Indigenous Land Management, Ecological Restoration and Ethno-Ecotourism Development: The Environmental Role and Empowerment of the Fakcha Llakta Community in Ecuador

Abstract

This chapter presents the main actions, projects, and achievements related to environmental restoration, Indigenous ecological management, and Indigenous cultural enhancement of the Fakcha Llakta community and their existing natural assets and resources in the Peguche Waterfall Protected Forest (PWPF), located in the Canton Otavalo, Imbabura Province, Ecuador. It is a protected area for tourism and to conserve the natural environment, elements of which have sacred values for the local population. The contribution of this chapter comprises the data collection, inventories, and insights regarding the restorative environmental work undertaken by the community for the benefit of the Peguche site. The field research is based on a qualitative and interpretative ethnographic approach and Participatory Research Action (PAR). The theoretical–conceptual discussion focuses on restoration ecology. Sixteen historical turning points—regarded as ethnic restorative milestones—were identified and classified as Indigenous ecological milestones in the research. This case study contributes to praxis and formulates concepts in order to fill a gap in the literature regarding the “environmental guardianship role,” “Indigenous land management” and “biodiversity conservation” in the Andean region, and in contemporary Ecuadorian Amazonia as a way of self-representation and empowerment.