PERCEPTION STUDY OF BENEFITS OF SOCIO BOSQUE PROGRAMME IN ECUADORIAN AMAZON REGION

Abstract

This study explores issues related to the conservation of native forests of western Ecuador’s Amazon region (provinces of Napo, Pastaza and Morona Santiago) and its relationship with some social and economic variables, the forests were included or not to the Socio Bosque Program. The field phase was conducted between February to March 2014. We analyzed data from one hundred twenty-two surveys of these two different groups of farmers. The analysis of information included geographical, social, labor, land use and future activities data. Among other results, it is evident that most owners want to keep their wooded areas with native species, but they mention the need for more frequent training about the dynamics of local ecosystems and best ways to care for them.

Keywords

• Ecuadorean Amazon region
• Socio Bosque Programme
• socio-economics
• forest conservation
• biodiversity loss.