels("arrastreros").Theshrimpboatsfish for gravidshrimpbetween17h00and20h00(between5and8 p.m.)in areasverynearthecoast,causingconflictswith artisanalfishermenandresidentswho feelthattheseshrimpersaredestroyingtheresources.Thefemalescapturedin this mannerareconsideredto beof low quality(low percent-ageof "eclosion")dueto thestressto whichthefemaleis subjectedduringthecatch.

It is estimatedthatEsmeraldashas13laborato-riesandapproximately20 spawningcentersforlarvaeproductionin theTonsupa-Atacames-Sria-Same-Tonchiguearea.Most of thelaboratoriesarelocatedin Tonsupa.Thelarvaeproducedin

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theselaboratoriesaresold,for themostpart,toproducersoutof theZEM.

Theproductionof shrimpin pondsin theEsmeraldasprovinceis characterizedby theuseof pre-nurseriesbecausethepondsfor fatteningaresmall,generallyaboutl0 ha.

Therearea numberof familiesin theZEMthathavesmalllarvaenurseries(usuallyneartheirhomes)to growlarvaefor saleat a betterpricethanthepost-larvaecaughtwild.

TheZEM shrimpgrowersaremostlysmallproducers.Most of theshrimppondsandnurser-iesarelocatedin Muisne.It is estimatedthatabout1,300haof pondsexistin MuisneRiverandits systems.Additionally,it is estimatedthatthereareabout150haof pondsin AtacamesRiver.

C. Problems and Conflicts in theSector

TheAtacames-Sria-MuisneZEM is themainsourceof gravidfemalesfor theentireEcuador-ian shrimpmaricultureindustry;however,thereis no basicinformationaboutthisfishery,anditis not regulated.Theneedto capturethese"wild"post-larvaeis highdueto thegreatlossthatoccursduringcaptureandhandling.

Most of theproblemsof shrimpfarmsresultfrom thelack of knowledgeof appropriatetechnologyandlack of capital.However,therearealsoenvironmentalproblemsthatresultfromtheimpactof thegrowthof shrimpharvestin theZEM duringthe 1980s.It is estimatedthatcuttingandotherusesof mangrovehavereducedthehabitatof speciesthatin oneway or anotherdependon theestuary.Thelossof forestcoverintheupperportionsof coastalwatershedshasalsohada negativeeffectin theestuaries.


The principal problems are the following:

1. Supply and production of shrimp larvae

a) Unavailability of shrimp larvae; excessivepressureover the stock

b) Lack of knowledge of proper handlingtechniques,resulting in unnecessaryloss ofshrimp larvae

c) Impact on the environment; in theEsmeraldasZE]fu.{thelarvae fishermen donot return the rest of the speciesto theocean(as other larvae fishermen already doin other partsof the coast,such as Bahia deCaraquez)after separatingout the larvae ofPenaeusvannamei.There is unnecessaryloss due to the captureof larvae of otherspecieslike crustaceansand fish

d) Lower survival ratesof laboratory-raisedlarvae

e) Observeddecline in the availability ofgravid femalesaswell asin the percent-agesofeclosion. Therearealsoregionaldifferencesin the quality of females.Thebestfemalesare capturedto the south ofthe city of Esmeraldas

2. Management of shrimp ponds

a) Purchaseoflarvae: The purchaseoflarvaein the zoneis donein a very rudimentarymanner.The buyer doesnot know thenumber of larvae he receivesor the per-centageof Penaeusvannameilarvae; hereceivesall the other larvae that come withthe desirableshrimp larvae. This explains,in part, the role of larvae grow-out pondsasselectionunits. Under primitive condi-tions, larvae are subjectedto high stress,

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b)

andonly sturdierspecies,suchasp.vannamei,survive.Noneof thelarvaefishermenandveryfew shrimpgrowersofthezoneknow how to determinethepercentageof thisspeciesor thequalityofthelarvae.

Generaldesign:Thedesignof theZEMshrimppondsandgrow-outpondsistypicallyirregular.Mostof theinfrastruc-turehasbeenbuilt by hand.Themainproblemsinclude:

- Thewatersupplyanddischargesystemsin thepondsareinefficientandpoorlydesigned.Fewproducershavepumps,sotheydependongravitysystemsfor waterexchange.Many shrimppondslackfiltersin thewaterinlet"soduringeachwaterchange,thereis aninvasionof otherspecies,includingfish andcrabs

- Thepondbottomsdo nothavead-equateslopesto allow efficientdrainingandharvesting

Managementof larvaegrow-outponds:

- Thelarvaegrow-outpondsof thezonearemanagedin a veryprimitivenranner

- Operatorsmentionanaveragedepthof 30-40cm,but theobserveddepthis actuallycloserto 20cm. Thisimpliesthatthelarvaearesubjectedto exfemely stressfulconditions

- Thelanae grow-outpondsalsomixlarvaepurchasedat differentdates

Chqrer 3KeyManagernentIssues,Politics, and Projects

d) Managementof shrimpponds:

- Fewproducersmaintainanadequatepopulationcontol (estimationof thebiomassin thepond,measurementofshrimpgrowth,cuffentstateofchange)anddo notrecognizetheusefulnessof doingthisjob. In somecases,theentirebiomassof thelarvaegrow-outpondis transferredto theproductionpond(includingfishlarvaeandothercrustaceans)withoutcontrolof theseedingdensity

- Mostof theproducersdo not havewaterqualitycontrolin theponds

- Fewofthe zoneproducersusead-equatelybalancedfood.Theoneswho do,usechartsthatcomewith theproduct.Fewproducersfertilize theponds

- Fewproducersconductpondmainte-nanceaftertheharvest

e) HarvestandMarketing:Most of theshrimpproducersdo notknow how to estimatethecompositionof their harvestanddependentirelyontheshrimppackers.Manyshrimpgrowersproducebetweenfour andninecategoriesof shrimpsizeperharvest.

3. Investmentcapital

Thefinancingcapacityof theproducersof thiszoneis verylimited.It wasestimatedthatin theZEM thereareabout1,500haof shrimpponds;however,only 20percentof thistotal is operar-ing dueto a lackof capital.Fewshrimpgrowersof thezonepossessoperatingpermitsthatwouldenablethemto becandidatesfor credit.

c)

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4. Organizationof shrimp producers

Thereis a lackof representationof producersinthezonewithin thecommercialassociations.Shrimpgrowersof thezonefeelthatnoneof thecommercialassociations(NationalChamberofFisheries,Chamberof ShrimpProducers,Asso-ciationof ShrimpGrowersof Esmeraldas)reprcsentstheinterestsof smallproducers.

5. Closedseasonsand fishing restrictions

Mostof theshrimpproducersfeelit is necessaryto implementclosedseasonsto protectstocksofwild larvaeandgravidfemales.However,thercis doubtthatthesebanswill havemucheffect,dueto thelack of enforcement.Accordingtoproducers,bansarenot observed.Thereisdiscontentaboutthechoiceof closedperiods(December,January,andAugu.st)andtheevalu-ationprocedurefor determiningtheresultsof theclosures.

