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Latin America and Caribbean
In relation to its surface area, Ecuador has the greatest biodiversity of any country in the world. It is estimated that about ten per cent of the world’s animal and plant species are found in this small Andean state on the equator, from the coastal mangrove swamps through the Andean forests to the tropical rain forests of the Amazon. The extraordinary fauna of the Galapagos islands are famous the world over. Compared to other countries Ecuador has an exceptionally high concentration of nature reserves; in 1995 protection of the environment was enshrined in the constitution as a national goal, but state authorities are often unable to enforce environmental laws or effectively monitor the protected areas.
The most serious threats to these precious natural spaces come from the mainstay of the country's economy – the oil industry. The Ecuadorian government has made an innovative proposal and launched a global campaign in this connection: it is willing to give up oil production in an oilfield in the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve and National Park, provided that the international community compensates it financially for the lost income.
A further threat to the country's natural diversity is the conversion of forest to farmland. Almost two thirds of Ecuador’s rural population live in poverty. Many of these people are trying to survive by cutting down or burning forests to create grazing land and arable land. One hundred and fifty thousand hectares of virgin forest – an area twice the size of Hamburg – are lost each year in this way. Only the sustainable use of natural resources can stop the further spread of poverty and environmental destruction.
So far, Ecuador’s development has been hampered by serious shortcomings in governance. The country has long been considered politically unstable – between 1997 and 2007, for instance, seven different presidents were in power. Since the economist Rafael Correa took up office in early 2007 the situation seems to be improving. In September 2008 a new constitution was adopted by referendum. For the first time in the country's history a president was re-elected in April 2009.
Fundamental structural problems such as weak public institutions, corruption, lack of judicial independence, social fragmentation and the strong influence wielded by the wealthy elite remain in place, however. The new government must therefore allow its "citizens' revolution" policy to be measured by concrete improvements in the country's political culture and in the situation of the poor and disadvantaged sections of the population.
Relations with Germany
Germany and Ecuador have cooperated in the field of development for some 50 years. Relations between the two countries have traditionally been cordial and close. Development cooperation focuses in particular on the environment and conservation of natural resources. In view of global warming, it is in the interests of the international community, Germany included, to protect the tropical forests. Ecuador also receives support for modernising the state and for decentralisation.
German Embassy
German Embassy in Ecuador
Avenida Naciones Unidas
E10-44 y República
de El Salvador
Edificio Citiplaza
P.O. Box: Casilla 17-17-536
Quito
Ecuador
Phone: +593 / 2 / 29 70-820
Fax: +593 / 2 / 29 70-815
