Environmental conservation is a chic topic in many parts of the world these days and a multitude of organisations are working to preserve the unique ecosystems in Ecuador. Eco-tourists who are curious about green initiatives in Ecuador will enjoy a visit to El Limonal, a community which is slowly adopting a progressive approach toward agriculture to secure future economic and environmental prosperity.
Nestled in the Guallupe Valley at the foot of the Andies in Northern Ecuador, El Limonal was once blanketed in cloud forest. However, decades of harmful farming practices have degraded the environment. Large areas of the Andean haven have been cleared for the free grazing of cattle while grass burning, believed to ´cleanse´ the land, has depleted the quality of the soil.
In 2001 this occasioned in a regional drought that was broken by extraordinarily heavy rains after seven months. Following this curious event, farmers began heeding the cautions of Piet Sabbe, of Belgium, who has been promoting sustainable agriculture since settling in Ecuador in 1991.
Piet challenges the advice offered by agro-chemical company representatives, the primary sources of agricultural information for farmers in the region.
Piet is striving to restore the fertility of the land by educating local farmers about the principles of permaculture- a productive farming strategy that is demonstrated on his own organic property- The Bospas Fruit Farm.
Piet is working with the local farmers association, El Progreso, to eradicate the practice of grass burning and to engage the community in an overall conservation initiative aimed at protecting the natural ecosystems of the Guallupe Valley. Reforestation projects stand to improve water quality and invite more wildlife.
The initiatives stand to bolster the local community of El Limonal because the plant diversity on permaculture farms allows for the production of many foods and building materials. Further, the complex ecosystem naturally protects against pests and diseases that threaten harvest.
Unspoilt by excessive tourism, El Limonal offers a rare, authentic insight into the everyday lives of small-town Ecuadoreans. Guided walks, horse riding, camping and other day trips are all available for exploring the community and its surrounds.
Ecotourism activities, including Home Stay and volunteer opportunities in the community, encourage tourism and provide income support to local farmers converting to permaculture farms. For more information regarding green initiatives in El Limonal visit http://www.bospas.org/.
