FIELDS OF ACTION

ECOLOGICAL TOURISM

Here at Alándaluz, we consider ecological tourism as the experience that allows you to physically be there, and at the same time acquire knowledge about nature and the relationship between human communities and the natural environment. This unique concept involves, among other ideas, interaction between local communities and visitors, as well as eco-tourism. In our vision, real ecological tourism includes not only the protection and preservation of the eco-system, but also an understanding of the people who reside in them, as well as giving way for sustainable development. Such goals consistently take into account respect for the traditional beliefs of the indigenous cultures.

Based on this concept, we promote the strengthening of Local Improvement Committees from the Puerto Rico Community, South Manabi Women´s Association with its “Yaguarundi” Craftswoman and the Cantalapiedra Wild Life Sanctuary, including its 300 hectares of protected woods.

In tandem with the Amingay Corporation, we consistently contribute to the well being of the local people through educational training, reforestation, research and well-adapted technological development.

ALTERNATIVE URBAN PLANNING

Our main purpose is to find the balance between nature and human kind. We aspire to reach practical and organic simplicity, meaning, to wisely combine nature resources and artificial elements. Respect for the environment is the basic for harmonic co- existence in this world. Taking this into account, architectural design is based on using local customs and styles and blending them with a modern urban planning that respects the existing environment. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that alternative urban planning tries to recover existing ancient architecture and its methods and philosophies.

An important feature of Ecological Urban Planning is taking into account all social and cultural components when executing projects. This should be evident not only in external spaces and important buildings, but as a whole, it should enrich an urban environment, not attack or destroy it. Ecological urban planning must as mission preserve nature´s elements- man´s work must take this into account and not only preserve the environment, but the natural and urban landscape must merge naturally into one. One fundamental principle is the use of natural elements and local materials, and in this way, the landscape is the source of inspiration. In nature, you can find the answer for the most complex design necessities because its simplicity and beauty shows harmony. It is necessary to reach harmony with the universe.

The basic for man´s spiritual, physical and mental development is to live in harmony with the environment. This integral human development allows giving instead of receiving. Only in this way, taking care and giving love to nature and human beings, are signs of improving the human and natural condition.

More than forty co-owners from twelve different nationalities form part of the housing estates: Alándaluz and Alándaluz Hills. Doctors, biologist, architects, musicians, film makers, etc. are part of the development of this pioneer project that when fully executed will be called “The First Ecological Town in Latin America”.

As a contribution for Alternative Urban Development, we have created ecological regulations for running our housing estate. It involves landscaping, area limitations, recycling systems and regulated use of materials.

BIO ARCHITECTURE

Architecture has the power of reflecting sensations and feelings. It is not only art because it is created from inspiration. Sound architecture posses logic and philosophical bases that help each other establish a design method or process created to solve special necessities for man. It contains a social element in as much that it occupies a space and defines it by the purpose, comfort and expectations that satisfy man´s needs.

Architecture must be understood and developed as a unit where all elements are balanced with the same purpose to offer space, quality and hence, quality of life. Special construction techniques coupled with specific geometries that supply coherence between functionality and external form are part of the sensations that are emanated from architecture spaces.

In the southern Manabi zone, where our initial project began, many studies and consultations showed that the use of materials from the zone would allow the local communities to consider the possibility of erecting not only economically viable structures, but also functional and pleasant buildings. We started using about 70% guadua cane and 30% wood, following the basic rule of not importing materials from the National Park, as that would violate the protected area status. Construction techniques use enquinche or bahareque made between a mix of clay, straw, sand and donkey or cow dung in a structure made of guadua cane. We also used stone, cade or palm leafs among other materials endemic to the area. Cabins and other buildings were erected in such a way as to improve ventilation, save energy and allow a longer lifetime of use.

The use of guadua cane is justified for many reasons:

- it grows spontaneously all over the zone
- its growth optimizes the land´s exploitation
- helps stop erosion
- keeps and recovers basins
- hosts many plants and animals
- helps regulate the environment

In the construction field, the use of guadua cane has provided the majority of locals a fast, economic and efficient solution to their construction needs. In developed countries it has already been in use for years in important architectonic development projects that not only contribute beauty and functionality, but also creates thermal and acoustic isolated environments as well as showing high seismic resistance. Other countries are applying cutting-edge technologies that are just beginning to be established in our countries.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Against the generalized use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, the anti natural increase of mono crops, we have rescued the associated crops, the rotation of crops, the preparation of natural compost, the biological plague controls, etc.

In Alándaluz as well as in Cantalapiedra vegetables and fruits are produced organically; a percentage of the production is for self consumption while the rest is sold.

As a part of the self food supply, the following projects are foreseen at Cantalapiedra: apiculture, construction of pits to raise shrimp in sweet water, “chame” and other sweet water species; partridges and quails, rabbits and experimental production of wild life species such as deer, “guantas” and “guatusas”, cattle in small scale. Some of these projects are already ongoing.

ADEQUATE TECHNOLOGIES

We are in a permanent research process for adequate technologies, mainly studying and taking into consideration the existing customs and technologies of the area, due to the fact that all the typical and unique aspects of each zone have to be rescued.

We count with a large experimentation trajectory in Agriculture as well as in Architecture, in recycling systems, types of energy, environment sanitation and other fields, likewise, we have experienced failure and success which today constitute our patrimony and are are contribution to several communities and institutions evolving to sustainable development strategies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION

The recycling of garbage is another activity carried out in the area. The organic garbage is converted into fertilizer to be used in the biologic gardens. The inorganic garbage is classified and part of it is sold to Portoviejo recycling companies. With the Alandaluz initiative, an integral system of waste materials management through the installation of a recycling yard was carried out for the entire town of Puerto Rico. For this purpose, a participation methodology has been developed in order that the communities carry out the separation of the waste materials, preparation of “compost”, as well as the sale of the recycled materials to specialized companies. Inspired by this initiative, over 40 communities of both the North of the Guayas Province and the South of the Manabì Province have ongoing programs for the separation of waste materials and classification for further selling.

We have investigated and gone deeper in the construction of manure toilets, which not only retain the materials, but convert it in organic material, especially useful for reforestation programs. These toilets are fixed and permanent and can be used for un unlimited period of time, they retain the material, decompose it, do not require water, thus preventing the soil and subsoil contamination. Several models can be seen at the Ecologic Hosteria Alandaluz. These were constructed eight years ago. Samples of these toilets have been constructed in several communities of the Amazon region and in dozens towns of the Manabi and Guayas Provinces.