Lagoons in the Fierro Urco mountain range - Loja 

Fierro Urco, at the forefront of the defense of water in southern Ecuador

Fierro Urco: between life and large-scale mining

The Fierro Urco mountain range and its foothills is a territory where magic, natural charm and cultural and biological wealth are mixed.

Located between the provinces of Loja and El Oro, it covers more than 70,000 hectares. forming a páramo ecosystem of the low Andes. Today, it is seriously threatened by the mining concessions that the Ecuadorian state offers as a "development alternative" to the peoples and communities that inhabit it.

 

We spoke with Víctor Macas, President of the Association of Indigenous and Peasant Communities of Tenta, Celén and Selva Alegre, which leads one of the fronts to defend the territory, water sources and culture of its people: the Saraguro against what they call “threats from mining activities”.

 Víctor is a native of the San Vicente community of the Selva Alegre parish, which is located in the Western Cordillera of the Andes, he has seen and knows firsthand the profound changes that affect the social structure of the communities found in regions of mining activity.

In total there are 19 communities from these three parishes that remain in defense of the great corridor of Fierro Urco, "since at that time it is under concession for large-scale mining," says Víctor.

The process of defending this important source of water sources against the "mining threat" began more than five years ago, in 2015. Víctor recalls that there was "strong repression in Saraguro precisely because of this resistance process, which It is the same one that we now insist on, we do not want mining in our wasteland”.

“We are clear that this is a long fight and we hope that at some point these mining claims will be appeased, that they will no longer continue. So maybe we will rest there, but otherwise we will continue there. ” He reflects in a convinced tone of this cause that he has had to work in his life.

IMPORTANT DATA

Biodiversity in the Fierro Urco corridor includes:

700 plant species

160 bird species

50 species of mammals

17 species of amphibians

The cities of Loja, Machala, Santa Rosa, Pasaje, Zaruma, Portovelo are direct beneficiaries (both of drinking water and irrigation water systems) of the river systems that originate in Fierro Urco, specifically in the area that intends to be intervened by open pit mining activities.

What is at stake in Fierro Urco?

FierroUrco is part of a dozen places in Ecuador that are concessioned for mining and that are sources and springs of water, as well as protective forests and buffer zones that serve as life zones for dozens of bird species and mammals.

"" in the heart of the eminent FierroUrco, where the first ray of the sun kisses the icy hair of the waters of the South"" 

According to the Observatory of Mining Conflicts in Latin America on its website it describes:

“4 important tributaries for an entire productive and wildlife region are born from the Fierro Urco páramo, it is called by its defenders as the Water Star of the South.

In this area is the Siriquiña Lagoon where 3 fundamental rivers for the area originate: on the Saraguro side, the Llaco River is born, which reaches La Papaya and flows into the Jubones River, on the Loja side, the river Guayabal; in El Oro the San Luis river is born, which goes to Portovelo.

 

The importance of the aquifer systems of the Fierro Urco corridor (the "Water Star of the South of Ecuador") is so great that there is a proposal from various organizations to declare it a "Water Protection Zone" since the rivers are born here: Guayabal , Santiago, Tenta, San Luis and Ambocas, which make up the Catamayo, Santiago, Jubones and Puyango basins and supply irrigation and drinking water to thousands of people.

 

ON THOSE PERSECUTED AND JUDICIALIZED

Water defenders prosecuted in Fierro Urco. Mining Ecuador

As in other cases of defense of “living spaces” territories and water sources against claims of mining exploitation, persecution, threats, and imprisonment are some of the repercussions that occur towards people.

Fierro Urco is no exception and in this regard, Víctor Macas states: "we are convinced that it is a strategy from the government that they use because they intend to intimidate or threaten us, but this does not scare us and we are going to continue fighting." and referring to the case of the four water defenders detained in 2020, he assures: "Regarding the cases of the detained compañeros, we have already had to work for their defense and well, we have the case of Gualel, in which four compañeros were detained, but now they are free and we hope the persecution will stop.

Jovita, Salomón, Jhon and Manuel are the 4 most recent heroes in the defense of water and life in the moors from a list that includes dozens of people who have been persecuted and prosecuted for several years for their actions in defense of life. and the water in the Fierro Urco corridor.

THE ACTION OF LIFE IN FIERRO URCO

There are several direct actions that various groups and organizations that defend human rights and nature have been taking for about 5 years.

The Association of Indigenous and Peasant Communities of Tenta, Celén and Selva Alegre, which brings together the bases of the parishes in defense of water, has also been carrying out its part, which includes everything from sit-ins and marches to training and support activities for families of farmers and of communities in general.

