Contrary to popular belief, not all oil companies are headed by robber barons seeking to milk the land for cash. Many oil companies have been working to fix some of the problems they created by enacting unprecedented environmental measures. U.S. companies such as Occidental, ARCO and Maxus have been fighting against the destruction of any more precious habitats. In addition to these environmentally friendly efforts, some companies have also tried to educate and provide health care for the indigenous peoples.
In the future, ecotourism will be key to the salvation of sensitive wildlife areas. Educating the masses about the sacredness of our rainforests will help increase awareness while indirectly preserving one of our most precious resources. Trips like the one we took will increase citizens' concern over the loss of a tree frog in Ecuador, a concern this world needs in order to sustain itself.
Our experiences in Ecuador are ones that I am not likely to forget. Swimming in a tributary to the Amazon, hiking through unadulterated wilderness, standing on the equator, eating lemon ants, and smelling the purest air in the world. All were unforgettable and incomprehensible experiences. Not only did we discover new things about our world and our environment, but we also learned a great deal about eachother and ourselves. This knowledge and experience will affect us in everything that we do in the years to come.