D. Objectives

1. Establishan information baseandspecific required policies for sustain-able managementof shrimp stock.Createinterestand participationamong local fishermenin the designand implementationof fisheriespolicies

2. Significantly reducethe loss of post-larvae and gravid female shrimp;improve captureand handling tech-niquesthrough demonstrations,training, and technical assistance

3. Halt the constructionof new shrimp pondsand thereby preventthe relatedenviron-mental degradationand useconflicts that

Chapter 3Key Management Issues,Policies, and Projects

arisebenveenshrimpmaricultureopera-tionsandothercoastalresourceusers

E. ManagementPoliciesand Plan ofAction

The future of the shrimp industry, at leastshort-term, seemsto be linked to the supply of gravidfemale shrimp, which, for the most part, arecapturedin the Atacames-Srfa-MuisneZEM.Mariculture is an important sectorof the ZEM'seconomy.

The CRMP hasinitiated someactivities directedtoward the establishmentof a sustainablemari-culture in the ZEIN{.During 1990 a PeaceCorpsvolunteercontributed to the design of a technicalassistanceproject for the larvae grow-out pondsof Bunche,with implementationin 1991. Also,many meetingshave takenplace with shrimpgrowers,community members,and publicofficials in Muisne in relation to the loss ofaccessto traditional fishing sites in mangroveareasdue to the constructionof shrimp ponds.

Policy3.5.1Thecaptureof shrimpin all thephasesof itsbiologicalcycle,from larvaethroughadult-hood,andespeciallyof gravidfemnles,shouldbecarefuIlycontrolledin ordertoossurea sustainablesupplyof wild posrlnrvaefor localactivities.

The specific actionsto implement this policyinclude the following:

3.s.1(43)Reducethemortality of shrimppost-larvae

Establisha trainingandinformationprogramabouthandlingpost-larvaeto reducethemortal-ity rateduringcapture.Thiscanbedonethrough

51

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improvementsin nets and fishing techniques;selectionof larvae;handlingmethodsduringsaleson the beach;and beachsale,transporta-tion, and placementin the larvae grow-out pondsto obtain more advantageoussizesfor marketing.

3.s.1(44)Sndyof distributionandabundanceofshrimp

Conduct studiesto define the stock (geographicdistribution, size, composition) that is utilized byshrimp growers of the ZEM. and outline man-agementstrategiesto regulatecaptureof post-larvae, gravid females,and adults to obtainsustainablestocklevels.

3.s.1(4s)Strengtheningandapplicationof mnnagementrules

Developorganizationalandoperationalcapacityfor efficientenforcementof fishingadministra-tive lawsandnorms,usingtheUnit of Conserva-tion andMonitoring(UCV) of Esmeraldasandlocalmethodsof self-management.

Policy3.5.2Theboundariesof existingshrimppondsshouldbeestablishedwithprecisiontopreventfutureexpansion.ThepondsshouWbesurroundedbymangrovebufferzones,includingtheareasthatshouldbemanagedto mnintainshrimphabitatandfin-, shellfish,andtraditionalfisheriesof estuarineecosys-tems.

Specific actionsto implement this policy in-clude:

Chapter3KeyManagementIssues,Polbies, and Projects

s.s.2(46)Control of shrimppond concessions

Reviseall concessionsand permits given for theoperationof shrimp pondsin the ZEM; identifyconditions and renewal dates;preparemaps;comparcactualextensionwith authorizeddevel-opment.Identify possibleinconsistencieswithimplementationof the permits.

3.s.2(47)Mangrovebuffersaroundshrimpponds

Establishmangroveareas,shellfishcollectionzones,andfishingareasthatwill actasbufferingzonessurroundingshrimpponds.Preparespe-cific regulationsandrulesto formalizethiszoning.Utilize therenovationprocessof conces-sionsfor shrimppondsto ensuretheenforcementof protectionplans.Developextensionanddemonstrationprograms.Theimplementationofpoliciesin section3.1.1will contributeto thiseffort aswell.

3.s.2(48)Fishmariculturein theestuaryof theMuisneRiver

Providetechnicalsupportfor organization,trainingin handling,andmarketingof cagedfishin Caletas,El Roto,Ostional,andTortugain theestuaryof theMuisneRiver.Gatherinformationto supportmanagementdecisions.

3.s.2(4e)Californiawalkerharvestin TonchigueandLasBrisas

Improveandpromote'thame"harvestin thenaturallagoonsof TonchigueandLasBrisasthroughorganizationandtrainingof a groupof50 peoplepresentlycarryingout thisactivity.

IIItIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Policy3.5.3A programof technicalassistancewill beimplementedto improvethefficiency andviabiliryof shrimpponds,laboratories,andlnrvaegrow-outpondsin theZEM,aswellasto reducethe lossof thenaturalstockofpost-larvae,diversifuthemaricultureindus-try, andreduceenvironmentalimpactsofm.aricultureoperationson estuariesandcoastalwatersof theZEM.

Specificactionsto implementthispolicyin-clude:

3.s.3(s0)Technicalassistancefor shrimpgrowersandlaboratories

l. Developandimplementa programoftechnicalassistanceto improvetheopera-tion of theshrimpsecrorof theZEM(larvaegrow-outponds,laboratories,spawningstations,productionponds)andincreasetheirproduction,beginningwiththeexistinginfrastructureandt€sources.

2. Designandimplementprogramsfor mari-culturediversificationusinglocalspecieslike cockles,oysters,'thame".Eachprojectwill includeselectionof a site,infrastructure,managementtechniques,marketing,andnecessaryinvestments.

Technicalassistancewill beprovidedtoimprovethequalityof waterthatthelarvaegrow-outpondsusein Buncheandotherareasof theZEM. Work will bedonewithlaboratoriesthatproducepost-larvae,toreducecontaminationandwaterqualityimpactsfrom theirdischarges.

Chopter3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and Projects

n ExpectedResults

l. Evaluationof abundance,distribution,andbiologicalcyclesof theshrimpstocks,andestablishmentof specificpoliciesthatassuresustainableharvests

Implementationandevaluationof localfishingregulations,usingstronglocalparticipation

Reductionof mortalityof post-larvaeandgravidfemaleshrimpduringhandling;higherprofit (for thesameeffort) for larvaegrow-outpondsandshrimpproductionpondsof theZEM

Cessationof shrimppondexpansion

Eliminationof watercontaminationfromshrimppondsandlaboratories;eliminationof conflictsamongshrimpandlarvaefishermenandothercoastalresourceusers

Establishmentof techniquesof fish growthandfattening(mullet,"pargo")throughartisanalmethods

Harvestingof "chame"in naturallagoonsof TonchigueandLasBrisas

2.

3.

5.

7.

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3.6 Management of small watersheds

A. Importanceand Options

Agricultureremainsthesinglemostimportantsourceof employmentandthepredominantuseof a seriesof smallwatershedsthatdrainthehilly interiorof theZEM. Rainfallrangesfrom9fi) mm peryearin thenorthernpartof theZEM(thebasinof AtacamesRiver)to 2,2N mm peryearin therrroistMuisneRiverwatershed.Waterflows throughouttheyearin nearlyall rivers.Most of thesewatershedshavea fertilebutn:urowriver floodplain.Drainagethroughsteeplyslopedhills in pasturesor woodlandsemptiesontobroadercoastalplains.In thepastdecadethecoastalplainshavebeenrapidlyconvertedfrom agricultureto shrimpponds,villages,andtourismzones.Theproductionoflivestock,fruits,andvegetablesis for localmarketsin theZEM andthecity of Esmeraldas.Smallquantitiesof coffeeandcacaoaswell assometimberareproducedfor expoft.

TheprimaryforestbetweenGaleraandSanFranciscooffersanenvironmentof specialattractionwithin theEcuadoriancoast.Defores-tationandexploitationpracticeshavedeterio-ratedgroundproductivityandincreaseddeserti-fication.Thispeculiarityshouldbeusedtopromoteconservationplansof theareaandtopromoteecologicaltourism.