  1. Reforestation: Víctor Macas states that during 2020 the people of the communities reforested more than 4,000 native trees at different altitudes. Care and maintenance is also carried out through mingas.
  2. Knowledge transmission: “….on the subject of education, for example, the relationship between these places with us as energy points and our apus as our places of healing. In the same way we are working on the rescue and strengthening of some knowledge that was being lost (both in food and culture, for example). It is the legacy that we want to leave to our generations to come” Víctor tells us.

3. Visits to the moor: Although the people of the communities carry out surveillance visits to the territory on a constant basis, these visits are open to the general public ONCE EVERY MONTH, with the aim of finding allies and making the community aware of the beauty and charm of these aquifer systems. and the biodiversity of the area. If you wish to participate in a visit cContact Victor to coordinate the next available.

4. Agroecology: Through the transmission and exchange of knowledge and experiences. They need to be strengthened as well.

5. Tourism: There are dozens of sites around the communities that are worth knowing and enjoying contact with the natural life of the equatorial Andes. The visits have been specific and it is one of the alternatives in which advances are sought for the families of the communities.

I want to be part of the process of defending the paramos and the water sources of the Fierro Urco mountain range. 

What I can do?

  • Follow on Facebook to the support platforms for the peoples of Fierro Urco
  • Share this article
  • Go ahead and visit the Fierro Urco moorland with your family and friends. To coordinate and know information for the next available visit or send a message of support Contact Victor Macas
  • Talk to your friends about the importance of various cities in southern Ecuador in the Fierro Urco mountain range as a source of water supply.
  • share the hashtag #IierroUrcoNoSeToca

The process of the peoples of the Fierro Urco mountain range shares with women and elders the joy of defending water and life in the moors in southern Ecuador.

 

Natural environment of the Vilcabamba trails

Volunteering at the "Eco-Club Vilcabamba"

Eco Club Vilcabamba on the way to make Vilcabamba a nature and wellness destination

Together to join forces for a better cared for and even more beautiful Vilcabamba” 

The Vilcabamba Eco Club (formerly the “Senderos Vilcabamba” Collective) permanently proposes activities that seek to strengthen environmental awareness and care for the Vilcabamba Eco-Tourism Trails.

 

VILCABAMBA ECOCLUB ACTIONS

Since 2020, the Ecoclub has been focusing its efforts and work on two lines of action: Mandango Hill Y The paths next to the rivers, two of the most recognized tourist options for travelers from Ecuador and from all over the world who visit the Vilcabamba Valley.

 

Likewise, the EcoClub Vilcabamba, carries out collective reforestation meetings, preparation and placement of signage, demonstrative walks, and other activities. 
These proposals have the objective that the organization be a space where through citizen participation in Vilcabamba it becomes a reality; a form of citizen organization in order to care for and respect the common natural spaces.

Meetings that involve promoting some tourist options such as the ascents to the Mandango on full moon nights and bird watching days, events that have been promoted by this community organization, are some of the activities to which it is possible to adhere regularly.

The Eco Club Vilcabamba has also been an active part in issues that propose changes in society, such as the collective mural that, together with other organizations from Vilcabamba and Loja, was carried out in order to support the campaign for the defense of water and the moor in Fierro Urco

Similarly, the Eco Club Vilcabamba has been making several alliances with different public and private institutions in search of achieving its objectives.

One of these alliances is the work that has been carried out with the INPC around the patrimonial theme that the Mandango hill represents for Vilcabamba.

Tree planting by volunteers from the EcoClub Vilcabamba
Cycle ride organized by the “EcoClub Vilcabamba” Collective
Team from the Vilcabamba EcoClub during a waste collection day on one of the Vilcabamba trails

For this reason, the Eco Club Vilcabamba opens a new call for people who wish to collaborate to achieve the goal of Vilcabamba being a healthy destination of well-being and nature for all those who visit it.

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Loja Arts Festival Logo 2019

The Loja Festival this year arrives where you are.

The 5th edition of the Loja Live Arts Festival adapts to the global situation of social distancing and adopts the virtual environment as a public space for live arts.

40 cultural and artistic productions from 7 countries will be presented from November 18 to 24, 2020 through the use and exploration of new formats and digital tools.

Argentina, China, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Indonesia and Peru are the countries participating in this edition of what is announced on its website to be the “largest cultural event in the country.”

The International Festival of Living Arts of Loja, which celebrates its 5th edition, is held every year around the date of commemoration of the Spanish independence of Loja, which is considered the Cultural Capital of Ecuador for its history of artistic and cultural production. .

