Ministry of the Environment (Ecuador)

The Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador (MAE) is the national institution in charge of developing environmental policy and coordinating strategies, projects and programs aimed at ecosystem conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.  The MAE defines the rules regarding adequate environmental quality and development based on the conservation and appropriate use of biodiversity and natural resources.  The strategic objectives of the MAE are:

1. Conserve and use biodiversity sustainably while maintaining respect for multicultural differences and ancestral knowledge;
2. Prevent contamination, maintain and improve environmental quality;
3. Maintain and improve the quality and quantity of water and manage watersheds sustainably;
4. Reduce environmental risk and ecosystem vulnerability;
5. Integrate the administration of environmental sectors at the local through national levels;
6. Administrate and sustainably manage coastal resources.

The MAE is divided in the following Undersecretaries and Departments:

• Undersecretary for Natural Patrimony
• National Department for Biodiversity, includes Protected Areas; Biosecurity; Wildlife
• National Forestry Department, includes Forest ControlUndersecretary for Climate Change
• National Department for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change
• National Department for Environmental Services and Conservation ToolsUndersecretary for Environmental Quality
• National Department to Prevent Environmental Contamination
• National Department for Environmental Control

The MAE, as the official environmental authority, is physically decentralized for the objective of improving its efficiency and effectiveness throughout the country; the central offices are located in Quito, the capitol, with semi-autonomous offices in the provinces.