Unfortunately,few technicalresourcesareavailablein the ZEMto put into placetheplant-ing, livestockmanagement,andlanduseprac-ticesthatcouldmakethezonemoreproductiveoverthelongterm,bothat thefamily andthecommerciallevels.Instead,poorlandmanage-mentandharvestihgpracticeshavedegradedthispotentialin a numberof thewatersheds.Defor-

Chopter3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and ProjecE

estationcreatessoil erosionuplandandundesir-ablesedimentationin coastalplainsandestuar-ies.It alsoreducesthewatersupplypotential.Upstreamwaterpollutionaffectsthemajorvillageslocatedin thecoastalzoneaswell astheestuaries.

B. Characteristics

Themainhydrographicbasinsin the ZEM areaare:

Rivers Area (Km2)

Atacames 300Sfa 47Tonchigue 57SanFrancisco ll0Bunche 80Vilsa 198Muisne 471

TheZEM areaof Esmeraldasincludesa drytropicalforestborderingthecoastbetweenTonchigueandSanFrancisco;lowlandforests(mangrove)locatedin Atacames,Bunche,andMuisne(estuaries);andhumidtropicalforestslocatedin theinterior.

Forthemostpart,pastureshavereplacedtheforestcoverof theregion.Themostimportantremainingforestedareasarelocatedon theslopesof thecliffs of Galera-Quingue.

Livestockin theseareasrangesfreelyat a lowdensityof oneheadperhectare.Cattlearefromlocalstockandarenot managed.Animal prod-uctsaremarketedmainlyat thelocallevel,withtheirfinal destinationthecity of Esmeraldasandtouristcentersof Atacames,Sfa, andMuisne.The productionof pigsandchickensis primarilyfor family consumption.

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T

Coffee,cacao,citrus,andfruit aregrownin thefertile lowlandsof smallcoastalrivers.Somecoffeeis producedfor export,butthevolumeisnot of greatimportancecomparedwith nationalproduction.Fruitsandcitrusarealsogrownmainlyfor family consumption,with anysurplussentto theprovincialmarket.Cornis harvestedin therainyseason.Theaverageproductionfluctuatesbetween25-30qq/haandis destinedfor localconsumption.Coconutsaregrownalonga numberof beaches;theestimatedpro-ductionis between1,500and2,000unitsperhaperyear,soldlocallyasdry or youngcoconuts.

Thepatternsof landtenurecontributeto thestagnationof agriculture.One-fifthof theownerscontrolsmorethanhalf of theZEM land.

The way land possessiontakesplace is as fol-lows: The peasantsinvade the forest and cutexisting vegetation.They then proceedto plantpasturesas required by the EcuadorianInstituteof Agricultural Reform and Colonization(IERAC) in order to establishproperry limits.Later the property is sold to large investorsforcattle ranching. In the final step,IERAC legal-izesthe initial occupation.

C. Problemsand Optionsin SmatlWatersheds

Thebasicproblemscanbesummarizedasfollows (seeannexII for moredetailson eachbasin):


Intensedeforestation,in somebasinsup to50 percent,in order to establishpasturesfor (extensive)livestock production (lessthan one headper ha)

Intermittent water flows: most rivers aredry during the summerand have peakflows, or any water at all, only during therainy season

Elevateddischargeof sedimentationinrivers

Great loss of agricultural potential incoastalvalleys due to urban expansion,tourist development,and construction ofshrimpponds

Poor accessto agricultural steepslopes,very humid weatherin many areas,andlack of a strong local agricultural tradition.The low density of population in the highpartsof the basinsexplains why somehighlandshave not beenconverted. Thishasmeantthat there is still the strongpossibilityof increasingfood and woodproduction, water supply, and importantscenicattactions in the ZEM

Inadequateproduction of vegetablesandfruit in theZEM for local needs,resultingin a dependenceon sourcesoutsidethearea. However, there are good sites forraising thesecrops in the river flood basinsof the Atacames(La Uni6n, Salima,Cumba),Sfa (Guachal),SanFrancisco,and Muisne (PuertoNuevo,El Sucio,LaColoradaand Tortugita) rivers.

Agriculture and logging are the mostimportant economic activities in the upper

Size of Farm Owners Voof Area(tla) Vo ofTotal

0-50 50-6050-100 20-30

Morethan100 20

304030

50-60

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basinsandcontinueto bethemainsourceof employmentin theZEM.However,thereareno specific effortsto developandtry techniquesfor betteruseof thehigh-lands.Thereareno effortsto modifydestructivepracticesof clearcutting,or toestablishforestmanagementin ordertoconserveresources,or to protectthequalityandquantityof waterresources.

No agriculturalextensionprogramsfor theproperuseandconservationof land,farmmanagementpracticesandproductivity,orthedevelopmentof family gardens.

Theremainderof theprimaryforestin theareaof CaboSanFrancisco(Galera-SanFrancisco)maintainshabitatfor indigenousanimalspecies(deer,squirrels,monkeys,wild turkey,grayfox, etc.).However,thedestructionof this tropicalhumidforestcontinues.Thedrivingforcesobservedinvolve:

TheIERAC requiresthat90 percentof ttreareabeclearedin orderto givelandto thefarmers.This acceleratesforestdestructionby peasants.

Concessionsarestill beinggivenfor woodexploitationin this zone,with no responsi-bility for forestconservationonthepartofpermitholders.

Thewoodcuttingandcollectingpracticesof localinhabitantsstill continuewithoutcausingdamageto theecosystem.Outsid-ersareprimarilyresponsiblefor deforesta-tion in orderto plantcoffee,banana,andcacao,andto establishpastures.

Chaptcr3KeyManagementIssues,Policies,and ProjecE

Theharvestof freshwatershrimpthatoccursin May eachyearis beingadverselyaffectedby theuseof pesticides(asob-servedin thebasinof EsterodePl{tano).

To managetheriver basins,smalldamsshouldbebuilt andnativespeciessuchas"pechiche"shouldbereplantedalongthevalleysidesbothto providegoodqualitywoodandto protectwaterquality.

D. Objectives

1. To build understandingandawarenessoftherelationshipsbetweenconditionsin thesmallcoastalwatershedsof theZEM andtheeconomicandsocialwell-beingofcoastalresidentsin termsof environmentalproductivityandattractivenessfor tourism

2. To protectremainingprimaryforest,initiate reforestation,retainandbetterutilize freshwatersupplies,andusesounderosioncontrolpracticesin deforestedanddegradeduplands

3. To testintegratedwatershedplanningandimplementationtechniquesin a specificwatershed

4. To expandsustainableagriculturalactivi-tiesasanalternativeto coastalresourceexploitationaswell asto supplementfamily incomes

E. Management Policies and Plan ofAction

Theundesirableresultsof exploitivelogging,landclearing,andfarmingpracticescanbeseen

56

throughouttheZEM watersheds.But theseresultsare not so severethat theyjustify pessi-mism about improving productivity, reclaimingdegradedareas,and preservingtropical forestsand the best agricultural soils that still exist inthe ZEM.

