Chachis and Afro-descendant Populations: Relationship with Management and Conservation in the Cotacachi Cayapas National Park

Abstract

Protected areas are an in-situ conservation mechanism for managing biodiversity and protecting natural resources. The management of protected areas is closely linked to the environmental, economic, and social context. In this study, the perception of the Chachi and Afro-descendant populations with the management of the Cotacachi Cayapas National Park was analyzed. Information was collected through tools such as surveys and interviews, in addition to workshops with the stakeholders involved. The sample was composed of community leaders, the administrator of the protected area and park rangers. Among the main results of this research, it was determined that the population agrees with the conservation of forests, rivers and wildlife, but indicates that they need more economic and social support to improve their lifestyle. It is concluded that long-term processes of formal and non-formal education are of vital importance in order to empower communities in the field of environmental conservation and the protection of their resources.