Amazon Interactive
The Ecotourism Game
Split off to form a new community
The move to split away from the community triggers a floodof emotion among all the Quichua. Some join Agustín and his friends,but many others are shocked and disturbed that the solidarity of the communitymight be shattered over the issue of ecotourism. Distrust and animositybecome common as the opposing factions argue about how to divide the community'sland. Both sides want the remaining tracts of primary forest, but thereis little left to split or share.
Overshadowed by the conflict, the ecotourism project fallsinto neglect. Tourists stop coming, so everyone must work harder in thefields to make a living. Soon the forest reclaims the tourist compound.Tensions gradually fade as everyone concentrates on making a living. EvenAgustín avoids speaking of ecotourism.
There is less than a hectare of primary forest left on yourland. The rest has been converted to coffee and rice fields. Everyone understandsthat agriculture is responsible for the loss of the forest, but after theexperience with ecotourism, no one is eager to try something new.
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| Very little of the land remains in primary forest. Few birds or animalscan survive in the small remnants. Your children will know the rainforestonly in your stories. | Income from tourism soon disappears. The Quichua focus on agriculture, butit is difficult to make money, and incomes drop. |
This is the end of the ecotourism game.
Do you want to see what happens if you staywith the community?
