Factors Influencing the
Sustainability of the Marketing of Mangrove Products in the Parish of San
Gregorio, Muisne Canton, Esmeraldas
Factores que influyen en la
sostenibilidad de la comercialización de productos del manglar de la parroquia
San Gregorio, Canton Muisne - Esmeraldas
Manuel Ruvin Quiñonez Cabeza[*]
Eduardo Antonio Estupiñan Alman*
ABSTRACT
This
exploratory-descriptive study evaluated the factors that undermine the
sustainability of mangrove product marketing in San Gregorio, Muisne, through structured interviews (N=10) and a
literature review. The central finding is systematic inequality in the market.
Marketing is predominantly indirect, allowing intermediaries to capture the
lion’s share of the profit margin. This drastically reduces the price at the
source and creates an unfair economic situation for the harvester, who bears
the greatest risk of the activity. This economic vulnerability feeds into the
fragility of the ecosystem. Although community management plays a regulatory
role (fines for violations of the closed season), the lack of a solid social
agreement and intense demand pressure lead to non-compliance with minimum size
limits and illegal harvesting. These actions undermine the reproductive
capacity of mangrove products and degrade the ecosystem. The activity is
trapped in a cycle of low income and high environmental risk. The key to future
sustainability lies in organizational strengthening that enables vertical
integration (direct sales) and the use of technology to monitor and capitalize
on the ecological value of the mangrove, transcending the current dependence on
intermediaries.
Keywords: Sustainability, Marketing,
Mangrove Products, Market, Community Management.
RESUMEN
La investigación de carácter
exploratorio – descriptivo, evaluó los factores que comprometen la
sostenibilidad de la comercialización de los productos del manglar en San
Gregorio, Muisne, mediante la aplicación de entrevista estructuradas (N=10)
revisión documental. El hallazgo central es la inequidad sistemática en el
mercado. La comercialización es predominante indirecta, lo que permite a los
intermediarios obtener la mayor parte
del margen de ganancia. Eso reduce drásticamente el precio en origen y genera
una viabilidad económica injusta para el extractor, quien soporta el máximo
riesgo de la actividad. Esta vulnerabilidad económica se retroalimenta con la
fragilidad. Aunque la gestión comunitaria posee un rol normativo (multa por
veda), la falta de un acuerdo social sólido y la intensa presión de la demanda
provocan el incumplimiento de la talla mínima y la captura ilegal. Este
accionar socava la capacidad reproductiva del producto del manglar y degrada el
ecosistema. La actividad está atrapada en un ciclo de baja renta y alto riesgo
ambiental. La clave para la sostenibilidad futura reside en el fortalecimiento
organizacional que permita la integración vertical (venta directa) y el uso de
la tecnología para fiscalizar y capitalizar el valor ecológico del manglar,
transcendiendo la actual dependencia del intermediario.
Palabras clave: Sostenibilidad,
Comercialización, Producto del manglar Mercado, Gestión comunitaria.
INTRODUCTION
Mangrove ecosystems are vital to coastal communities,
as they provide a variety of products that are sold commercially. The
sustainability of this commercial activity depends on multiple interrelated
factors that ensure a balance between financial benefits, ecosystem
conservation, and community development.
The parish of San Gregorio, located in the Muisne canton of Esmeraldas, is a coastal area where
mangroves are a fundamental pillar of the local economy. Families living in
this region depend on the resources these ecosystems provide for their daily
livelihood. The commercialization of products such as crabs, concha prieta, and fish represents the primary source of income
for a large number of residents.
Sustainability and commercialization in San Gregorio
are influenced by several factors that can be categorized as environmental,
economic, and institutional. The interaction among these factors will determine
whether the commercialization of mangrove products is viable in the long term.
