"El Buen Vivir"

What does it mean to accomplish “el Buen Vivir” or, more simply, good living? This question forms the basis of Ecuador’s new constitution and the core component of our “Diversity, Development, and Sustainability” course here in Quito. This program offers a specific case study on how a developing country can harness its natural assets, in Ecuador’s case its outstanding diversity and culture, to achieve economic growth that benefits society as a whole. Latin America remains the most unequal region in the world and through “el Buen Vivir” Ecuador hopes to confront this persistent problem. Though we read extensively about Ecuadorian history, politics, economy, and culture before arriving here, our daily lectures and weekend trips have revealed the many intricacies of this concept, truly bringing it to life.

By now we are halfway through the course and have had the privilege of attending the lectures of many outstanding and knowledgeable intellectuals, from both the public and private sectors. They each offer unique perspectives on development, encouraging us to carefully consider what development involves and how we can go about achieving it. Upon deeper consideration, this proves to be a complex and controversial topic. Much research has been done and much literature has been written concerning the most logical solutions to inequality. The difficulty, however, lies in designing the most beneficial way to implement these ideas through solid and dynamic policies. Once we understand what needs to be done and why it needs to be done, we must figure out how to do it. Through these various presentations, we are slowly gaining the ability to challenge traditional ideas of development and delve deeper into the complexities of reconciling economic goals and the unstoppable effects of globalization with local capabilities and unique cultures.

A lecture last week, from Alberto Acosta, the previous president of the Constitutional Assembly, made a great impression on me. He brought together the various explanations of “el Buen Vivir,” that I had had circling in my head in clouded confusion, offering an articulate and extensive explanation of this concept. He began his presentation by giving a comprehensive overview of the many challenges of social and economic development. Though the accomplishments of mankind in recent history are undeniable, the problems that such progress has caused are also painfully evident. The current global demand for earth and natural resources is one and a half times the amount that actually exists. If we do not find a way modify our lifestyles, this demand could grow to be double the actual amount of earth and resources available. Economic growth can lead to technological advances and innovations, but it can also lead to pollution, waste, exploitation, and social exclusion. Being students of International Affairs, the issues of poverty, hunger, inequality, and global warming were not new to us, but his energetic and empowering lecture helped us to contextualize the basis for this new concept. The ideology of “el Buen Vivir” remains a term under construction. At its basis it calls for a focus on achieving not just financial growth but also a high quality of life for all people in society. If an economy experiences growth and success, all of its members should benefit from that growth. This confronts the issue of inequality head on and pushes the community to develop in a way that is sustainable and fair.

A synthesis of his lecture reveals that a change in the basic mindset of people is necessary to address such a problem as well as a modification of lifestyles. According to Mr. Acosta, all societies need not boil down to create one homogenous lifestyle. Instead, diversity should be respected and nations should retain their various cultures and traditions within a logical and rational framework. He described two limits to keep in mind, one being a limit on usage, or appropriation of resources, and the other being consumption, or a limit on opulence. All in all, global consumption must be moderated. We should consume less and do so more efficiently. Through such an effort, the dream of creating “el Buen Vivir” can become a reality.

The potential of such aspirations could not have been demonstrated clearer than during our trip to Salinas de Bolívar this past weekend. I truly fell in love with this town. A five-hour drive south of Quito, Salinerito, as this township is commonly called, consists of 33 different communities that participate in a bottom-up micro entrepreneurial approach to development. Once a miserably poor region of Ecuador, made of chozas (thatched roof huts) and dirt roads, Salinerito now boasts 98 different projects and an overwhelmingly happy and gratified population. All profits gained through their productions are reinvested back into the community for the benefit of all. Individuals may gain a personal salary depending on their specific contribution to the production of goods.

This project began in the 1970’s during a time of desperate need. The people of Salinas began taking advantage of the abundant salt flats found on their land and designed a process for capitalizing on this resource. Since then this community-based economic project has grown to include chocolate, cheese, herb and oil, mushroom, salami, textile, and even soccer ball factories. They strive to maintain the delicate balance of marketing their goods on a competitive level nationally and internationally while protecting their human values, their culture, and their way of life. This community has fully embraced the diversity of their country and the motivation of their people to create a successful, sustainable economy and a popular tourist destination for both nationals and internationals.

The people of Salinerito still face many challenges but, as the past 40 years have demonstrated, they have the ability to adapt and grow with undeniable spirit and enthusiasm. With every product purchased by the tourists that flow in an out of the community, their initiatives are supported. With every purchase, more rural people are kept from migrating to urban centers and falling victim to the subsequent cycles of poverty and inequality that characterize such need driven migration flows. By simply walking through the town I could feel the solidarity within the community and the genuine happiness of the people there. As one woman explained, carrying her empty milk jug home after her daily trip into town to deliver her share of fresh milk to the cheese factory, they have all they need right there in Salinas: fresh air, good food, and community support. Their well-being remains the only thing that matters and so they show Ecuador, as well as the rest of the world, what it means to strive for “el Buen Vivir.”