ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses human interaction with the country's natural environment and identifies reforms needed to encourage resource conservation. In spite of omissions, the reader will find that major issues associated with the development of Ecuador's soil, water and natural ecosystems are addressed. As is the case throughout Latin America, inappropriate tenurial arrangements, discriminatory macroeconomic policies, governmental interference with market forces, and inadequate investment in research and extension both for agriculture and natural resources are major reasons for overuse and degradation of Ecuador's renewable natural resources. As indicated in this chapter, applying a combined program of tenurial reform, deregulation of markets for natural resource commodities and technological innovation would contribute greatly to the solution of problems like the destruction of Costa ecosystems, tropical deforestation, soil erosion and water misallocation.