During the initial ZEM planningprocess,lessattentionhad beengiven to understandingtheissues,economic potential, and most usefultechniquesfor watershedmanagement.The needfor greateremphasisnow in theseareasis two-fold: First, continued degradationin the water-shedswill place even more stresson coastalenvironments,which are alreadyexperiencingconsiderabledegradationand lost productivity.Second,a lack of expansionof economicactivityin the coastalresourcesectorin the face ofrapidly increasingpopulationmeansthat theZEM will have to look more carefully at agricul-tural developmentas a sourceof both food andemployment in the nearfuture.

The managementof river basins'inthe ZEM stilldoesnot have a sufficient information basetoenablethe designing of plans that will encom-passthe entire inland extent of the watersheds.The immediate strategy-which includesprotec-tion of the humid tropical forest, evaluationofthe real agricultural potential in order to designprojects,developmentof appropriatenorms andtechniquesfor a sustainableforest and agricul-tural use----comprisesonly the first steptowardsthe managementof river basins.

Chapbr 3Key Management Issues, Policbs, and Proiects

Policy3.6.1Existingstandsof nativehumidtropical

forestin theupperwatershed,whichhaveretainedtheirnativegeneticmnteriulandnotsustaineddamagefrom cuttinS,mustbe

fully protected.Reforestationshouldoccuralongthefloodplainof theriversandmniorroadsfor erosioncontrolandlandscapeattractiveness.

Specificactionsto implementthispolicyincludethefollowing:

3.6.1(sI)Reforestationin thebasins

Expandforestareas,especiallywheretherearesteepslopesandmarginalcattleraising(Tonsupa,Salina,Sfa, surroundingthelagoonofSame,Galera,Tonchigue).

3.6.1(s2)Protectionof upperbasinforests

Identifyanddevelopnolmsto protectthefor-estedareasof ttreupperbasins;establishforestedcorridorsalongthebasinsoutto themainroadsof the7EM.

3.6.1(s3)Reductionof soil erosion.

Identifyandpromotetheuseof forestharvestingtechniquesthatwill reducesoil erosionandpreventtheestablishmentof pasturesin criticalerodingareas.

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Policy 3.6.2Thepotential for sustainableagriculture willbe analyzedin every watershedin termsofconsumptionand commercial mnrketing. Thetypesof assistanceneededto promote, andimprove theproductivity of,family gardensand small- and large-scaleagriculturewill beassessed,including techniquesto reducetheimpact offarming on soilsand water quality.

3.6.2(s4)Pilot ManagementPlanfor a small watershedbasin

Develop a managementplan for a small basin intheZEM.In orderto preparethe pilot plan,itwill be necessaryto devel.opmaps,a detailedland use zoning schemeand principal ordi-nances,and organize the businessside of groupsinvolved in farming andlogging.

3.6.2(ss)AgriculturaI p otential and technicaI assistance

Form a technical teamcomposedof agriculturaland forestry local and national experts.The teamwill preparea preliminary analysisof the basins'main resources,patternsof grounduse,andproblems concerningfamily gardens,farms, andpermanentplantations. The perspectivesoffarmers, land owners, and local families will betaken into considerationin the designof projectssuch as forest harvesting,reforestation,andagricultural development.ZEM areaswill beselectedto carry out test projectsof new tech-niqueson thesetopics.

3.6.2(s6)Production of food in the ZEM

Develop pilot programsfor the production of

Chaptcr3KeyManagernentIssues,Policics,and Projects

farmproductsfor localuse.Thiswill involvethefollowingareas:

- Horticultureandfruit treesin La Uni6n,Salima,andCumbain thebasinof RiverAtacames

- Horticultureandfruit treesin Guachulinthebasinof RiverSfa

Fruit treesin the basin of River SanFran-cisco

Fruit trees,mainly for commerce,in PuertoNuevo,El Sucio,La Colorada,andTonuguita in the estuaryof River Muisne

Pohcy 3.6.3A long-term extensionprogram should becreatedto test,demonstrate,promote, andevaluateappropriate agriculture and log-ging techniquesin the ZEM watersheds.

3.6.3(s7)Public educationcampaignsand user agree-ments

Educationalcampaignswill be organizedtosupportprogramssuchas family orchards,agricultural development,logging, reforestation,erosioncontrol practices,etc.

Agreementswill be establishedamong resourceusers(wood concessionaires,peasants,authori-ties) to protect areasof primary forest that act asgeneticreservesfor the ecosystems.Only tradi-tional low-impact harvestingpracticeswill bepermitted.

In order to implement the agreements,theIERAC will have to modify the regulation that

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2.

3.

4.

Chaptor3KeyManagementIssues,Polbbs, and Projects

requiresdeforestationfor propertydistribution.TheUCV will haveto activelyparticipatein thecontrolof forestdestructionin theZEM.

3.6.3(s8)Expansionprogramfor thewatersheds

Designandcarryout anextensionprogramforincreasingpublicawareness,interest,andcom-munityparticipationin supportingthemanage-mentplans.

R ExpectedResults

l. Interventionin criticalprimaryforestareasto controltimberharvest

Initiation of reforestationand planting ofpermanentorchardsaswell as familygardensin river floodplains and coastalsettlements

Design of basic systemfor agricultural andfamily gardeningextension

Development of a model small watershedplanning and managementprogram thatcan be usedelsewherein the Atacames-Sfa-MuisneZEM andelsewherein thecoast

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Chapter4

4.1 PresentSituation

Thecurrentstructureof theCoastalResourcesManagementProgramwasestablishedin Execu-tiveDecree3399,publishedon Junel,1992,byPresidentRodrigoBorja.

Between1989andl992,thestructureof thecoastalprogramwasadequatefor carryingoutitsprincipalmission,whichwascreatingthespecialareamanagementplansandpreparingfor theirimplementation.

For successfulundertakingof a newphaseof thecoastalprogram,theCRMPimplementationwasattachedto thepresident'sofficeandadministra-tively decentralizedwith a pennanentofficeinGuayaquil.

At theZEM level,theadvisoryandexecutivecommitteeswerecombinedinto a singleunitcalledtheZoneCommittee.At present,theresponsibilityfor implementingandadminister-ing thecoastalprogrirmis assignedto theexecu-tive director,nominatedby theNationalCoastalResourcesManagementCommission,aswell astheExecutiveoffice in GuayaquilandtheZEMcoordinationoffices.

TheZEM officesplaya key roleworkingwiththeZoneCommittee,theRangerCorps(UCV),thetechnicalteam,consultantsof theCRMPgovernmentagencies,andthevariouscontrac-torswho implementpartsof theplan.

TheNationalCoastalResourcesManagementCommissionis responsiblefor directingthecoastalresourcesmanagementprogram.The

INSTITUTIONAL DEVEL-OPMENTOF TIIE CRMPAI\D TIIE ATACAMES-SUA-MUISI\EZEM

presidentof thecommissionis thegeneralsecretaryof publicadministration.

