Buen Vivir vs Development (II): The Limits of (Neo-)Extractivism

Like the entire Andean region, Ecuador has an economic structure that is dependent on primary exports. During the last boom in commodity prices the (neo-)extractivist development strategy generated economic growth and simultaneously reduced inequality. However, this bonanza was not used to advance in economic diversification or for transition towards Buen Vivir (Sumak Kawsay -Good Living) as postulated in the Constitution and the National Development Plans. We establish that (neo-)extractivism is not compatible with Buen Vivir, analysing three concrete aspects to this end: the failure to fulfill the rights of nature and ecological sustainability; the lack of advances in transforming the productive matrix; insufficient results in matters of redistributive social policies.