Weak institutional control (institutional factors) can lead to overfishing
(economic factor), which in turn causes mangrove degradation (environmental
factor) and negatively affects the communities that depend on it (social factor)
To fully understand the factors affecting the
viability of commercialization in San Gregorio, a multidisciplinary approach is
required. The research was based on gathering information through surveys,
visits, and field observations with local harvesters and traders. A value chain
analysis was conducted, as well as assessments of the community’s perceptions
regarding sustainability. Additionally, previous studies on mangrove management
and the commercialization of marine products in similar contexts were reviewed.
The parish of San Gregorio, in the Muisne canton,
Esmeraldas, faces a critical situation that threatens the viability of the
commercialization of its mangrove products. The economic dependence of its
inhabitants on species such as the crab and the concha prieta
contrasts with unsustainable practices and a series of socioeconomic and
environmental factors that threaten the long-term viability of this activity.
The central problem lies in the overexploitation of
aquatic resources. Harvesters, driven by economic necessity, often fail to
respect minimum sizes or closed seasons, which disrupts the species’
reproductive cycles. This lack of regulation has led to a significant decline
in crab and conch populations, forcing harvesters to venture into more remote
areas where harvesting is more labor-intensive and less profitable. In the
medium and long term, this unsustainable trend could completely deplete the
resources, causing the community’s main source of income to collapse.
Unregulated harvesting practices, combined with
deforestation and waste pollution, have caused progressive degradation of the
mangrove ecosystem. The destruction of natural habitats not only reduces
shelter and food for commercial species but also weakens the mangrove’s
protective function against phenomena such as coastal erosion and extreme
weather events. The loss of these ecosystem services directly affects the
community’s resilience and the mangrove’s ability to regenerate and sustain the
life on which they depend.
The marketing chain in San Gregorio is precarious.
Mangrove products are sold to middlemen at low prices without any added value.
The lack of adequate collection centers, refrigeration
infrastructure, and efficient transportation forces harvesters to accept prices
that barely cover their costs, drastically reducing their profit margins. This
economic vulnerability drives them to intensify harvesting to compensate for
low prices, creating a vicious cycle of overexploitation.
Despite the existence of national regulations,
enforcement and oversight are deficient at the local level. The lack of a
strong and cohesive community organization hinders the implementation of
sustainable management plans and collective price negotiations. Without
effective local governance, unsustainable practices persist, perpetuating the
problem. This institutional weakness prevents the community from acting in
unison to protect its resources and ensure a sustainable future.
The central issue lies in the uncertainty regarding
the effectiveness of the AUSCMs (Mangrove Use and Stewardship Agreements) in
ensuring the sustainable commercialization of mangrove products in the San
Gregorio parish. Although the law requires communities to ensure that these
agreements implement management plans and sustainable harvesting measures, it
is unclear whether these guidelines are being followed and whether
socioeconomic, market, and community management factors allow for truly
sustainable commercialization.
The rationale for this study is based on its relevance
and methodology within the social and environmental spheres, as it addresses a
crucial issue with a view toward the sustainable development of the country’s
local coastal populations.
This study will help fill a gap in the academic
literature and public policy regarding the effectiveness of Mangrove Use and
Stewardship Agreements (AUSCM) as a tool for conservation and development.
Although Ecuadorian environmental policy promotes these agreements as a
sustainable management market, there is limited empirical evidence analyzing
how they translate into sustainable resource commercialization.
The research offers an analytical framework for
understanding the multidimensional factors (socioeconomic, market, and
management) that will determine the success of these programs, thereby
generating knowledge applicable to other similar communities.
The parish of San Gregorio and, more broadly, the
communities of Muisne, depend directly on mangrove
resources for their subsistence. The sustainability of commercialization is not
merely an environmental issue but a key element for food security, economic
continuity, and the well-being of these fishing and shellfish-gathering
families.
By identifying the factors that limit or promote
sustainable commercialization, this research can provide valuable information
for designing strategies that improve the value chain, strengthen community
organization, and generate fair income, thereby reducing the vulnerability of
local stakeholders.
