Cotacachi Ecology Centre

Located in the Andean north of Ecuador, Cotacachi is a county and town where some of the most downtrodden communities are leading the way to build a new paradigm of participatory democracy and environmental stewardship in one of the most remarkable areas of outstanding beauty and biodiversity on the planet.

The Cotacachi Ecology Centre aims to assist in this process by providing access to information, practical examples and experts in the areas of ecology, alternative development, community eco-tourism, environmental education, permaculture, seed banks, medicinal plants and a wide range of other environmental initiatives. Run entirely by volunteers on a shoe-string budget, the centre has already made a significant contribution to the ecological development of Cotacachi, and needs your support to continue doing the good work. Volunteers, equipment and resources are required to keep this centre alive – please let us know if you can help.

Cotacachi town (in county Cotacachi) is just 20 minutes by bus from the famous market town of Otavalo. Its communities (indigenous, mestizo and afro-Ecuadorian) have been actively involved in a participatory democratic process (the Peoples Assembly) initiated by their indigenous Mayor, Auki Tituana Males since 1996. Cotacachi has received two prestigious international awards highlighting the success of this process and is becoming a model of hope for the entire region of South America.

Communities in Cotacachi have actively sought and initiated alternatives to destructive development. One great success in this endeavour is the marketing of organic, shade grown coffee through a cooperative with more than 300 member families. Exports to Japan have already provided a solid alternative income generating option to the extremely poor communities in the Intag region of Cotacachi. There are a large number of environmental development projects taking place in Cotacachi, including establishing international niche markets for crafts and organic produce, community eco-tourism, community forest stewardship, renewable energy, community education, reforestation, forest reserves and designated local wildlife guardians.

Through the participatory political process, the people of Cotacachi have unanimously voted for the region to be declared a ‘Canton Ecologico’ (Ecological county) and have passed stringent ecological by-laws and initiated projects that promote the ‘Canton Ecologico’ on both local and international levels. These environmental by-laws, arguably the most comprehensive of their kind in the world, lay the foundation of a legal mechanism to protect the County’s natural resources and support the creation of a sustainable society in Cotacachi by guiding an integrated conservation and management plan that benefits communities and nature. The area of Cotacachi, due to its advanced social and ecological awareness, is an ideal model area for development systems that are ecologically and socially benign.

The Cotacachi Ecology Centre provides opportunities to become involved in this exciting process. Since its inception in 1999, the centre has assisted around 100 volunteers from many different nations in helping in a range of environmental projects in the region. Volunteers have contributed with their special skills and interests in activities ranging from environmental education programs, permaculture garden design, seed saving, renewable energy, organising conferences, researching species lists, composing environmental music and even building ecological houses!

Climate: warm days (25C), cool nights (10C), no mosquitoes, usually dry conditions. Recommended long sleeves and pants in order to show respect for local culture and to provide protection from the occasional biting midges.

Town: Population approx. 5000. Local shops and producers provide for all needs. Stunning views of nearby mountain peaks of Imbabura and Cotacachi. Internet café is within 100 metres. International phone and fax available.

House: Vegetarian household, hot shower and all facilities available in a traditional formed earth house with plenty of room, large permaculture garden provides organic veggies and medicinal herbs.

Other facilities: Spanish language schools available in nearby Otavalo (20 mins by bus), also one to one language exchange can be arranged in Cotacachi.

Activities include (depending on experience and skills): Running Ecology Centre, Permaculture and Herb Garden Maintenance, Teaching Environmental English, Education (for local schools, colleges and municipal environment committees), Running organic cafe, Murals and Artwork, Assisting in current project of the environment committee of the Cotacachi People’s Assembly (competitions, conferences, reforestation, etc.).

Commitment: Volunteers are asked to contribute to their basic living costs (around US$150 per month), play an active role in maintaining the household (cooking, cleaning etc) and to commit to at least a month of volunteering (but preferably more). Volunteers usually contribute at least 4 hours per day on their specific activity depending on the experience, skills and energy of the volunteer.

Easiest way from Quito - Take a bus from the terminal to Otavalo (2 hours from Quito and around $2 for the bus fare). In Otavalo get in a taxi and pay around $3 to arrive at the door.

(If the taxi driver looks at you blankly see if you can explain that Modesto Penaherrera is the main street you take entering into Cotacachi that passes the Central park, Municipality and Catholic Church. At the end of this street is a T junction (3 blocks from the church) and the Ecology Centre is on the right hand corner of the T junction and is well signed).

If you want to avoid the taxi fare, take a bus to Cotacachi from the Otavalo bus terminal (30 minutes and 25 cents) and get off at the last stop (the Cotacachi terminal) and look for signs on the walls opposite the terminal saying Cotacachi Ecology Centre. The Centre is about 5 mins walk from the bus terminal.