Sustainable Development and Conservation of Biodiversity Hotspots in Latin America: The Case of Ecuador

Abstract

The conservation of biodiversity is closely linked to sustainable development. This is particularly evident in the so-called developing countries. Latin America, for instance, hosts some of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, this biodiversity is threatened by development processes which lead to environmental degradation and thus a significant loss of biodiversity. In Ecuador, new approaches towards sustainable development with a particular focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection have been developed in recent years. Against the background of data on biological diversity in Latin America and a description of conservation endeavours in the Latin-American region, this chapter analyses the Ecuadorian efforts to achieve sustainable development and long-term protection of biological diversity. Positive impacts as well as new challenges and conflicts which result from these approaches are identified and discussed.