What kind of environmental and social impacts are likely from the proposed copper mine? Serious rifts have already disturbed the community: "Before, e What kind of environmental and social impacts are likely from the proposed copper mine? Serious rifts have already disturbed the community: "Before, everyone got on well in Intag - they shared everything - their jobs, their friendship - this doesn`t exist anyomore - and most of us don`t feel happy." (Norma Bolanos) Practices like sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional craftsmanship offer alternatives to mining and, as such, they reveal a "way out" for local economies and communities. more >> <<less

With cries of: "We are hungry for an ecologist!" Ronald Andrade, leader of CODEGAM, the organization funded by Ascendant Copper, violently forces his With cries of: "We are hungry for an ecologist!" Ronald Andrade, leader of CODEGAM, the organization funded by Ascendant Copper, violently forces his way into a municipal meeting. Fearing violence, fifteen representatives are forced to hide and the meeting is canceled. Next, Gary Davis, president and CEO of Ascendant Copper arrives on the scene offering "transparency" but refusing to discuss details. Finally, the mayor of Cotacachi, Auki Tituana, supported by the community, works to establish Cotacachi as an "ecological county" based on "responsibility towards nature." more >> <<less

Right before the Miramar Air show this year, as seen from hotspot.