Examining the relationship between international aid and mangrove deforestation in coastal Ecuador from 1970 to 2006

Resumen

Since the early 1970s, coastal Ecuador has experienced significant mangrove deforestation, largely attributed to shrimp aquaculture. However, the area of mangrove lost has not been definitively quantified, and several different and conflicting estimates exist in the literature. Furthermore, it has been proposed that development aid has been the primary financial support for aquaculture projects that contribute to mangrove deforestation – and the resultant environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic degradation. We utilize Geographic Information Systems, remotely sensed satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic maps to quantify annual and total mangrove loss in five Ecuadorian estuaries. We then use the AidData database to statistically evaluate the relationship between international aid and mangrove deforestation in Ecuador's coastal provinces from 1970 to 2006.