It is precisely for this reason that one of the most anticipated events this year is the presentation that the Loja Symphony Orchestra will offer (due to the celebration of the 200 years of this date) on November 19 with the “Loja Bicentenaria” Concert. which will bring together more than 50 artists on stage who will pay tribute to the city of Loja for more than an hour.

“If culture bases its development on creativity, innovation and the daring to go beyond the limits, culture in the era of the pandemic has shown that the limits of innovation, daring and creativity are far beyond than expected. The example is the V International Festival of Living Arts of Loja, which has challenged all the skeptics who thought that the conditions of the country and the world were insurmountable. (….) The eyes of the world are now turning on Loja, the culture is alive.”
Angélica AriasMinister of Culture of the Ec

During the seven days of duration, the Festival will also move to the different parishes of the province of Loja where presentations are announced. The parishes of Vilcabamba and San Pedro de Vilcabamba will also be a stop for the Loja Living Arts Festival with varied programs and November 28 respectively.

To know in more details the works that will be presented and the way of exhibition, connect with the official page of the Loja Living Arts Festival

 

Cerro Mandango in Vilcabamba

Charcoal flavors facing Mandango

The Shack BBQ is one of the recommended stops when you make a visit to the sacred valley of Vilcabamba to experience its gastronomy.

The route from Loja to Vilcabamba is full of magical views that seem to change their shapes, dimensions and magic according to the projection of the sun in its course from sunrise to sunset.

In several of these sites, the landscape and topography lend themselves to establish spaces that at different times have welcomed restaurants, whereabouts, among others.

Nowadays, one of those that stands out when you enter San Pedro de Vilcabamba is without a doubt The Shack BBQ and Beer from which to enjoy with the family is also like caressing Cerro Mandango (one of the icons of Vilcabamba).

This open-air restaurant specializes in barbecues (vegetarian and with animal protein) that are served while diners can enjoy the natural climate that accompanies the season in Vilcabamba.

The atmosphere is thus ideal for visiting with family or friends.

The Shack BBQ. BBQ Restaurant in San Pedro de Vilcabamba

The authentic BBQ flavor in the Vilcabamba Valley

A strictly rustic environment where the view and the freshness of the space are two of its attractions is the space where some of the most delicious barbecues that we have served as a family are served.

The space that was born as an alliance with another of the well-known enterprises in Vilcababamba, since next to it is the factory of Sol del Venado beer, has been attracting and conquering the public that visits it for several years with flavors, among which its specialty stands out, which are BBQ roasts.

This special BBQ flavor is a recipe that was born in the Hoffman family, inhabitants of San Pedro de Vilcabamba for decades and owners of Sol del Venado.

The restaurant that also offers vegetarian options (such as some really delicious roasted mushrooms), with its wide viewpoint to the part of the Vilcabamba Valley that joins with Cerro Mandango, has become one of the places to experience fusion flavors recommended to visitors. who come to this beautiful region of Ecuador.

On the site you can also taste while enjoying the varieties of roasts, the flavors of the most recognized craft beer in southern Ecuador: Sol del Venado.

At the end of your visit in this gastronomy obligatory in Vilcabamba, right at the customer service booth it is also possible to find other artisanal delicacies and items for personal care made by families in the San Pedro de Vilcabamba area that are ideal for a personal gift (as well as for self-love) or as for a special occasion.

TIPS

Sometimes the capacity of tables at The Shack BBQ is exceeded, so we suggest that if you plan to visit with friends or large groups, check the availability of space through the whatsapp 0988519493

During your visit to The Shack BBQ, don't miss the opportunity to get to know the Sol del Venado processing plant, one of the most important family enterprises today in zone 7 of Ecuador, and discover several secrets of craft beer production, a delicious tasting of flavors and other surprises that are coming soon for visitors. Plan your visit as a group of family or friends to the Sol del Venado plant at WhatsApp 593 98 224 2828

and remember....

Parking at the BBQ Shack in San Pedro Vilcabamba. Restaurant and BBQ
Halloween Fun Raiser Poster. Go-2-Vilcabamba

October 30. Halloween Fun-Raiser

Fun and Community Strengthening to start this November 2020 holiday in Vilcabamba.

As national visitors get ready for the Dia de los Muertos holiday; In destinations such as Vilcabamba, where they share different cultures, preparations are also made for the celebration of Halloween.

One of the proposals that cause interest and invite due to its background is the one that will be held on October 30 in El Carro Azul (Vilcabamba) where the objective of the meeting, in addition to fun, is to raise funds to strengthen economies and sustainability. local.

