In the province of Esmeraldas, one of the regions with the highest poverty rate in the country, AMU has chosen to create a professional training program – especially for young people – and conservation of natural resources; so as to promote eco-sustainable job opportunities and entrepreneurship and fight the ecological damage that is increasing the social vulnerability of these populations.
In the canton of Muisne (province of Esmeraldas) there is a serious problem of deforestation and destruction of mangrove swamps in the coastal area, as well as contamination of both land and water with waste and pesticides. This has had serious consequences for local communities who, in addition to health problems related to pollution, suffer numerous indirect damages that are undermining their food security: increased flooding during rainy periods, gradual decrease (with risk of extinction) of marine species such as crabs, shellfish and shrimp, loss of richness of agricultural land (which constitute the main source of resources) . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrjoZJofjXI&list=PLfcAWPz4i7I75ElrD3Otdv0eFtk1Y07WZ&index=14 In addition to the decrease in marine fauna, there is also the problem of the presence of external companies that carry out intensive shrimp production activities, further deforesting land and mangroves for the construction of artificial ponds and monopolizing this production. The monocultures most in demand abroad, such as cocoa and palm, are affecting ecological balances and traditional forms of more sustainable cultivation.
Another very pressing problem is the increase in the presence of mafia gangs that fight for control of the territory and influence the population through violence. Taking advantage of the economic vulnerability of many families, these criminal groups are recruiting many young people for dealing, consumption and strengthening their gangs.
