Environmental Social Work Practice: A Case Study of Ecological Conservation and Community Sustainability in Central Ecuador

Background and Purpose:

This case study examines the social work activities of an international conservation organization, Ecominga Foundation (EF), and a neighboring community, El Placer (EP). The work of EF is land conservation to preserve endemic species in the Ecuadorian Andes. EF engages in strong community environmental social work practice with neighboring EP. The objective of this case study is to add knowledge of social work skills/behaviors at the intersection of environmental justice and social work practice, mezzo level. Mezzo level work often spans significant time periods. Case studies condense time, revealing skills and techniques of practice. Efforts to reduce environmental destruction and reverse climate change are ongoing, yet few case studies examine the explicit role of social workers within that mission.

Methods:

A qualitative case study methodology was used to reveal findings of the relationship between EF and EP. Qualitative interviews and observation over two-weeks with EF leadership (N=3), EP community leaders (N=7), homestay family members (N=4), and author observations (SM) allowed for an examination and thick description of EF’s practice. To describe practice behaviors, case study data is organized using four Phases of Social Work Practice (1) telling and exploring the story, 2) describing a preferred reality, 3) making plans and dreams real and 4) evaluating outcomes) at the mezzo level and is informed by narrative, structural and systems theory.

Results:

EP community is located centrally between two EF land reserves connecting two national forests rich with endemic species. EP is an approximately 421 resident, agricultural community that relies on naranjilla production, an ecologically destructive crop, and bushmeat hunting. EF supported EP in efforts toward ecological conservation and economic growth through employment and educational opportunities, and technical support for sustainable agriculture.

A preliminary examination of case study data indicates narrative and structural theory guide interactions. In Phase 1, EM engaged EP in narrative processes during family and community leadership meetings. EF used social work techniques including open-ended questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, and consciousness-raising eliciting genuine community engagement. In Phase 2, similar narrative techniques were employed. EP expressed a preferred reality to use organic pesticides and herbicides to protect soil and community health. In practice Phases 3 EF assisted EP in acquiring grant funds, and developing technical skills and infrastructure for this project. In Phase 4 EF assisted in evaluating soil and economic outcomes. EP determined that they could achieve much of their expressed reality as they improved soil, personal and economic health in their community. Other examples of the case study explore the use of paid community rangers and efforts to expand ecotourism.

Conclusions and Implications:

The findings suggest social work mezzo level methods to address linked environmental and human problems. The descriptions of social work methods, spanning across time, are condensed and categorized into phases of practice, to reveal techniques grounded in theories of practice. Specific mezzo level skills and behaviors for social work practice are identified. Findings can generalize across place based and local interventions and are useful for social work education, professional development, and conservation efforts.