Overexploitation and unsustainable commercialization
practices pose a direct threat to the biodiversity and integrity of the
mangrove ecosystem, which acts as a natural barrier against disasters, a
crucial habitat for various species, and a carbon sink. By focusing on the key
elements affecting the viability of commercialization, this research seeks to
promote responsible practices that ensure the long-term regeneration of
resources.
The mangrove is a fundamental ecosystem in the coastal
zone of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Not only does it provide vital economic services
such as coastal protection and the breeding of fish and crustaceans, but it is
also a source of livelihood for local residents who depend solely on the
commercialization of its products, such as crab, concha prieta,
and scallops.
However, the sustainability of this commercial
activity faces various challenges.
According to Jaramillo (2018), although the study
focuses on the Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve, it
is highly relevant to the study of mangrove product marketing in San Gregorio,
as it offers a detailed analysis of the black conch value chain. Its findings
on the different actors involved, the flow of products, and the marketing
challenges are directly applicable, thus allowing for a comparison and contrast
with the local commercial structure and providing a solid foundation for
understanding market dynamics in the study area.
“National Approach to the Protection and Sustainable
Use of Ecuador’s Mangroves” by the Ministry of the Environment (2015) is a
fundamental reference for the project in San Gregorio, as it outlines the
regulations and state policies governing the management of these ecosystems in
the country. By contextualizing the commercialization of mangrove products
within this official document, local practices can be evaluated against
national regulations and the sustainability goals proposed by the government.
According to Poveda (2019), this study is crucial for
the research in San Gregorio, as it focuses on the red crab, a key species, and
the community of Bocana de Bique,
which is geographically close to the study area. This work provides a valuable
source of empirical data on the socioeconomic factors driving extraction and
commercialization, such as household income and economic dependence. By
analyzing these dynamics in a similar context, this study can serve as a
comparative reference to understand and validate the findings of your own
analysis in San Gregorio.
Salinas, M.P (2020) It is crucial for the San Gregorio
project because it establishes a direct link between the commercialization of
mangrove products and the food security of local communities. This approach
goes beyond a simple economic perspective to address the social impact of the
activity, demonstrating how sustainable commercialization is vital for the
community’s social development.
The objective of this article is to analyze the
socioeconomic, market, and community management components that influence the
sustainability of mangrove product commercialization in the San Gregorio
Parish, Muisne Canton, to evaluate the effectiveness
of the AUSCM (Agreement on the Use and Stewardship of Mangroves).
The sustainability of mangrove product marketing in
the San Gregorio parish depends largely on the health of the ecosystem, which
is threatened by overexploitation, pollution, and deforestation. To counteract
these impacts, it is crucial to implement proper resource management, including
measures such as the establishment of fishing moratoriums and the creation of
protected areas.
Guerrero, S. (2017). Focuses on the crucial role of
community organizations in the value chain of mangrove products in Muisne, a factor that is fundamental to sustainability and
local entrepreneurship.
This study explores how the collective organization of
harvesters and marketers of products such as shellfish, crabs, and shrimp can
influence ecosystem resources by improving incomes and reducing the role of
intermediaries.
Castillo, C. and Romero, M. (2019). This study delves
into the socioeconomic impact of the commercialization of mangrove products in
the province of Esmeraldas, offering key insights into the situation in the San
Gregorio parish. It analyzes the market structure, identifying all stakeholders
from harvesters to end consumers.
Fernández & Pérez, (2022). Addresses the topic of
marketing and distribution strategies for consumer products, which can serve as
a reference.
Analyzes the market dynamics and logistical challenges
faced by products from rural coastal areas, making it a suitable theoretical
framework for investigating marketing and distribution tactics for mangrove
products in the San Gregorio parish. This study explores how organizing
value-added generation and the use of information technologies can improve the
profitability and sustainability of commercial activities.
