español Strategies to strengthen the value chain of Anadara tuberculosa (concha prieta) in Ecuador

Abstract

The bivalve mollusc, Anadara tuberculosa, (concha prieta), is located in the mangrove ecosystem of the provinces of El Oro and Esmeraldas of Ecuador, where it is subjected to a relevant extraction activity. This resource is fundamental in the daily food diet, in addition to being a relevant source of economic sustenance for many families, it is also being to trade throughout the Ecuadorian territory and with neighboring countries. The objective of this research is to propose the strategies that must overcome the value chain of the prieta shell, to improve its economic and social use in a sustainable way. The research was conducted specifically in the Jambelí archipelago, El Oro province, Ecuador. The descriptive methodology applied was based mainly on the exhaustive review and analysis of bibliographic material, mainly generated in recent years by the authors. Based on this information, complemented by the results of previous studies on the performance of the value chain of the prieta shell, composed of the dimensions of productivity, competitiveness and quality of life, strategies were identified, whose achievement will contribute to improving this performance: 1) Restoration of the mangrove ecosystem 2) Promotion of low-intensity aquaculture of the shell 3) Good sanitary management and purification 4) Promotion of enterprises with a value approach,  5) Strengthening of organizations and agreements for the use and custody of mangroves and 6) Creation of an institutional system that contributes to the advancement of these challenges.