Raul, a biologist from Quito, has dedicated over 20 years to conservation projects in the Chocó rainforest of Ecuador. He faces many challenges, including threats for standing against illegal hunters and loggers. Despite this, he remains committed to his work.
Recently, tensions have risen in the region. Gang violence has surged, especially in cities like Esmeraldas and Guayaquil, with reports of daily killings. In rural areas, forced recruitment and extortions, referred to as “vaccines,” have become more common.
Last August, Raul learned that a gang planned to kidnap him for money and information. His colleagues urged him not to visit the Chocó. “When you hear news like that, it makes my blood run cold,” Raul said, opting to keep his travel plans secret for safety.
His situation mirrors the struggles faced by many scientists in Ecuador, where fieldwork is becoming riskier amid a rising security crisis. With the country on edge during the presidential campaign, security issues have taken center stage. The current president, Daniel Noboa, is facing criticism for his approach to crime, which has not effectively tackled the violence.
In the last four years, Ecuador’s murder rate has nearly increased sixfold, marking it as one of the most violent countries in the region. This escalating violence is forcing scientists to reconsider their projects, putting vital ecosystems and local communities at risk.
Javier Robayo, who leads the EcoMinga conservation foundation, has worked in the Chocó rainforest for over a decade. He noticed that the area, historically dominated by armed groups, is experiencing a new wave of violence, particularly related to illegal gold mining. Local authorities have been unwilling or unable to intervene, leaving conservationists vulnerable.
Robayo explained that any attempt to report illegal activities could lead to retaliation. This has forced EcoMinga to cancel trips for researchers and students, disrupting important environmental studies. He worries that any funding might increase the risk of extortion and kidnappings.
“Biologists weren’t part of this crime landscape a few years ago,” Robayo said. “Now, our work is tied to the environmental devastation linked to illegal mining.”
Renato Rivera from the Ecuadorian Organised Crime Observatory noted that armed groups have acted as unofficial rulers in border regions, filling the void left by weak state institutions. Since these groups provide order, they gain the trust of local communities, complicating efforts to re-establish state authority.
The rise in violence has also influenced anthropologists. Saúl Uribe, who collaborates with Indigenous communities in the Amazon, reports increased tensions and fears of disappearance and extortion. Though he continues to work in the area, he has had to avoid studies that could endanger communities or researchers.
Illegal mining operations are encroaching on national parks, leading to canceled studies on wildlife and habitat conservation. Juan Yépez, who runs Big Mammals Conservation, has seen similar impacts in coastal areas. Some biologists have received threats, forcing them to abandon their research.
As conservation efforts struggle against crime, essential training programs and community involvement are at risk. Giannina Zamora from the Aldea Foundation emphasizes that without these initiatives, isolated communities will be vulnerable to further exploitation.
Rivera believes that the state needs more than just police action to regain control; social programs must be part of the solution. In the Chocó, local organizations are banding together to address violence and adapt to these changes. Raul is working with these groups to improve communication and safety in the community.
Raul summed it up well, saying, “The uncertainty right now is immense. We don’t know what the future holds for our country.”
* Name has been changed to protect his identity.
