Analysis of the Decision-Making Process in Wetland Management-Ramsar Wetlands. Case Study: Abras de Mantequilla Wetland: Los Ríos Province, Ecuador

Despite being the only ecosystem that is the subject of an international convention (Ramsar), wetlands continue to be degraded around the world. Wetland management deals with a strong dilemma between ensuring conservation, while fulfilling the (economic) needs of the inhabitants of the wetland. Thus, decisions frequently involve trade-offs. This analysis aims to create a better understanding of the drivers and factors that determine how a wetland is managed, especially Ramsar wetlands. An analytical framework to study planning and management in theory and in practice was developed. Some conclusions were drawn that highlight the factors (political, economical, social and environmental), which are predominant in decision making in wetland management. Contrary to what could be expected in a Ramsar site, the environment plays a very small role; that is the reason why wetland management tools focused very much on this factor should be reviewed for developing countries.