Chapter 3: Ideal types of environmentalism Ecoimperialists are defined as environmentalist groups, or nongovernmental organizations, that help provide funding and other resources to help maintain the conservation of biodiversity. They also try to help support the sustainable economic development of Ecuador. Instead of relying on International countries to provide funds, ecoimperialists rely on their own funds to help support conservation and economic development. These groups are normally non-native to Ecuador but have offices that reside there. They are often viewed as foreign intruders or “gringos”. Ecuadorians refer to them as intruders because they push their beliefs and thoughts on the people, the policies and the land.
Ecodependents are defined as environmentalist groups, or national-level organizations, that are primarily receive their funds from ecoimperialists. These two organizations share the same agendas, however, ecodependents work mainly with the state to achieve any environmental goals. The goal of these organizations is to help maintain biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, however, over the years sustaining development has become the main focus. Like ecoimperialists, the native people view these organizations as intruders or “nonprofit mafia”.
Ecoresisters are defined as environmental activists. Unlike ecodependents, they do not receive funds from other organizations, unless it is specially requested. These activists work towards combating locally critical environmental issues. They work directly for the process and change instead of creating an environmental project that illustrates what process and change will look like. Ecoresisters are committed to protecting the environmental and resisting development that creates environmental issues.
Ecoentrepreneurs are defined as organizations that are locally funded by service fees paid by residential Ecuadorians. They protect environmental resources for monetary exchanges. Like ecoregisters, they work towards combating locally critical environmental issues, especially issues that could affect the quality of life and human health. Both ecoresisters and ecoentrepreneurs have more support from Ecuadorians because these organizations work directly with the people. There is more awareness about organizations and more involvement with the locals, which helps residents trust their motives more. When it comes to ecoimperialists and ecodependents, I want to believe that they are more inclined to help the environment. Part of me wants to disagree with how Ecuadorians view these organizations but on the other hand I understand why they would view them as they do. When I think of The Nature Conservancy, I think of an organization that is committed to protecting the environment. If an organization from Ecuador were to come to New Jersey and push their environmental objectives on us, I would view them as foreign intruders as well. When it comes to ecoresisters and ecoentrepreneurs, I completely agree with their objectives. They are more concerned with conserving biodiversity, the environment and the well-being of their country’s people than being concerned with money. I especially agree with ecoentrepreneurs. They are not only helping the people physically but mentally as well. They are educating people about the ways they can help the environment while keeping themselves healthy.