UEES (2020). Manglar APP is
an electronic governance tool that operates as a two-way link. It allows
consumers within the mangrove ecosystem to report socio-environmental incidents
directly to regulatory agencies, thereby improving response capacity and crisis
management. Although it does not focus directly on commercialization, it
demonstrates how the use of technology, such as a mobile app, can strengthen
governance and sustainability. By facilitating interaction between community
members and government entities, issues such as overfishing and pollution can
be reported more efficiently. WWF Ecuador (2022) emphasizes that, to ensure a
sustainable future for marine products, it is essential to transform fisheries
management through the use of technology that ensures transparency.
Díaz, P. (2011). The current market in Quito has
dissatisfied customers regarding the fish sold; these customers are potential
buyers, creating an opportunity to establish a business that offers a fresh,
high-quality product at a competitive market price.
Community organization is a key pillar. Guerrero
(2017) highlights how associations empower communities to negotiate better
prices, make decisions, and protect the ecosystem. The study by Castillo and
Romero (2019) complements this view by analyzing market structure and the
impact of intermediaries on local income, underscoring the need for communities
to gain greater control and profitability.
Customer satisfaction and technology are becoming
increasingly relevant. Díaz’s (2011) work highlights that quality, freshness,
and hygiene are vital for consumer satisfaction. On the other hand, technology
offers solutions to improve sustainability
Oviedo, J. (2018). Sustainability of artisanal fishing
in the Cayapas-Mataje ecological reserve. Although
this study focuses on artisanal fishing in a nearby reserve, it is relevant
because it discusses how massive demand can lead to overexploitation. Castillo,
C. and Romero, M. (2019). Commercialization of mangroves and its socioeconomic
impact in the province of Esmeraldas.
This study directly analyzes the value chain in
Esmeraldas. It identifies that mass commercialization is often dominated by
intermediaries who buy large volumes at low prices from local harvesters. This
market structure, driven by high demand, not only reduces benefits for the
community but also pressures them to increase their catches, which can lead to
unsustainable practices.
(Philip Kotler, 2023). A pioneer of contemporary
marketing, he emphasizes that mass marketing seeks to find ways to maximize
public engagement, using simple and direct messages that resonate with the
majority. This perspective is relevant for understanding how companies have
used broad communication strategies for high-demand products. A Mexican
marketing expert asserts that the primary objective of marketing—to increase
sales volume, expand the customer base, boost purchase frequency, and optimize
sales prices—has no other business justification for its implementation. The
focus on growth and sales as the main goal of marketing may contrast with the
need for sustainability and conservation in the commercialization of products
derived from delicate ecosystems such as mangroves.
(Seth Godin, 2018). This author on permission
marketing argues that, in the digital age, mass marketing is becoming less and
less effective. He proposes that the new marketing strategy consists of
building relationships with customers, not invading their space with
unsolicited advertising. For producers in Muisne,
this facilitates access to a set of digital tools to obtain permission and use
customer data to communicate offers, with the aim of encouraging repeat
purchases and loyalty.
This relates directly to the marketing of mangrove
products in the parish of San Gregorio, Muisne, by
highlighting the importance of traditional marketing channels in contexts with
low digital penetration. In the San Gregorio parish, as in many emerging
markets, internet access and the use of digital platforms may be limited for a
large portion of the local population and potential consumers. Therefore, a
marketing strategy that relies exclusively on digital marketing would be
ineffective. (McDonald and Sargeant, 2018).
(Craig Davis, 2001). We must transition from
interruption to relevance, highlighting a key challenge of mass marketing in
the digital age. For the sustainable marketing of mangrove products, this means
that a traditional marketing strategy focused solely on product promotion is
likely to fail. Instead of trying to capture attention in a forced manner,
producers in San Gregorio, Muisne, can adopt a more
effective approach.
Marketing is defined as a strategic process through
which organizations and/or individuals satisfy their needs and desires through
the creation and exchange of goods and value (according to Philip Kotler,
2000). This definition is crucial, as it underscores that marketing goes beyond
a commercial approach to mangrove products; it involves creating value by
highlighting their sustainable origin and the efforts of local communities,
which can justify a higher price and ensure the economic viability of the collectors.
