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| General appearance of the Eco-village |
Months ago, around fifteen people belonging to the environmental movement of Guayaquil were cordially invited by Jose Delgado to take a community tourism tour on Santay Island. The following are some of the impressions, recommendations and suggestions from one of the visitors and environmental interpreter, Pier Luiggi Maquilón.
The departure was from the Yacht Club dock on the Malecón Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil. After a short trip of about 20 minutes on a boat donated by the MIES for the tourist operations of the Santay Tourist Committee, the guests arrived at the island, one of the largest lungs of the most populated city in the country and which is included as a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR).
The theme of the visit under this modality focuses on the visit to the Santay Ecovillage where the contrast between its modus vivendi The current situation is different from what they had before. The spirit of improvement that overwhelms the inhabitants today immersed in this activity is noticeable, in order to find other ways of earning a living, which marks the social process that has been taking place. They (today tourist guides) explained their customs. Currently, the modality of the visit is that of community tourism, and although at the moment the strong point is not nature tourism, it is the option that has the most interest among the offerers and the possible tourists.
Once on the island, the tour began at a roundabout near the dock, where a description of the island was given, listing some of the places that would later be visited, such as the communal house (where a Christian foundation was giving classes to children on the island), touring "the neighborhood" and one of the ecological houses.
The path to be followed by the two groups, who were guided by Don Jacinto (a bird expert) and his son, was along a wooden plank that connects all 56 houses in the village; the care and maintenance given to these planks is notable. Both the path and the houses are raised a few metres from the ground.
According to Don Jacinto, "this is a great relief for the island's inhabitants, as they avoid walking in the mud and are far from the scourge of mosquitoes." From his point of view, having brought together the population, which was previously scattered throughout the island, has achieved greater integration among them. The inhabitants try to meet every week in the community hall, where they discuss issues of importance for this island, which today belongs to the Durán canton.
In the ecovillage, it is possible to see lights and houses electrified with solar panels, made with chanul wood imported from Chile and treated to prevent fires. Upon entering one of the houses, a brief explanation of how it works was given. Although at the moment, the panels only provide enough power to turn on the lights and perhaps a small radio, they have already had conversations with the MAE and are going to make changes to the system to increase their generation. The use of gasoline generators (widely used in the past) is prohibited. They also hope in the short term and through self-management, to install a water pumping system and thus use the pipe system that is already installed.
The inhabitants of Santay Island were mostly dedicated to fishing, and even today the products of this activity are taken "upriver" to barter with others, especially with people from the mountains.
Today they are trying to make their way into community tourism, even though they had a terrible experience with tourism when the island was managed by the Malecón 2000 Foundation, as the guides received $ 0.15 per tourist. “Now we receive a little more, it could be considered appropriate, at least, to earn something by doing tourism” said our guide.
After touring the village, it is time for lunch, which is held in the dining room, which used to be the island's school. After the break, the journey begins towards Lagartera (rubber boots can be rented for $ 0.25) along a route through the mud, taking special care not to step on the abundant fiddler crabs, to the place where several coastal crocodiles are kept in captivity.
During the return to the dining room and for much of the tour, Mr. José Delgado was present in the minds of guides and visitors, because according to Don Jacinto "he has done a lot for the island and its inhabitants."
Some of the suggestions to implement in the tours could include: a demonstration of the fishing techniques used by the Santeños and the instruments used.
Also, to reinforce the concept of EcoVillage, permaculture techniques could be implemented such as those carried out in Río Muchacho (Manabí) or Pink Beach, (Sta Elena), where Permaculture techniques are taught.
Given the island's good level of conservation, nature tourism should not be overlooked. A trail could be created in parts that are not flooded for nature interpretation and bird watching. The island could be surrounded to explain about the mangroves, as is done in Puerto Hondo. A viewing point will soon be created and camping is possible during the dry season. In addition, there are specific and very peculiar events throughout the year (migration of species, mating and nesting rituals).
For visits and tours:
- Byron Dominguez 094325384 (Mrs. Marilú, Byron's mother) soydesantay@hotmail.com
- Raquel Rodriguez 069150844
- Valentin Dominguez 086547034
- Zany Alvarado Pazmiño (Public Relations) of the Public Company of Natural Parks and Public Spaces, EP. zanyalvarado@hotmail.com 4 87102272
EN