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4.2 Rolesand Responsibilitiesof theKey ImplementingUnitsof theCRMP

National CoastalResourcesManagementCommission

Recommendpoliciesfor coastalresourcesmanagementto thepresidentof therepublicandmonitortheirimplementation

ApprovethespecialareamanagementplanofeachZEM

. ApprovetheannualCRMPworkplanandbudget,andevaluatetheworkplan'saccom-plishments

. Create,reduce,or expandthesizeof aZEM,designatecritical areas,andbecomein-volvedin thoseareasto addressecologicalproblemsor useconflictsthaturgentlyneedmanagementpoliciesandadministration

Designatethe CRMP executivedirectorfrom a list of three candidatespresentedbythe presidentof the National CommissionofCoastal ResourceManagement;terminatethe executive director when necessary

Determine the responsibilitiesand operatingrules for contracting committees

Establish administrative meansto enablepublic officials to coordinatemanagementactions

Chapter4Institutional Developmentof the CRMP and theAtacames-Sfia-M uisne ZEM

B. President of the National Commission

Periodicallyinform thepresidentof therepublicof theprincipalactivitiesof theprogram

Conveneandchairthemeetingsof thenationalcommission

Promulgateinternalrules,agreements,instructions,andothermeasuresto imple-menttheExecutiveDecree

C. ExecutiveDirector

. AdministertheCoastalResourcesManage-mentProgramandhonortheagreementsandcontractsundertakento carry out thework oftheprogram,asdelegatedby thesecretarygeneralof publicadministration

. SubmitanAnnualWork Planfor thepro-gramandSpecialAreaManagementZonesfor reviewby thenationalcommission

. Submitanannualbudgetfor nationalcom-missionreview

Authorizespendingto carryout theprogramandprovidereportson expenditures

Recommendandjustify thecreationorterminationof SpecialAreaManagementZonesto thenationalcommission

Approvetheannualoperatingplansfor theSpecialAreaManagementZones

IIIIIIIIIIII

IIIIII

T

Assign and remove program personnelaccording to personnelprocedures

Act asthe secretaryto the national commis-sion

D. RangerCorps

Promote awarenessand compliancewith thevarious laws, rules, administrativerequire-ments,and methodsfor protection,conser-vation, and properuseofcoastal resources

Enforce coastalresourcepolicies of thespecial areamanagementplans

Advise resourceuserson the conservationand protection policies

Distribute information on legal rules andjudicial proceduresrelatedto coastalre-sources

Apply sanctionsas they pertain to the inter-nal rules and proceduresof the RangerCorps

Developandimplementprojectsrecom-mendedby theZoneCommittee

Coordinateactionswith localauthoritiesandmembersof theZoneCommitteeto achievecompliancewith conservationandmanage-mentrules

E. ZoneCommittee

. Promotecooperationandcoordinationamong public and private institutions, user

Chaptcr4Instifittional Developmentof the CRMP anil theAtacames -Srta-M uisne ZEM

groups,andcommunitiesto establishpriori-tiesin theZEM; implementthemanagementplan;anddevelopannualoperatingplans

Promotecitizenparticipationto assurethatmanagementactionswill besustainedthroughlocalawareness,interest,andcapac-ity. Thisbaseof knowledgeandsupportwill enablethecommitteeto find satisfac-tory solutionsfor resourceuseconflicts

Encouragepublicauthoritieswho serveonthecommitteeto adoptthenecessarymea-suresandinitiativesto solveuseconflicts.andservegenerallyasa mechanismforsolvingresourceuseconflictsin theZEM

Sponsorandrecommendtheadoptionofinterinstitutionalagreements,municipalandprovincialdecisions,andresolutionsof thenationalcommissionto assurethefollow-throughon managementactions,includingplanningandzoning

PrepareamendmentsandimprovementstotheSpecialAreaManagementplans

Supporttheorganizationandparticipationofcommunitiesandusergroupson theZoneCommittee,andpromoteimplementationoftheannualoperatingplans

Overseepubliceducationprogramactivities,andkeepthelocalcommunityandcountryinformedof progressbeingmadeby organi-zationsandindividualsin sustainableman-agementof resources

Monitorandevaluateplanimplementation

. Inform the RangerCorps and the nationalcommissionon the statusof supportand

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collaborationfor planimplementationbypublicandprivateentities

Compositionof the ZoneCommittee

Representativeof thenationalforestagency

Representativeof thelandreformagency

Representativeof theGeneralDirectorateofFisheries

Representativeof thenationaltourismagency

Representativeof thepublicsanitaryworksagency

Portcaptainof Esmeraldas

Presidentof Atacamestowncouncil

Presidentof Muisnetowncouncil

Prefectof Esmeraldasprovince

Representativefor eachlegallyorganizedZEM community

Representativefor eachlegallyconstitutedcoastalresourceusergrouporganization

Delegatefrom eachenvironmentalorganiza-tion of theZEM

Delegatefor primaryeducationteachers

Delegatefor secondaryeducationteachers

Chqtor4Institutional Development of the CRMP and theAtocanes -Srta-Muis ne ZE M

Role of the President of the 7,oneCom-mittee

Representthe Zone Committee and sign allauthorizeddecisionsand agreements

Conveneand presideover committee meet-ings

Setthe agendaand provide leadershipforcarrying out the responsibilitiesof theZoneCommittee

Monitor the execution of committee deci-sions

. Participatein RangerCorpsmeetings

Operating Rulesfor the ZoneCommittee

Thecommitteewill developandcarryoutplanningprocedures,providereports,andassurethecredibilityandstrengthof institu-tionalmechanismsfor carryingout theZEMplans.

Thecommitteecancreatetaskforcesorpennanentsubcommitteeson specialissues,suchaspreparingtheannualwork plan,publiceducation,managementthemes,implementingprojectsor otheractivitiesinthework plan.

Thepresidentandvice-presidentof thecommittee,alongwith coordinatorsofworkinggroups,will serveasa coordinatorandfollow-upgroupto overseeZEM planactivities.Thisgroupdoesnot haveauthor-ity to makedecisions,andmustmakereportsto theZoneCommitteein its regularmeet-ing.

G.

F.

H.

a)

b)

c)

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

d)

e)

s)

h)

i)

With the exceptionin Article 5 of the ZoneCommittee regulations,all membersof thecommittee have voice and vote. (Membersmust belongto a legally constitutedorgani-zation.)

All user groups have the right to be repre-sentedon the committee,alongwith com-munity associations.Thesegroupscouldrepresenta community,parish,or canton.The baseof the group must be from withintheZEM.

When assigningtasks,the committeewillidentify the responsiblepersonand thedeadlinefor accomplishment. If the task isassignedto an institution, theZEM commit-tee member representingthe organizationwill be responsible.

An openfile will be maintainedcontainingcopiesof agreementsmadeat full committeemeetings,as well as the work of the groupsand subgroups.

When there is a conflict among user groups,the Zone Committee will usethe followingprocedures:

When necessary,the committee will requestthe technical assistanceof CRMP and willmake a quick analysisof the natureof theconflicts, key actors,and alternativesolu-tions. A commissionor working groupmayalso be formed to carry out this study.

The report of the CRMP or the workinggroup will be analyzedby the committee,along with the actorsinvolved in the con-

Chapter4Institutional Developmentof the CRMP and theAtacames-Sfia-M uisne ZEM

flict. A consensusprocesswill be usedtoreachthe required agreementsto solve theproblem.

Once it is convened,the Zone Committee willdeterminethe designationof new members.

No project can be included in the ZEM plan if itis not first brought to the aftention of the ZoneCommittee.

The CRMP will only implement or financeprojectsthat the Zone Committee hasapproved.

