Ecuador’s Journey to Self-Reliance Continues
USAID is back on the ground in Ecuador
“It is an honor to join Foreign Minister Valencia here today in signing this Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] between the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Government of Ecuador. This MOU, I think, reflects the new era of partnership between the U.S. and Ecuador as we work together to amend security and prosperity not just in our two countries, but throughout the hemisphere.” — USAID Administrator Mark Green
In May, USAID Administrator Mark Green traveled to Quito, Ecuador to launch a new era between the United States and Ecuador, an alliance which began in 1961. During the Administrator’s trip, he met with Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility José Valencia and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew and expand USAID’s partnership with Ecuador.
The MOU helps demonstrate Ecuador’s re-engagement with the international community and Ecuadorian civil society under President Lenín Moreno and comes at a critical time in the relationship between the United States and Ecuador. This partnership would not be possible without Ecuador’s sincere commitment to democratic reforms, re-engagement with the international community, and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation with the United States.
To build upon the agreement, USAID Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean John Barsa traveled to Ecuador in August for the first of regular dialogues with the Government of Ecuador. These regular discussions will help shape our future programs by including the Government of Ecuador’s input. The programs will focus on democracy and governance, the environment, support to migrants and the communities that host them, and economic growth.
Thanks to the efforts of the current administration in Ecuador, we are now able to pursue more critical projects, and continue the important work that we’ve done alongside Ecuadorians for over 50 years.
“We look forward to working together year to year, friend to friend, to advance key priorities, like reducing the risk of natural disasters, fostering inclusive economic growth to make sure that no one is left behind, and promoting quality education for all Ecuadorians.” — USAID Administrator Mark Green
To celebrate the expanding role of USAID in Ecuador, let’s take a look at some of the work we’ve done together in the past, and what kinds of programs we will continue in the future.
Humanitarian Assistance
For more than a year, USAID has been providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the spiraling Venezuela regional crisis, including in Ecuador. USAID has been supporting Venezuelan migrants, Colombian refugees, and vulnerable host communities with food assistance. We’re working with the UN World Food Program to provide emergency food kits to migrants as they arrive in Ecuador, serve hot meals at shelters and community kitchens, and distribute monthly food vouchers that allow families to buy nutritious food from local grocery stores. Ecuador takes in at least 1,000 Venezuelans each day. We will continue to work hard to meet the needs of those impacted by the Venezuela regional crisis in countries like Ecuador, where our re-engagement matters now more than ever.
Disaster Preparedness and Response
USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance is also continuing long-standing efforts to help Ecuadorian communities reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters. Working with emergency officials, community leaders, and our disaster response partners on the ground, USAID is helping to train first responders and urban search-and-rescue teams, improve building construction to be more earthquake-resistant, upgrade early warning and monitoring systems for earthquakes and volcanoes, and hold community events to teach families about disaster risks and how to be prepared. USAID also stands ready to provide assistance in the event of natural disasters as we did in April 2016, when a deadly magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the country’s northwest coast.
Investment and Private Sector Engagement
Ever heard of Pacari Chocolate? This premium organic chocolate company prides itself on producing products that are “from tree to bar.” The Ecuadorian business works directly with 3,500 local small-scale cacao farmers with a focus on organic agriculture to ensure social responsibility and environmentally sound production. Prior to 2014, USAID provided financing to help Pacari jump-start its business, which is now not only known across Ecuador, but enjoyed by chocolate lovers in over 40 countries, including the United States. Once a small start-up, Pacari is served regularly on Emirates Airlines and has won International Chocolate Awards five years in a row. Talk about a successful journey to self-reliance.
Indigenous Heritage and Biodiversity Conservation
Ecuador holds a rich indigenous heritage that is strongly connected to the land — both of which are crucial to conserve and sustain. USAID has helped strengthen institutions of the indigenous Cofán community so that they are able to strengthen their culture, identity, and ancestral knowledge. Between 2009 and 2014, USAID supported the conservation of 2.7 million hectares of biodiverse land in protected areas and indigenous territories throughout Ecuador.
These are only some of the many ways that USAID has joined Ecuador on its development journey. The Agency is proud of the work we’ve accomplished together with Ecuador and its citizens over the last 50 years in education, road infrastructure, electricity, agricultural development, maternal and child health, mobile banking, inclusiveness, tourism, and more. And thanks to the efforts of the Government of Ecuador, we are excited to see what the next 50 years will hold.
And, says Green: “This is only a first step in a journey we will take together, again, walking side by side, sharing ideas — ideas that will be of benefit to both countries, and we believe, to the region.”
About the Author
Alexandra West was a Strategic Communications and Content Intern at USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs.
