A New Perspective

By: Tatiana Gelaf

 A view Yunguilla shrouded in clouds.

After spending three eye-opening days on the Galapagos Islands, we returned, exhilarated and slightly sun-burnt, to Quito. It was then that we could begin processing and thinking about what we had seen, and what could be done to preserve the wonders we’d experienced, along with the friendly and hard-working people we’d encountered on the islands.

In order to get some ideas, we visited the self-sustainable mountain village of Yunguilla. We were fortunate enough to be able to walk around the community, go inside one of the homes built there, and learn about the history of the one-of-a-kind population. 

A farm plot used to grow the vegetables which are prepared for tourist consumption.

We learned that the unique lifestyle of the people had come to be through concern of the dwindling forest in the area. The methods that the inhabitants were using to support themselves were harming the environment around them, making their way of living unsustainable. A new, revolutionary system was needed, a system that would protect both the environment, and the standard of living of the peoples who populated the area. The result of these efforts is a community that grows its own food, educates its children in ecologically sustainable practices, and uses tourism as a powerful tool to finance its future projects, all while peacefully coexisting with the flora and fauna of its environment.

Touring through the village, we were able to see firsthand cows grazing on slopes, and plants growing in small plots of land, enriched with organic fertilizer. We were also able to visit the two small factories in the village, in which cheese and jams are made. The specially-trained workers showed us the processes they used to turn their locally produced milk and fruit into products that could be eaten or sold to tourists. Finally, we visited a craft center which children could attend in their free time. The guide showed us the way they recycled their own paper, introducing the children to sustainable practices through arts and crafts.

Local women working to prepare strawberry jam in one of the community's factories.

Every aspect of the community was geared towards protecting the environment while maintaining a high standard of living for the people. We left Yunguilla enriched, warmed by the hospitality of the people, and all the more ready for our summit.

A plaque hung inside the home of a family who hosted tourists. It reads: "The wealth of man is measured by the quantity and quality of his friends. Thank you for adding to my riches."

We made it to Quito!

After a very long day we arrived to our hotel about 8 pm.  The kids got settled and then we walked to a local restaurant where we had an amazing fish dinner.  Some our kids were trying fish for the first time and loved it, others not so much.  I think we will be eating lots of fresh fish this week, so they may even learn to like it by the end.

The kids are very excited to be here and have been so wonderful.  Today we will head to the equator and visit some hisoric sites of the city.  The city itself is huge, and the mountains are gorgeous. Weather is mild and very pleasant.

The wifi here is not great.  This is the third time I have written this blog and none have uploaded so hopefully at least one gets through, but I was unable to attach pictures using the hotel computer.  I will do that as soon as possible.



 

Preparing for takeoff!

By: Tatiana Gelaf

In less than two weeks, we, a group of thirty students, will be heading out by plane to the islands where Charles Darwin himself first formulated his Theory of Evolution: The Galapagos. These islands, which lie 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, are rich with unique and diverse plant and animal life; each separate island is an ecosystem in and of itself, containing hundreds of species found nowhere else on Earth. Much of this land is also home to native and non-native peoples who have built their cultures and livelihoods around these magnificent islands. Up until recent history, these inhabitants have been able to thrive together. Today, however, various industries, such as those of tourism and fishing, pose threats to wildlife and indigenous peoples.  

As we approach our departure, we keep in mind that, apart from being a culturally and scientifically educational experience, this trip will allow us to explore the conflicts of interest between several “stakeholders”- groups with varying, and sometimes conflicting, economic, political, or environmental interests- on the islands. These stakeholders include fisherman, tour guides, tourists, indigenous inhabitants, and the incredibly unique flora and fauna of the region.

After spending one week traveling among the various islands of the Galapagos and on the mainland of Ecuador getting to know and understand these various stakeholders, we will meet with Ecuadorian students in a summit to discuss ways to successfully promote the well-being and sustainability of each one. In preparation for this summit, the Dover-Sherborn students have been collaborating with an organization called Ecologic© to develop the problem-solving skills necessary to tackle this conflict.

Ecologic© works with various indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America to preserve not only their livelihoods, but also their surrounding ecosystems, which will provide them with sustainable resources for many years to come. Last week, Ecologic© representatives David Kramer and Gina Rindfleisch visited DSHS and talked to us about their personal experiences with one such native group from Belize. They discussed the various stakeholders of the region, along with the challenges that each one faces individually. After doing so, they created a simulation of a meeting that might occur among these stakeholders, in which each stakeholder was represented by a group of students. We then had to decide which challenge of the region posed the greatest threat to the people whom we were representing, and then share our concern with the other groups. We were ultimately forced to determine which individual issue was having the most damaging effect for all of us, and which problem should thus receive the attention and resources of the community as a whole.

Through this simulation, David and Gina helped show us that the situation in the Galapagos Islands, just as that in Belize, is multi-faceted. Its resolution requires the collaboration, understanding, and compromise of various groups which all have much to lose. Most importantly, the Ecologic© representatives helped demonstrate that every stakeholder has the right to thrive and live comfortably and happily.

Leading up to and throughout our stay in the Galapagos, we will continue to consider how we can make a bright, sustainable future a reality for all people, flora, and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.