Diversity, Development, and Sustainability in the Andes

Quito, Ecuador

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Gruppo Salinas

Mitad del Mundo

Throughout my time in Ecuador, I have been struck by the recurring theme of balance in all things.  Our trip began with tours of Mitad del Mundo and Old Town Quito, including the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, a beautiful church with ornate representations of pineapples and grape vines placed intentionally throughout the space.  While studying these representations, we learned of how the people of Ecuador have addressed notions of balance, or harmony, both historically and in the present.  For an article about our outstanding tour guide, Julio Rivas, visit: Going Where No Other Tour Has Gone Before.

The importance of balance was underscored by Indigenous Movement leader and former Minister of Social Welfare, Luis Maldonado as he discussed various aspects of the Indigenous Movement including the emphasis on right relationships with the natural world, participatory democracy, consensus building, mutual respect, complementarity, and reciprocity.


Screen shot from the Gruppo Salinas website: www.salinerito.com
Perhaps the most compelling example of the principles of reciprocity, harmony, and balance lived daily, however, is in the town of Salinas de Guaranda, located approximately 5 - 7 hours by bus from Quito.  For an interesting video from CNN en Español about Salinas de Guaranda, check out: Reportaje CNN "salinerito" (NOTE: The english subtitles are not especially helpful).  Since the early 1970's, the people of Salinas de Guaranda have embodied economic solidarity as they have worked cooperatively to improve livelihoods for all communities within the region.

Gruppo Salinas is the umbrella organization that represents the common interests of the people of Salinas and its six member institutions.  For information about each of the distinct member organizations within Gruppo Salinas, visit: Gruppo Salinas Institutional History.  Also available on this site is information about the organizational and business structures of Gruppo Salinas and the products available for sale.

Community members bringing
milk to be pasteurized
Gruppo Salinas operates under the principles of transparency, honesty, loyalty, responsibility, solidarity, and democracy.  These principles, coupled with their commitment to economic complementarity, have allowed the people of Salinas to make the most of the abundant resources in the area while being mindful of the need to preserve the land for future generations.  In fact, from a young age, children in Salinas are taught to harvest flowers and herbs but always with the awareness that, when they are finished harvesting for the day, there should still be enough for tomorrow.  The children are taught to harvest just enough and, by extension, are taught about both sustainable business practices and harmony with the natural world.

Salinerito cheeses
Salinas is perhaps best known for its cheeses and chocolates which are sold in Ecuador at local grocery stores and also exported to various locations around the globe.  For information about two cooperatives that provide Ecuadorian chocolate to the United Kingdom visit: Ecuador Chocofest.

There are approximately 25 dairy products and 30 confectionaries sold under the Salinerito label.  In addition, the Salinerito label also includes teas, meats, herbs, soy products, and other items - all of which are produced by the community.

Hiking through interesting terrain

Beyond the products sold under the Salinerito label, the people of Salinas also take advantage of the rich landscape of the region by offering tourism opportunities to visitors.  Tourists can spend the day visiting a host of micro-enterprises or, for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape, guides offer hiking trips through nearby caves, forests, and along mountainsides.  Tourists can also enjoy a short climbing adventure at the local salt mine.  Overall, I was most impressed by the commitment to community that the people of Salinas displayed.  Through complementarity, reciprocity, and balance, the town of Salinas de Guaranda continues to thrive!

After climbing at the salt mine

3 comments:

  1. What is the nearest town closest to Salinas? How can I arrive? thanks, Dom

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    Replies
    1. I am definitely not an expert on travel within Ecuador but this website, developed by Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism, has information about how to get to Salinas de Guaranda (also named Salinas de Bolivar): http://ecuador.travel/en/ecuador-travel-guide/central-andes/central-andes-destinations-and-attractions/salinas-de-bolivar.html. I would start there. Good luck!

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  2. Hello friends:
    You can found more information about Salinas de Guaranda in www.tomabelas.com.
    Greatings for you.

    ReplyDelete