A marketing framework relevant to the sustainability
of mangrove products in the parish of San Gregorio, Muisne
(Michael Porter, 1985). In his work on competitive advantage, he argues that
one of the main tactics for achieving a sustainable advantage is
differentiation. This strategy is based on creating an offering perceived as
unique, which justifies a premium price.
In the context of mangrove products, sustainability,
artisanal fishing practices, and the history of local communities are unique
attributes that can differentiate these products from others on the market.
(Pérez, 2023). It focuses on analyzing how the supply
chain for products such as shellfish and other mangrove resources affects local
communities; the main concept emerging from this title is the sustainability of
marketing. This refers to the capacity of a community—in this case, the San
Gregorio parish—to sell its mangrove products in a way that is economically
viable, socially just, and environmentally responsible in the long term
To formulate or design a marketing strategy, in
addition to considering our objectives, resources, and capacity, we must first
analyze our target market. (Ley Borras, 2000)
Distribution channels are the means through which
products reach end consumers, and their proper selection is crucial for the
sustainability of marketing products such as those from the mangrove
Pricing, promotion, and sales strategies constitute an
essential pillar of marketing, as they allow mangrove producers to compete
effectively in the market, generate sustainable income, and raise awareness of
the value of their products. (Quiñonez Cabeza et al., 2020) The commercial and
quality characteristics of A. tuberculosa are related
to the aspects that make it a sought-after and desirable product in home
kitchens, restaurants, picanterías, and cevicherías in the coastal towns of Ecuador and other countries
that produce it. It is considered an aphrodisiac delicacy, with significant
local demand in restaurants and tourist sites, where it is served fresh (raw)
in cocktails, fried, grilled, or boiled and industrially canned; considerable
quantities are also exported within the region. (OSPESCA, 2018)
Morphometric indicators (length, width, height, total
weight, and fresh weight); catch per unit of effort, density, and growth rate;
and market attributes (size, freshness, nutritional quality, and compliance
with international standards on health and safety) are analyzed. It is
concluded that biological aspects and productivity are closely related to
market attributes, which are essential for achieving sustainable production. (Eveligh C Prado & Manuel
Quiñonez C, 2021)
(Manuel
Ruvín Quiñonez C & Ingrid T Nazareno, 2020). The
objective is to study the marketing and harvesting process of the conch (Anadara tuberculosa and Anadara similis) and its economic
impact on families in the San Lorenzo canton, Ecuador. The quantities of conch
harvested and marketed from Ecuador and Colombia were evaluated, along with the
percentages of males and females, to identify economic benefits by gender. The
number of canoes and people providing services in this activity was documented
and analyzed, along with the operational costs during the various stages of
harvesting and marketing, leading to the establishment of profit margins for
the shellfish gatherer (supplier), intermediaries, and warehouse owners; as
well as the generation of employment, income, and benefits for families in the
area. The results indicate that 52% of the harvested and marketed conch comes
from San Lorenzo, while 48% comes from Colombia. At the end of the process,
they earn incomes below the established unified monthly minimum wage. It is
concluded that the commercialization of mangrove products has a significant
impact on families in San Lorenzo, Ecuador.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For this study, a descriptive approach was chosen, as
it allows for the observation and understanding of reality in its natural
state. This method is ideal for describing the characteristics of a phenomenon
without altering it, which is essential for understanding its context and
dynamics. Thus, valuable information regarding the phenomenon under study was
collected, providing a solid foundation for interpreting the results
objectively.
Regarding the research process, data collection was
carried out using the following techniques: interviews and document analysis.
To collect information, a survey was designed and
administered to merchants in the commercial district of San Gregorio. This
research instrument allowed for the collection of quantitative and qualitative
data directly from customers, which was essential for analyzing their
perceptions, preferences, and behaviors regarding the services offered.
Thanks to the cooperation of the merchants in the
parish, a detailed review of internal records was conducted. This process
facilitated access to historical and relevant information, which was analyzed
to enrich and verify the data collected through the interviews.
