Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) is a wetland plant of cultural and ecological importance, traditionally used for handicrafts and habitat conservation in Andean lakes. This study investigates its vegetative growth in two Andean lakes in Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha), which present contrasting chemical and biological conditions (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a). Vegetative growth analysis, using indices, provides tools for understanding Totora growth dynamics within a cultivation cycle. By quantifying biomass accumulation and other parameters, it is possible to infer how the plant responds to its environment and to guide its production and management. Our objective was to evaluate how physiological and morphological traits influence growth under differential nutrient conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted with periodic sampling and analysis of physiological indices, combining classical and functional growth approaches. Key growth indices—relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results show that plants in Yahuarcocha, a hypertrophic lake, exhibited greater biomass production (up to 2380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²), reaching peak growth at 150 days. In contrast, plants in Imbacocha, a eutrophic lake, reached maximum growth at 180 days, with a greater dependence on NAR. Strong correlations among RGR, NAR, and LAR were observed in Yahuarcocha, highlighting the influence of higher nutrient concentrations and harvesting pressure on growth dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering lake trophic status when planning sustainable harvesting and cultivation strategies for Totora in Andean wetlands.

This study investigates the vegetative growth of Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) cultivated in two Andean lakes of Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha) which differ in trophic status. The aim was to evaluate how physiological and morphological factors influence growth under natural conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted using periodic sampling and a combination of classical and functional growth analysis methods. Key growth indices—such as relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from parameters like photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results showed that plants from Yahuarcocha, a hypereutrophic lake, exhibited significantly higher biomass production (up to 2,380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²) compared to those from Imbacocha. Yahuarcocha plants also reached their growth peak earlier (at 150 days) than Imbacocha plants (at 180 days). Strong correlations were found between RGR and both NAR and LAR in Yahuarcocha, while in Imbacocha, growth was primarily driven by NAR. The study concludes that both nutrient availability and anthropogenic pressures like harvesting history influence Totora’s growth dynamics. These findings support the use of physiological indicators to optimize harvesting schedules and promote sustainable cultivation strategies in highland wetland systems.

Tourism plays an important economic role worldwide but has negative environmental, social and cultural impacts. The study examined the sustainability standards in the hotel sector of the Biosphere Reserve Sumaco (BRS) in Ecuador to deduce recommendations for good tourism practices from the status quo and therefore minimize negative effects and optimize current practices of tourism in the future. The study shows (a) a low extent of efforts in the environmental, economic and cultural dimension and (b) partial work in the social dimension of sustainable tourism in the BRS. The sustainability standards, which are valued along sustainable tourism criteria, are neither implemented nor consciously pursued. As well, the analysis illustrates (c) the unconsciousness of the hotel industry according to the importance of the BRS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v51i2.1106

La agroecología promueve sistemas productivos sostenibles y equitativos, combinando los principios de la ecología con las prácticas agrícolas tradicionales a través de unidades productivas locales. En este capítulo se analiza la contribución de la unidad productiva local BioVida del cantón Cayambe de la provincia de Pichincha en Ecuador en el logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) a nivel territorial. Esto se realizó mediante la identificación de los vínculos entre los ODS y las actividades de la unidad productiva a partir de observación directa y entrevistas con actores clave y, finalmente, la propuesta de estrategias para fortalecer la unidad productiva. Las actividades productivas identificadas fueron: la preparación del suelo, siembra, fertilización, conservación de semillas, crianza de animales, prácticas fitosanitarias y conservación del suelo. Se identificaron vínculos entre los ODS 2 (hambre cero), ODS 8 (trabajo decente y crecimiento económico) y ODS 12 (producción y consumo responsables). Las estrategias para el fortalecimiento de la unidad pro-ductiva, mejorando las capacidades empresariales y el acceso a mercados y recursos financieros. Las actividades productivas de la asociación agroecológica BioVida representan un modelo de desarrollo sostenible y responsable que va más allá de la producción agrícola, promueve la armonía entre la actividad humana y los ecosistemas, generando beneficios tanto ambientales como sociales.