Zia Parker, one of the organizers of the Halloween Fun Raiser and a member of the Vilcabamba Community Collaboration Council, comments that they seek to “provide tools such as choppers/mills (which facilitate the composting process), threshers (which increase the variety of viable products for sowing) and a portable sawyer; to the neighborhoods where there are orchards in Vilcabamba and its surroundings.”

Halloween Fun Raiser Poster. Go-2-Vilcabamba

In the same way, the funds raised will help to make possible the cases of community gardens for the neighborhoods that show interest in doing so.

The Halloween Fun-Raiser kicks off at 5 pm this Friday, October 30, with a Social Hour and Silent Art Auction, followed by an Open Auction and a la carte dinner. The evening will end with a party and dance in the purest Vilcabamba style.

Donation admission is $5 per person.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ACTIONS PERFORMED BY THE
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION COUNCIL
Craft Beer Sol del Venado with Mount Mandango in the background. San Pedro de Vilcabamba

Sol del Venado, from S. Pedro de Vilcabamba, beer as it used to be

The Sun of the Deer refers to that time of the afternoon when the projection of the sun's rays on the mountains makes the deer "invisible" to predators or hunters, being a moment of tranquility and magic for them; which is also what we want our customers to enjoy when they savor one of our types of craft beer.

Ivan Hoffmann. Craft beer producer Sol del Venado

Craft Beer Sol del Venado brewed in San Pedro de Vilcabamba

Sol del Venado is undoubtedly one of the most representative icons of the ventures originating in the Vilcabamba Valley (Loja - Ecuador), with a weekly production of 1,000 liters and a short-term growth projection to reach a minimum of three thousand liters continues to lead production compared to other brands in Zone 7 (El Oro, Loja and Zamora Chinchipe).

Currently the Sol del Venado family includes six types of beer: lager (which is a yeast whose fermentation can take up to 6 weeks), black, IPA, blonde, red and the special (limited editions that can include cocoa, coffee, among others).

Different roasting points of barley will give the types of beer. Sol del Venado craft beer in Vilcabamba

The different roasting points of the barley are what will give the various types of beer.
Sol del Venado craft beer in Vilcabamba

“Sol del Venado” began as a family business that began in 1990 with food and beverages and its name was “Especialidades San Pedro de Vilcabamba” and it brewed beer in a couple of pots (which can still be found in the production plant). , chifles and other sweets.

Given the good acceptance of the product, which was initially packaged in recycled soft drink bottles and after Ivan Hoffman finished his studies in 2010, it was when the family business took a step forward focused on increasing production and quality standards. in brewing and as of 2012 beer production is carried out under the Sol del Venado brand.

The process of making each type of beer, which can take between 30 and 45 days, is carried out and controlled by the Hoffman family, indicates Iván, who also states that as Sol del Venado, they place special emphasis on taking advantage of inputs national policies, strengthen community relations and carry out responsible production.

The type of beer is given by the level of roasting of the barley, in the case of Sol del Venado it includes a range of 6 different colors for each of the types it offers.

When a batch of this craft beer does not meet its quality standards, this batch is used to make whiskey or other by-products that are processed in the same plant.

 

interesting facts about “sun del venado” beer

With the exception of hops (which is imported), all other materials and inputs are produced in Ecuador, including barley.
The water used in brewing comes from totally clean water sources from protective forest reserves and springs in the mountains of San Pedro de Vilcabamba. This forest is protected by Sol del Venado.
“Sol del Venado” works actively to produce in a sustainable way: the use of biodegradable products for cleaning the plant, use of water, and soon the use of new materials in the presentations of its products are some of the actions highlighted by Ivan Hoffman during the visit.

“Sol del Venado” also opens the doors of its facilities to visitors to the Vilcabamba Valley. The tour can be done in groups and also includes tastings of the types of beer they produce at their plant in San Pedro de Vilcabamba and in a short time it will include new options for the participants of this activity that promises to be another option to enjoy with friends. or family.

To coordinate visits and tastings, as well as for national orders, please contact Iván Hoffman at WhatsApp 593 98 224 2828

Upon entering San Pedro de Vilcabamba (on the Loja-Vilcabamba route), at the height of the middle of the road on the right side of the road you will find “The Shakq” BBQ and the Sol del Venado processing plant. Views by appointment.

Continue with the “Sol del Venado” style and its new features on Facebook

Visit the Sol del Venado craft beer manufacturing plant in San Pedro de Vilcabamba
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