In the execution of this project, primary and
secondary technical sources of information collection were employed to ensure a
comprehensive and reliable data analysis. The methodology used is presented
below. Interviews were employed as the primary source of data. This research
tool allowed for the evaluation of customer satisfaction regarding two
fundamental dimensions: product quality and the effectiveness of customer
service. The interview was structured with questions designed to obtain
quantifiable and comparable information.
1. Secondary sources were used to
complement and contextualize the study. A literature review and a documentary
analysis of online databases were conducted. These sources provided a
theoretical and referential framework that allowed the empirical data to be
verified against previously validated information. The interview is an
information-gathering technique that, in addition to being one of the
strategies used in research processes, has value in and of itself. Whether
conducted as part of a research project or designed outside of a systematic
study, the interviews with the harvesters highlight their techniques and
patience in harvesting, their respect for species conservation, and their
ability to identify characteristics to select suitable products. This work
requires knowledge of the ecosystem and contributes to the livelihoods of many
families, reflecting a constant effort and commitment to the sustainability of
the mangrove.
This study proposes estimating the means of a finite
population under the assumption of an overpopulation model. It considers the
existence of an auxiliary variable whose observation cost is lower than that of
the variable of interest, and a two-phase design. In the first phase, only the
auxiliary variable is observed, while in the second phase, the variable of
interest is observed. This study determines the optimal estimate, as well as
the sample size to be selected in each phase.
Twenty-four (24) interviews were conducted with
members of the community harvesting blue crabs (Cardiosoma
crassum) and concha prieta
(Anadara tuberculosa and Anadara similis) in the San
Gregorio–Muisne parish, through direct dialogue.
For data collection in this study, we must start from
the premise that an interview is a communication process that normally takes
place between two people; in this process, the interviewer obtains information
directly from the interviewee.
RESULTS
When harvesting crabs, mangrove foragers use various
methods, among which the following stand out:
a. Reaching into the burrows among the mangrove roots
with their arms.
b. Using a J-shaped iron rod measuring 1 to 1.30
meters to reach the crabs.
c. Running
d. Using traps
e. Nets
The community of San Gregorio maintains sustainable
traditional practices in crab and shellfish harvesting, combining manual
methods with simple tools that reflect a balance between harvesting efficiency
and respect for the mangrove ecosystem. These techniques are part of local
knowledge passed down through generations, representing an expression of
traditional ecological knowledge.
Crab harvesting is a daily and sustainable activity,
where the harvest volume varies between 40 and 50 units per day, depending on
environmental factors. Furthermore, the highest overlap indicates a common and
established practice within the harvesting community.
Closed season. This is a temporary prohibition period
to allow for species reproduction. Minimum size. A specific measurement of 10
to 15 cm to ensure that mature crabs are caught. There is a legal framework,
the association’s regulations, which include conservation measures, minimum
size, closed season, and fines.
Fishermen or crab harvesters recognize and apply
self-regulatory mechanisms regarding harvesting seasons and sizes.
These practices not only reinforce the sustainable
management of resources but also complement national legislation on fisheries
and aquaculture.
There is a duality in the marketing of blue crabs:
some opt for direct sales to obtain better margins, while others rely on
intermediaries, which can hinder price standardization.
The most significant factor is seasonality, as the
closed season significantly reduces crab catches, causing prices to rise
slightly; transportation is also a key factor in moving the product. This
depends heavily on the intermediary, who adds value at the mangrove source. The
harvester sells at a low price to ensure the sale and avoid the risk of loss,
since the intermediary obtains the highest profit margin because they have
their own transportation.
Low integration of the harvesters, lack of
development, absence of investment in infrastructure, limited advertising of
their products and the area where they can be purchased, and a lack of
technological development by the association keep the harvesters in the role of
mere raw material suppliers. This prevents the capitalization of the activity
and the negotiation of a guaranteed minimum price that could protect their
income.
