Living borders as an alternative for the development of the northern zone in the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador

Abstract

This paper deals with the situation of violence in the San Lorenzo canton located in the northern part of the province of Esmeraldas on the Ecuadorian border with Colombia. The objective of the research is the construction of a peace zone as an alternative to achieve the development of these towns. The methodology used is based on a historical-logical type of research, using qualitative techniques based on participatory observation instruments, documentary sources and bibliographic review. The results and discussion indicate that the institutions that finance and carry out this type of research are located in the city of Quito, which allows us to understand the reasons why there is no follow-up on the different types of violence and its manifestations. The conclusions indicate that these conflicts should have been prevented and that there is no local development strategy on the northern border of the province. The Ecuadorian state is primarily responsible for not confronting the violence by not formulating comprehensive proposals for the development of the border zone within the framework of national security.