Ecuadorian Committee of Geoparks (CEG) and its contribution with conservation and sustainable use of geo-heritage in Ecuador

Abstract

Given the important geodiversity present in Ecuador, it is complex to establish criteria related to the scope of geo-heritage conservation in this country; nevertheless, notwithstanding what we might believe, geo-conservation in Ecuador is a pending issue, which is being worked on. An attempt has been made to use most of the tools available for geo-conservation, since in this country, there are countless initiatives with a broad impact on local development, education, and tourism, linked to geological elements; these efforts of geo-conservation, including conservation areas to public and private initiatives. Besides, Geoparks play a starring role in these dynamics, since geoparks are invigorated at both level institutional and territorial, considering the scope and coordination capacity that geoparks can establish. The articulation of Geopark projects, and the support of UNESCO, in coordination with government institutions and the academy, allowed Ecuador to have an Ecuadorian Committee of Geoparks (CEG) since February 2019, framed in the UNESCO Geopark Guidelines, being the second in all Latin America. Exist strong limitations for the comprehensive development of geo-heritage in the country, nevertheless, the formation of the CEG creates an achievement that seeks to fortify territories with interests in generating geoparks, being an entity that supports and manages in front of government institutions.