I. Relationship with the Ranger Corps

The Zone Committee will establisha relation-ship with the RangerCorps in order to carry outits responsibilitiesand to coordinatethe activi-ties of the Corps that pertain to ZEM plan imple-mentation,aswell as the enforcementof laws,rules, and regulationsgoverning the useofcoastalresourcesin the ZEM, including:

a) Establishingagreementsamong coastalresourceuser groups

b) Resolvingcoastalresourceuseconflicts

Helping in patrols and control activitiescarried out in theZEM by the Corps

Monitoring legal actionsresulting fromviolationsof coastalresourceslaws

Preparingjoint reportsto promote awarenessand compliancewith conservation,protec-tion, and useregulations

c)

d)

e)j )

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J. Relationship to the ZEM olfice

TheZEM office is a part of the permanentstructureof the CRMP, and its mission is tocarry out the daily operationsof the program intheZEM. The Zone Committee will receivethehelp of the office primarily for:

a) Preparingand implementing the annualoperatingplan

b) Contactingand coordinationwith communi-ties, user groups,and institutions relatedtothe committee and RangerCorps

c) Providing administrative and technicalsupport to the committee and RangerCorps

d) Relations with other partsof the CRMP; and

e) Carrying out the assignedfunctions of thecommittee

K. Z,E]N{Coordinator

Preparethe annual operatingplan andbudgetfor the ZEM

Coordinate the work requiredto implementthe programsand activities of theZEM

Supply the technical assistancein planningand implementation required for the ZEMcommittee

Maintain permanentcontactwith the com-munities and people in the ZEM

Coordinate and collaboratewith regionalgroupsin the ZEM

Chaptzr 4Institutional Develipment of the CRMP and theAtacames -Srta-M uisne ZEM

Preparea monthly report for the ExecutiveDirectorateregardingprogressin completingtasksand other issuesin the ZEM whennecessary

Participatein the internal meetings,work-shops,and other activities of the CRMP

Provide assistanceto the executive directorand ZEM Committee in identifying, select-ing, and preparingprojects.

Carry out tasksassignedby the executivedirector aswell astasksneededto imple-ment mandatesand resolutionsof the na-tional commission

Help organizeZone Committee meetingsand RangerCorps meetingsand advise onpublic educationactivities

Representthe executive director of theCRMP in the ZEM

Participatein CRMP meetings

Promote and assistin the formation ofresourceuser groups

Analyze projectsselectedby the ZoneCommittee prior to their approval by thenationalcommission

Carry out any additionalassignmentsgivenby the executivedirector in order to carryout the resolutionsof the nationalcommis-sion.

i)

j )

s)

h)

k)

r)

m)

n)

o)

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

66

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIt

c)

d)

e)

L. Office of the Coordinator

The focus of future planning, technical assis-tance,and monitoring of ZEM plans andZoneCommittee implementationis in the ZEM office,under the supervisionof the CRMP ExecutiveDirector.

TheZEM coordinator will make availabletheresourcesnecessaryto for the successfulfunc-tioning of the Zone Committeeandexpertandtechnical teams,and will assistwith committeemeetings,conferences,and training and educa-tion programscarried out within theZEM

The ZEM office needsto include supportstafffor secretarialand accountingservice,aswell asa local technical team.

The office personnelwill be trained by theCRMC and will help in field projectsand in thecommunities involved in ZEM plan implementa-tion.

Clnpter 4Institutionol Developmentof the CRMP and theAtacames -Sfia-M uisne ZEM

4.3 ZEMAnnual Work Plan

The drafting and implementation of the specialareamanagementplans must be carried out withpublic participation through the Zone Committeeor subcommittees.The aim of the special areamanagementplan is to achievesustainableuseofcoastalresourcesand improve the quality of lifeof the ZEM population.

Preparationand approval of the annual operatingplan for theZEM will be accomplishedasfollows:

a) The executivedirector of the CRMP willnotify theZnne Committee of the proceduresfor preparingthe work plan in accordancewith the approachand schedulein theCRMP budget as approvedby the nationalcommission

b) The chief of the ZEM office and the workinggroup which theZone Committee assignstopreparethe work plan will examine the prioryear'swork in light of the available budgetand schedule

A national workshop will be held, includingthe Zone Committee president,to evaluateCRMP progress,set guidelines and prioritiesfor the next year's work, and ensurearegional perspectivein the work plan

With the help of the CRMP technical team,the chief of the 7-EM office and the desig-natedoperatingplan committee will preparea draft of the annualplan in light of nationalpriorities and annualreview results

The chief of the ZEM office, the workinggroup, and the staff of the CRMP will assess

67

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thefirst draftandmakeadjustments,consid-eringavailablefunds,theZEM plan,techni-cal feasibility,andsoon

0 TheZoneCommitteewill analyzeandapprovetheoperatingplan

g) Theexecutivedirectorwill submitthedraftoperatingplanfor considerationby thenationalcommission

h) Theexecutivedirectorof theCRMPwillprovidetheoperatingplanandassociatedbudgetto theZoneCommitteeandtheZEMoffice for implementationoncethenationalcommissionhascompletedits review

Theoperatingplanmustinclude:

a) An evaluationof thepreviousprogressoftheCRMPandspendingpriorities

b) Goalsfor thenewyear

c) Identificationof prioritiesin theZEM plan

d) Descriptionof thetasksto becarriedout,theproductsto beproduced,andtheschedulefor implementation

Include an inventory of availablehuman andfinancial resourcesfor carrying out the workplan

Assign roles and responsibilitiesfor CRMPpersonnel,technicalconsultants,ZoneCommitteemembers,andexecutingandcollaborating institutions

The scheduleof initial activities that will berevised quarterly by the Zone Committee

Chapter4Institutional Develapmentof the CRMP and theAtacames-Sfia-Muisne ZEM

The executivedirector of the CRMP is respon-sible for implementing the ZEM plan. Theexecutivedirector may contract directly withgovernmentinstitutions and municipalities in theZEM, the Provincial Council, and legally consti-tuted community organizationsand user groupsin accordancewith the annualwork plan. Inaddition. contractscan be made with founda-tions, consultants,independentcontractors,andother nongovernmentaI or ganizations.

e)

s)

tIIIIIItIIIIIItIIII

4.4 Community Work Plans

Many of the specific actionsof the ZEM plan aredirected towards strengtheningcapabilitiesofeachcoastalcommunity to plan and managetheresourcesupon which it dependsfor food,income, and quality of life. Each communitywill be strongly urged to participatein the ZoneCommittee to selectpriorities and carry out localprojects with the technical supportof the ZEMand CRMP Coordinator.

An essentialtopic for discussionat the ZEM andcommunity level should be how to focus on thetasksthat can be accomplishedsuccessfullywithlocal resources. Additionally, communitiesshould actively explore new ways to increaseenthusiasm,effort, and local capacity for manag-ing coastalresources.The experienceof theZEM pr acticalexercisesin communities between1990and 1991showsthe importanceof carefuldesign,technicalsupport,andfollow-up forprojectsuccess.

Each community should identify the activities oftheZEM plan to be carried out in its locality aswell as other agreementswhich have beenmadethrough theZEM process.Communitiesshouldtake stepsto preparethemselvesto participateinZEM plan implementation.

The community work plan will include thefollowing:

a) Presentationof community goalsfor theentire year

b) List of activities to be directly accomplishedwith the community

Chaptcr4Institutional Developmentof the CRMP anil theAtacames -Sfia-M uisne ZEM

List of activitiesin theZEM programthatbenefitthecommunityandwherelocalcommunityparticipationis expected

Thework planof eachprojectwill include:identificationof financial.technicalandotherresourceneedsandtheirsources;majorsteps,completiondatesanddesigna-tion of peopleor groupsresponsiblefor theimplementationandfollow-upof theprojects.

c)

d)

IIIIIIIIIIIII

IIIII

I

4.5 The Execution of the ZE]NI Plan

The Executive Directoratewill managetheimplementationof theZEM plan. Accordingtolegal regulations,the directoratewill contractthework, studies,and otherplannedactivities.