There is a vicious cycle where demand
pressure—especially during festive seasons in the country’s various cantons and
provinces—overwhelms the association’s capacity for self-regulation, leading to
non-compliance with the specified size limits for harvesting. This harvesting
practice has direct and indirect consequences for the destruction of the
mangrove’s natural capital, jeopardizing its future reproduction.
The association has the mandate and formal tools
(closing seasons, fines) for management, but its operations are intermittent.
This inconsistency in enforcement and conservation of the species, particularly
regarding compliance with the closed season. The planned analysis indicates
that compliance with shell size limits is essential for their sale and
conservation.
One of the main strategies is training for shellfish
harvesters to ensure they do not harvest shells that are of reproductive size,
along with better organization among members to sell the product directly and
avoid intermediaries.
The marketing process remains informal and dependent
on intermediaries, which limits the collectors’ bargaining power and reduces
local profit margins. This demonstrates that, although harvesting practices are
moving toward sustainability, the sales system still does not support the
economic development of community members.
Limited access to direct markets reduces the
community’s ability to position its products with added value. This situation
not only decreases income but also prevents the community from leveraging the
environmental advantage of the AUSCM (Agreement on the Use and Stewardship of
Mangroves) as a distinguishing feature, hindering the development of
sustainable marketing models.
A more robust organizational structure with enhanced
administrative capacity would improve decision-making, enable better
negotiation terms, and facilitate the development of shared commercial
strategies (such as agreements with restaurants, fairs, or cooperative sales).
This would demonstrate that community governance not only protects the resource
but can also become a driver of economic sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS
The research leads to the conclusion that the
viability of marketing mangrove products (crab and concha prieta)
in the San Gregorio parish is at a point of critical vulnerability, where
the economic dependence of harvesters clashes with structural deficiencies in
the value chain and local governance. Although the Mangrove Use and
Stewardship Agreements (AUSCM) represent a valuable legal tool for
conservation, their effectiveness on the ground is limited due to intermittent
enforcement and the lack of a community organization capable of transforming
artisanal harvesting into a sustainable business model.
Specifically, three key factors are identified:
Environmental and Extractive Dimension: Traditional
ecological knowledge promotes sustainability (respect for minimum sizes and
closed seasons); however, pressure from immediate economic needs and massive
demand during peak seasons drive non-compliance with these regulations.
Ecosystem degradation not only threatens biodiversity but also acts as a factor
in impoverishment by reducing the profitability of fishing efforts.
Economic and Market Dimension: The marketing
system is the weakest link. The middleman dominates the chain,
capturing the largest profit margin and relegating the harvester to the role of
a low-cost raw material supplier. The lack of value-added processing,
collection centers, and refrigeration technology prevents the community from
accessing direct or competitive markets, such as those in major cities (Quito
or Guayaquil), where there is unmet demand for fresh, high-quality products.
Institutional and Technological Dimension: Local
governance requires urgent strengthening. The transition from “disruptive
marketing” to “relevant” and differentiated marketing (based on sustainable
origin and fair trade) will only be possible through administrative training
and the adoption of technological tools (such as the Manglar APP). These
innovations could improve transparency, resource monitoring, and direct
connection with the end consumer.
Ultimately, sustainability in San Gregorio will not be
achieved solely through environmental bans, but rather through a comprehensive
strategy of competitive differentiation. It is imperative to empower local
associations to act as a collective bargaining unit, transforming the mangrove
from a source of precarious subsistence into a strategic asset that guarantees
food security and long-term economic development.
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* Ingeniero Comercial,
Magister en Gerencia de Proyectos Educativos y Sociales, Doctor en Economía
(Ph.D.), actualmente se desempeña como Profesor Titular y Vicerrector de
Investigación, Vinculación y Posgrado de la Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas
Torres de Esmeraldas. E-mail:
manuel.quinonez@utelvt.edu.ec, ruvin1967@gmail.com, ORCID. 0000-0001-7617-6705.
* Egresado de la Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas y Económicas; Carrera de
Administración de Empresas de la Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres de
Esmeraldas. E-mail: eduardo.estupinan.alman@utelvt.edu.ec