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State, society and nature in Ecuador : the case of the Yasuní-ITT initiative


Document type: report
Download file(s): 352129 (414 KB)
Abstract: Development politics in Ecuador has experienced major changes since the election of Correa in 2007. Paralleling a regional trend, the state has become a central agent in the economy, particularly in extractive industries. Revenues accruing to the state from intensified usage of non-renewable resources have been central to the implementation of Correa’s political agenda. At the same time, constitutional changes introduced in 2008 have granted rights to nature and held the promise of increased participatory engagement between the state and civil society. The emergence and development of the Yasuní-ITT initiative, which is built on the idea of leaving oil underground in exchange for financial contributions from the international community, demonstrates that increased attention to environmental conservation by the state has not resulted in improved participation. Instead, the incipient clash between the state’s mission to provide socioeconomic development and to preserve nature has resulted in the state sidelining civil society and opening the possibility of intensified social conflict over the role of nature in Ecuadorian development.
Authors: Arsel, M. , Avila Angel, N.
Series Title: NEBE Working Paper
Country: Ecuador
Category: Practice
Serial number: 2
Keywords: civil society , environment , natural resources , participation
Language: eng
Organization: Hivos – Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation
Organization: ISS - Institute of Social Studies
PAGE: 20
Place: The Hague [etc.]
Publisher: Hivos [etc.]
Year: 2011
Region: South America
Right: © 2011 Hivos & ISS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
Subject: Social and Political Change
Title: State, society and nature in Ecuador : the case of the Yasuní-ITT initiative