To strengthenlocal capacity,the executivedirector can contract directly with governmentinstitutions, ZEIN{municipalities, provincialcouncil, and community and legally formed userorganizations. It can also contractwith founda-tions, consultants,independentcontractors,andother nongovernmental or ganizations.

Small projects,which, dueto cost andtechnol-ogy, do not require specialists,will be carriedout by organizationsor people from the commu-nity.

The establishmentof coastalresourcemanage-ment basedin the communities requiresthatthesegroupsbe ableto:

1 . ImplementtheseZEM plan policiesandactionswhich will benefittheir communityor usergroup

Presentthe Zone Committee with proiectideasrelated to coastalresourcemanage-ment

Undertakecontractsto carrv out someof theZEM plan actions

Participate inZone Committee meetingsandbring issuesto the attentionof the nationalcommission, through its representative(thepresidentof the community organization)

Chaptcr 4Instihrtional Development of the CRMP and theAtac ames -Srta-M uisne ZE M

5. Nominate delegatesto follow up implemen-tation of ZEM projectsin their communitiesor for sectorsthat usecoastalresources

In general,the Executive Directorate will per-form the evaluation,follow-up, and control ofthe plan and perform the inspection and technicalsupervisionof tasksand equipment.

3 .

4.

2.

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ANNEX 1

ACTION

3.1 ShoreManagement

1 (1) Zoninganddesignationof usesalongthecoastI (2) Guidelinesfor coastalconstruction

1 (3) Protectionof thecoasrlineI (4) Protectionof specialrccreationareasI (5) CoastalroadSame-Tonchigue-Galera-Bunche-El

RellenodeMuisne2 (6) Controlof mangroveareausesfor theRanger

Corps

2 (7) Restorationof mangrovesin Atacames,SriaandTonchigue

2 (8) Recreationaluseof mangrovesin Atacames2 (9) Publicawarenessandeducationfor mangrove

conservation

2 (I0) Reforestationof mangrovesin MuisneRiver2 (ll) Protectionof mangrovesin theMuisneRiver2 (12) Charcoalproduction

3 (13) Publicaccessalongtheshore3 (14) Publicaccesspointsto theshore

3.2 Managementof the Natural ResourcesBasefor TourismDevelopment

I (15) Touristresourcesinventory1 (16) Touristguidesto theZEMI (I7) Tourismpublicawarenesscampaign2 (18) Touristsignsfor theZEM2 (19) Informationboothsfor tourists2 (20) Improvingtouristservices2 (21) Multi-purposetourisrfacility in Atacames2 (22) Basictouristservicesfor Sfa2 (23) Basicvisitors' servicesfor Muisne3 (24) Landuseplanningin theZEM3 (25) New tourismofficesin theZEM

LIST OFACTIVITIES TO IMPLEMENT THESPECIALAREA MANAGEMENT PLAN

LOCATION

Atacames,Sfa, Muisne

ZEM

ZEM

ZEM

Same-Tonchigue-Galera-

Bunche-ElRelleno

Estuariesof Muisneand

Atacames

Atacames,Sria,Tonchigue

Atacames

7BM

RiverMuisneEstuary

RiverMuisneEstuary

Muisne

ZEM

ZEM

ZBM

ZEM

ZEI'{

ZEM

ZEM

ZEM

Atacames

Sfa

Muisne

ZEM

ZEM

7l

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3.3 Environmental Sanitationand CoastalWater Quality

I (26) Design,constructionandmaintenanceof watersupplysystems

| (27) Publiceducationcampaignon sanitationpracticesI (28) Trainingon operationof watersupplysystems2 (29) Protectingcoastalwaterquatityin Atacames3 (30) Sanitaryfacility installationsalongthecoast

3 (31) Centralizedtreatmentof sewage3 (32) Collectionanddisposalof solidwastein Atacames,

Sfa, Tonchigue,andMuisne

4 (33) Monitoringwatcrqualityandsanitaryconditions

Muisne,Bunche,AtacamesSda,Tonchigue,Galera-SanFrancisco

ZEM

7EM

Atacames

Sfa, Tonchigue,Galera,Bunche-Muisne

ZEtt'.I

Atacames,Sfa, Tonchigue,

Muisne,andsmall

communities

ZEM

3.4 Managementof FisheriesResounces1 (34) Fisheryareas

1 (35) Basicdatacollectionon fisheriesI (36) Managingimportantestuaryandcoastalresources1 (37) Controlof blackcoralexploitation2 (38) Protectionof fisheries'habitat2 (39) Studyandcontrolof oil contamination2 (40) Impactof sewagedischargeon fisheries3 (41) Servicesandinfrastructurefor artisanalfisheries

a) Supplydepotfor fishinggearb) Fuelandlubricantdepotandmotorrepair

shoP

c) Fishhandlingfacilities

d) Communicationnetworkfor fisheriese) Creditsystemfor artisanalfishermen

3 (42) Trainingfor artisanalfishermen

ZEM

7EM

ZEM Quingue-GaleraZEM

ZEM

ZEM

ZE}l

Tonchigue,Galera

Tonchigue

Galera-SanFrancisco

ZEM

ZEM

ZE}''I

3.5 Managementof Mariculture1 (43) Reducingthemorralityof capturedshrimppost-

larvae

72

ZEM

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIttI

| (44) Studythedistributionandabundanceof shrimpI (45) Strengthenfisheries'rulesandimprovelaw

enforcement

2 (46) Controltheissuanceof concessionsfor shrimppondconstruction

2 (47) Mangrovebufferzonesaroundshrimpponds

2 (48) Fishaquaculturein theMuisneRiver2 (49> Fishaquaculturein theMuisneRiver

3 (50) Technicalassistanceto shrimpfarmownersand

laboratories

ZEM

ZEM

ZBM

Atacames,Tonchigue,

Muisne

Muisne

Muisne

ZEM

7frM

ZEM

ZEIII

ZEI0''{

3.6 Managementof Small WatershedsI (51) Reforestcoastalwatersheds

1 (52) Protectingtheforestin theupperwatershedI (53) Controllingsoil erosion2 (54) Pilot projecton inte$atedmanagementof a small

watershed

2 (55) Developingaquaculturepotentialandtechnical ZEMassistance

2 (56) Producingfoodfor localconsumptionin theZEM ZBM2 (57) Publiceducationcampaignsandusergroup ZBtrl

agreements

2 (58) Exten.sionfor watershedmanagement

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ANNEX 2 DESCRIPTIONAND USBOF THEWATERSHEDSIN THE ZE]N,{

Rio Atacameswatershed

The 300 km2 watershedis drainedby the main branchof the Rio Atacamesand two other

streamsthat join togetherin the town of Atacames. This zone of confluencehad 578 hectaresof

mangrovein 1969,but the constructionof shrimp pondsalong the rivers reducedthis to 52

hectaresby 1987. The narrow floodplains of the river systemhave high quality soils, but rainfall

in the watershedis only about 900 mm annually,making the Rio Sriawatershedthe driest in the

ZEM. The upper portion of the Rio Atacamesis cultivated in a variety of fruit trees,while the

lower portion is pasture,with various short-cyclecrops aswell. Shrimp pondsoccupy much of

the good soils in the lowest part of the riverbed. The other branchesof the river areasare also

pasturemixed with crops,suchascorn andyucca.

