Vilcabamba, a living sanctuary of longevity, a natural laboratory of biodiversity, and a world reference for health and well-being.
Those of us who live, work, and visit this magical corner know that its true wealth is not measured by the exploitation of its non-renewable resources, but by the purity of its rivers, the fertility of its soil, the peace of its landscapes, and the strength of its people.
June 24, 2026 will be marked in the history of our parish as the day when science, activism, responsible business and the organized community joined their voices in an unprecedented technical and citizen dialogue to protect our home and project it strongly into the future.
Through the initiative and call of the Local Assembly of Citizen Participation and of Vilcabamba, a strategic and high-level dialogue space was consolidated that brought together the councilor of the canton of Loja, Mgs. Lenín Cuenca, along with the technical team in charge of structuring the Development and Territorial Planning Plan (PDOT) of the municipality.
The objective was clear and definitive: to establish the technical framework and the political will to ensure that the Bioregion of the Upper Catamayo River Basin and the entire Vilcabamba Valley are officially protected against industrial and extractive activities that are incompatible with our historical commitment to conservation and sustainability.
This meeting demonstrated that environmental protection in Vilcabamba is not an isolated whim, but an economic model in full operation.
The meeting highlighted the valuable participation of key figures from the valley's productive and tourism sector, such as Sarah Arkini, representative of the Yangana Inn and one of the driving forces behind conscious hospitality in the area, who provided an indispensable perspective on the commercial and human value of wellness tourism.
Likewise, the presence of Eng. Gabriela Ortega Godly, Environmental Manager of the company ILE – Vilcagua, showed that local industry and production can and should be governed by the strictest standards of ecological responsibility, demonstrating that the true profitability of our valley is based on the preservation of natural cycles and not on their destruction.
For his part, Engineer Mauricio Santorum, in his role as Coordinator of the Regenerative Economy Committee of the Bioregion of the Upper Catamayo River Basin, explained how Vilcabamba is leading the transition towards a circular economic model, where the conservation of the landscape and water sources generates decent employment, boosts agroecology and attracts thousands of foreign residents and tourists who seek a healthy lifestyle alternative in deep connection with nature.
The debate was greatly enriched by the scientific contribution of Ms. Nancy Hilgert, an internationally renowned environmental expert, who, along with Ms. Beatriz Benavides, General Coordinator of the Local Assembly, rigorously presented the irreversible risks that metallic and non-metallic mining poses to the water security of our population. Vilcabamba cannot afford to take a step backward; our formal recognition, granted in 2023 as a "Magical Corner of Ecuador" under the territorial brand, is at stake. Vilcabamba Valley of Longevity, together with Presidential Decree No. 128 which declared us a National Reserve Zone, constitute the backbone of our identity in the face of the world.
International tourism, holistic healing centers, residential projects for overseas retirees, and organic farming all depend entirely on a pollution-free environment.
For this nature-based and wellness-oriented destination model to truly succeed, citizen participation is the driving force behind it. We call upon all residents of Vilcabamba, every hotel owner, entrepreneur, farmer, and conscientious citizen to actively join the Local Assembly.
When we organize ourselves, when we attend assemblies and become an active part of collective decisions, the social fabric of Vilcabamba is strengthened.
Join the Vilcabamba Citizens' Assembly, Attend the technical meetings and let's do our part to ensure that future generations continue to breathe the pure air and drink the crystal-clear water that makes Vilcabamba the Valley of Eternal Youth.
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