Tackling difficult issues: Lessons from research in Ecuador

Sociological studies of communities living within or close to areas of exceptional biodiversity play an integral role in any conservation strategy because they can identify impacts on the environment and highlight less harmful means of production. The need to generate the community's confidence is essential in nurturing cooperation. This article summarises some lessons learnt from a research project in Ecuador. Project Eakehei was an international award winning conservation effort that conducted biological and socio-economic studies in and around Podocarpus National Park in southern..