Rio Sfa watershed

This is one of the smallest(47 lrrrp) and driest watershedsin the ZF,N.4,receiving an estimated

700 mm of rainfall per.year. Populationdensity is high for the ZEVr,37 personsper km2, but

concentratedin the coastalvillage of Sria,which dependson tourism and fishing. Someman-

grove loss has been experienced here in the tidal portion of the river behind the beach. Like the

Rio Atacames,the narrow floodplain hasvery good soils, but the hills of the lower watershedare

suitableonly for pasture,and the upper half of the watershedhasthe poorestquality agricultural

soils. The lower one-third of the river is usedfor a mixture of pastureand short-cyclecrops,

while the upper two-thirds in various fruit trees.

Rio Tonchigue

This watershedis amongthe smallestin the ZEl/r,57 k$2,but hasby far the highest population

density,(61 personsper km2 in 1980). The road from Tonchigueto Muisne,constructedin 1980,

follows the courseof the Rio Tonchiguethrough the narrow bandof very high quality agricul-

tural soil. which is associatedwith the floodplain of the river and its small tributaries. In the

coastalpart of the watershed,the fishing village of Tonchigueand shrimp ponds are occupying

the best soils. In the middle and upper portions of the watershed,agricultural land is usedto

produce fruits, cocoa,coffee andcorn.

Smal settlementsfollow the road, which hasa slope of lessthan one percent. Most of the rest of

the watershedhasrelatively little agricultural potential. The lower watershedis usedfor pasture-

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landandsomeagriculture.Cattleranchingis low density,aboutoneanimalperhectare.Thereareno goodpasturemanagementsystemsin use. Thehighqualityriver floodplainis plantedwith a varietyof fruit trees,corn,andvegetables.Thesoilson thehillsidesof theupperwater-shedareof relativelylow suitabilityfor farming,amongthepoorestin theentireZEMr.A smallforestedarearemainsat thetop of thewatershed.

Thewatershedreceivesaboutonemeterof rainfallannually,whichproducesa usabledischargeof .9 m3 persecond.However,theriver is not a goodsourcefor potablewater,sincetheflow islow duringthedry period.

Rio SanFrancisco

Thiscomplexwatershedhasthreebranches,theEsteroChipa,theEsteroEl Partidera,andtheupperRio SanFrancisco,whichdraintheforested110km2 watershed.Rainfallin this zoneisestimatedat 1500mm peryear,andriver flow on averageis 2.3m3 persecond.Landsuitablefor agricultureis foundonly in thecoastalportionof theRio SanFrancisco,andthisis utilizedprimarilyfor settlementsandshrimpponds.Thiswatershedhasthehighestelevationsandroughestterrainin theZEM. Therearesmallareasof humidtropicalforestremainingin thehighersectionsof thewatershed.Muchof theforestcoverhasbeencut,andsomepennanenrplantationsof banana,platano,andcoffeehavebeencreated.Deforestationin this zoneisestimatedto be50 percent.In areasadjacentto riversandtidal inlets,therearesmallfamilygardensthatproducefruits,yucca,andcorn,mainlyfor localproduction.Useof thepooreragriculturallandin thehighestelevationsis primarilyfor pasturewherecattleareraisedat lowdensities,lessthanoneheadperhectare.

Populationdensityis relativelyhighfor theZEM,23.4 personsperkm2 in 1980.Nearlyall ofthis is concentratedin thecoastalvillageof SanFrancisco,wherefishingis thepredominantoccupation.

Rio Bunche

This watershedis about 80 km2 and receivespopulated(2.6 personsper km2 in 1980)and

1500mm of rainfallperyear. Is is very sparselyhasno majorroadaccess.

Thereis a road,usablein summerbetweenBuncheandMuisne,thatgoesalongtheshore.

TheRio Bunchehasa veryshallowslope,lessthan.5 percent,andhasanaverageflow of 1.5rn3pet second.Thecoastalportionof thewatershedis occupiedby thefishingvillageof

75

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Bunche, shrimp larvae ponds,and small shrimp ponds. There are no major pollution problems in

this area. The slopesof the watershedare still coveredby origina- growth treesmixed with some

plantations. Above this forest cover on the hills of the watershedis soil that is relatively poorly

suited to agriculture. This areais characterizedby steepslopesand irregular topography,and

there is little interestin agriculture or cattle ranching.

Rio Vilsa watershed

This is one of the larger watershedsin the ZEM. nearly 200k<ffp,and possessesthe greatest

expanseof excellent and good agricultural soil, aswell asan annualrainfall of 1700mm. As in

the other watershedsof the ZEM, the land hasa mix of uses,including pasture,a variety of

short-cycle crops, and forest, with somepermanentplantations. The population density of the

watershedis the lowest in the ZEM,less than two peopleper km2 in 1980. The Rio Vilsa emp-

ties to a formerly extensivemangrove,which was very productive and heavily harvestedfor

shellfish and finfish. This mangroveforest hasbeenlargely convertedto shrimp ponds, aswell

as the rapidly developing village of El Relleno. The recently pavedroad from Tonchigueto El

Relleno, which is the transferpoint to the island city of Muisne, runs along the northern edgeof

the watershed.

Rio Muisne watershed

This 470 km2 watershedis drainedby the Rio Canuto,Rio Skucio, and Rio Repartidero,which

all flow northward to join the Rio Muisne. The Rio Muisne in turn emptieswestward into a

mangroveforest of about 500 ha behind the Isla Muisne, which in its natural statehad covered

1,700ha asrecentlyas 1969. Conversionto 1,200hectaresof shrimppondsoccurredprimarily

in the late 1980s. Accessto formerly productive fishing and shellfishing groundsin the rivers

and mangroveshasbeengreatly reduced. Annual rainfall is about 2,2W mm per year,which,

combined with expansesof high quality agricultural land along the floodplain of the rivers (the

largestin the ZEM), gives this region a good potential for agricultural development. However,

most of this areais being utilized for low-density cattle pastureland. The forestsin the upper

slopescontinue to be cut. The population density of the watershedis low 2,600 people, or 5.6

personsper km2, in 1980,not includingthe city of Muisne,with a populationof 6,600.

76

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ANNEX 3 PARTICIPANTSIN PREPARINGANDAPPROVING THE PLAN

1. UserGroups. HotelOwnersAssocationof Esmeraldas. AhcamesBartendersAssociation. Associationof AtacamesShrimpFarmers. Associationof RestaurantOwnersatAtacames. YouthAssociationfor Tourism. ShrimpLarvaeCooperativeof Bunche. ShellfishCollectorsCooperativesof Bunche. CharcoalMakersAssociationof Muisne. Committeefor theDefenseof theRightsof Muisne. Fishermen'sCooperativeof Tonchigue

2. GovernmentEntities. ProvincialGovernor'sOffice. PortCaptainof Esmeraldas. ProvincialDirector,NationalForestryAgency. ProvincialDirector,NationalTourismAgency. ProvincialDirector,Fisheries. ProvincialDirector,LandReformAgency. ProvincialDirector,PublicEducation. PoliticalChiefof Atacames

3. Membersof theNationalCommissionwhoapprovedtheplanonApril 2,1992' Dr.AntonioIglesiasCaamaflo,VicePresidentof theCommission' GPFG-EM-Napole6nVillacis,Representativeof theMinistry of Defense' Ing.Lino Delgado,Representativeof theMinistry of AgricultureandLivestock' Lcdo.FabidnYdnez,Representativeof theMinistry of EnergyandMines' Fc. Rub6nMoreno,Representativeof theMinistry of Industry,Commerce,

IntegrationandFisheries

77