Salango facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Salango
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Rural parish
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 Salango
Location in Ecuador
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| Country |  Ecuador |
| Province | Manabí |
| Canton | Puerto López |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (ECT) |
| Climate | BWh |
| Website | www.salango.com.ec |
| Fuente: Comunicación Salango | |
Salango is a special rural community located in Puerto López Canton, Manabí Province, Ecuador. It's a place with a very long history, going back about 5,000 years! The people of Salango have strong connections to their past and their natural environment.
Contents
Where is Salango Located?
Salango is on the southern coast of Manabí Province in Ecuador. It sits right by the Pacific Ocean. The community is part of the Puerto López Canton.
- Elevation: Salango is located from sea level up to 108 meters high.
- Coordinates: You can find it at these coordinates: 01°35′40″S 80°50′30″W.
- Area: It covers an area of 2,536 hectares.
- Population: About 3,200 people live here.
- Nearby Cities: It is about 641 kilometers southwest of Quito and 251 kilometers northeast of Guayaquil.
The community includes the small towns of Salango and Río Chico.
What is the Economy of Salango Like?
The main way people in Salango make a living is through fishing. They use the rich natural resources from the ocean.
How Does Tourism Help Salango?
Tourism is also very important for Salango. Visitors come to enjoy many activities:
- Whale watching: See amazing whales in the ocean.
- Beautiful beaches: Relax and play on the sandy shores.
- Museum and crafts: Learn about local history and buy handmade items.
- Diving and snorkeling: Explore the underwater world.
- Ecotourism trails and trekking: Hike and discover nature.
- Scenic beauty: Enjoy the stunning views of the coast.
- Flora and fauna: See different plants and animals.
- Cultural events and archaeology: Experience local traditions and ancient sites.
The Ancient History and Worldview of Salango
Salango has a deep history, with people living here for about 5,000 years. It was a settlement even before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. Salango Island is a small island just off the coast.
Understanding the World: Ancient Beliefs
The people of Salango have developed their understanding of the world through many ancient cultures. These include the Valdivia, Machalilla, Engoroy-Chorrera, Bahia, Guangala, and Manteños cultures.
Archaeological finds show that their ancestors had a strong spiritual connection to their environment. They believed the ocean and hilly forests were alive. They worked to protect these places and passed their spiritual knowledge to new generations.
The Spondylus Shell: A Sacred Connection
The Pueblo Manta, which includes communities like Salango, Las Tunas, El Pital, and Agua Blanca, still keep these ancient beliefs alive. Their worldview has always been connected to the spondylus shell, also known as the thorny oyster. This shell was very important from the Valdivia culture until today.
Salango's Natural and Cultural Treasures
Salango is located near the Machalilla National Park. The community is working to grow through ecotourism. This means they use their natural and cultural resources in a way that respects their ancient heritage.
Exploring Salango Island
Salango Island is a natural attraction. It is home to many beautiful seabirds, such as:
- Blue-footed boobies
- Frigates
- Pelicans
A Marine Sanctuary for Ocean Life
Near Salango, there is a special marine sanctuary. This area has many tropical fish and coral reefs. It is a perfect spot for diving and exploring the underwater world.
The Salango Museum and Research Center (CIMS)
In the heart of Salango is the Research Center and Museum Salango (CIMS). This center protects and displays an amazing collection of 245 archaeological pieces. These items show more than 4,500 years of cultural history before the Spanish conquest.
The CIMS also has laboratories and collections of archaeological items, animals, fish, and mollusks for studies. There is also a historic museum in the hacienda house. It tells the story of Salango's last 100 years. The museum also serves as an educational center for children and adults.
How Salango Became a Legal Community
Salango officially became a legal community, called a "comuna," on October 30, 1979. This was under an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Later, on April 19, 2004, it was recognized as a community with ancient roots by the Development Council for Nationalities and Peoples of Ecuador (CODENPE).
Who Are the People of Salango?
The people of Salango and Río Chico are descendants of the Pueblo Manta Huancavilca. This group has 5,000 years of history and culture. The first people to settle here belonged to the Valdivia culture. After them came the Machalilla, Engoroy-Chorrera, Bahia, and Guangala cultures. The last period before the Spanish arrived was called the Regional Integration Period Manteña (800-1530 AD).
Early Encounters with Europeans
In 1526, Spanish explorers met native sailors from Salango for the first time. At that time, Salango was a powerful chiefdom. It was the center of a "League of Merchants" that controlled sea trade. They traded many seafood products, including the Spondylus shell. This shell was sacred to many ancient cultures in South America. It was traded far and wide, reaching places like Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.
Changes During Colonial Times
During the time of Spanish rule, the Spanish made the local people become Catholic. In 1535, they also stopped the use of native languages on Ecuador's coast, requiring everyone to speak Spanish. However, some words from the old languages, like colonche and Salango, are still used today.
Protecting Community Lands
Because Salango had many natural advantages, outsiders often tried to take over their lands and resources. In 1937, the Ecuadorian government passed a law to protect rural communities. This law aimed to ensure these communities could exist and function.
However, this law treated all rural communities as farming communities. It did not fully recognize the unique cultural and historical differences of ancient communities like Salango.
Modern Efforts to Protect Rights
In the 21st century, indigenous communities have used new laws to protect themselves. The Salango commune decided to separate from the old communal rights system. They chose to use their collective rights, which are protected by the Ecuadorian constitution and international agreements.
In 2004, Salango officially registered its new status as the Community Salango. This was done with CODENPE, an agency that helps indigenous towns and communities.
Plans for the Future
In 2004, Salango created its "Comprehensive Plan for Community Development of Salango" (PIDCOSA). This plan helps guide their development. It has also helped start projects like "Ecotourism and Community Development of Handicraft" and "Production of Ecosystem Services."
In 2001, the Salangome Ecological Association declared a part of the ocean north of Salango Island as a marine sanctuary. This area is for conservation, especially to protect species living on the seafloor. It is also used for research and tourism.
Since 2005, the community has managed the "Community Management Research Center and Museum Salango CIMS." The National Institute of Cultural Heritage has recognized the museum's archaeological collection as belonging to the cultural heritage of the Salango Commune.
In 2011, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism made rules for registering Tourist Community Centers. This allows traditional communities to develop their own tourism activities.
See also
In Spanish: Salango para niños
