Profile of Ecuador"s coastal region

This profile, an updated, English-language synthesis of two earlier reports (PN-AAZ-061 and PN-ABJ-936), provides a historical, demographic, and economic overview of the region; reviews its natural resource base and development activities (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, shrimp cultivation, manufacturing, tourism, ports, mining, and petroleum and gas), and describes the major components, strategies, and implementation mechanisms of the country"s coastal resource management program. The following major problems are identified. (1) Dumping of urban and industrial wastes and increased use of agrochemicals are degrading the region"s water resources. (2) Shrimp mariculture has destroyed nearly all the mangrove habitat in some estuaries, threatening wild shrimp populations, increasing flooding and erosion, and reducing the estuaries" ability to absorb pollutants. (3) Lax regulations, increasing demand, and intensive fishing techniques are significantly reducing nearshore and offshore fish stocks. (4) Neither food production nor public services (potable water, waste treatment, schools, and basic health services) are keeping pace with population increases. (5) Construction of upstream dams threatens both estuarine habitats and water quality. (6) Conflicts among incompatible activities, such as fish processing and tourism, are all too apparent. (7) Poor siting of coastal structures has increased beach erosion and led to property loss. (8) Coastal development often fails to take into account the periodic but unpredictable "El Nino" phenomenon, which triggers intense rainfall and flooding. (9) Ecuador lacks the research tradition and expertise required to tackle coastal zone issues.