Participatory approach to the reduction of the digital gap in Amazon region of Ecuador in the framework of the “Innovation for Development” program

This work illustrates the methodological approach followed in the Province of Orellana, Eastern Ecuador, for the realization of a telecommunication network infrastructure between the capital of the Province, the city of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (also known as El Coca), and some peripheral communities located in the surrounding of the tropical moist forest. The project has been implemented in one of the poorest countries of Latin America, in a remote and disadvantaged area where the lack of communication infrastructures and the absence of almost all public services generates a strong migration towards the capital. In this context, in 2008, it was conceived a project for the development of a communication system that allows the provisioning of basic intranet services for distance learning, telemedicine and internet connectivity. The main scope of the project was the development of an approach focused on the technological transfer to the local population, to start a reduction process of the digital gap in the area. The aim of the project has been achieved thanks to the direct enrolment of local municipalities, small entrepreneurs, communities and local NGO. The technological transfer to local players and the choice of a suitable platform, designed for a simplified, low cost management, guarantee the sustainability and scalability of the project. The declaration of interest in the infrastructure by the Municipality enables the economic sustainability of the project.