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Class 40 Seminar in Ecuador
In January, Class 40 traveled to Ecuador to learn about the nation’s history, culture and approaches to natural resources management. 
 
The sights, sounds, and people of Ecuador were captivating. From the Andes Mountains to the jungles of the Amazon Basin, the natural beauty of Ecuador was breathtaking. The opportunity to speak with leaders from government, business, agriculture, forestry, NGOs and indigenous communities was enlightening. Perhaps, the most profound experiences, however, were the opportunities to break with routine and engage in deep reflection. As one class member stated, “This was an eye-opening and comfort-zone stretching opportunity to evaluate how I perceive the world around me.”
Dairies in Ecuador are pasture-based and much smaller than the average U.S. dairy farm.
Dairies in Ecuador are pasture-based and much smaller than the average U.S. dairy farm.
Class members prepare to leave with their homestay host for the evening. Homestays gave the group a taste of everyday life in Ecuador.
Class members prepare to leave with their homestay host for the evening. Homestays gave the group a taste of everyday life in Ecuador.
A cruise on the Napo River in the Amazon Basin revealed a secluded sandbar where the class took a break and even did some fishing.
A cruise on the Napo River in the Amazon Basin revealed a secluded sandbar where the class took a break and even did some fishing.
A group of Otovalos, an indigenous people, prepared a delicious lunch, including the Ecuadorian delicacy cuy (guinea pig).
Stacks of hand-cut lumber air dry for 9 months before being planed and sold. The class also saw harvest at a eucalyptus plantation.
Stacks of hand-cut lumber air dry for 9 months before being planed and sold. The class also saw harvest at a eucalyptus plantation.

Rose production is a primary agricultural industry in Ecuador. This facility was shipping 2 million stems per day to the U.S. ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Here’s what class members said:

" All the things that made me uncomfortable were the most useful aspects of the seminar, because it is what I needed to see the world more broadly. We can’t develop unless we step outside our comfort zones. I am grateful for the growth I experienced.”

“My most poignant learnings were from classmates’ questions and struggles. I was reminded that as a leader you might not always be aware of what others find difficult and need support with.”

“I really appreciated seeing firsthand how natural resources are managed in Ecuador. We were able to compare what is similar and what is different. We were able to reflect on how we feel we are doing in Washington State and the United States relative to another country and government.”

“I better understand that while U.S. natural resource management policy isn't perfect, it is far more advanced than in most countries. The social, economic and ecological balance that we maintain is impressive in comparison.”

“I find myself more appreciative of where I live, the opportunities I have access to, and the gifts I've been blessed with.”

“I met people with very little, but who seemed very happy with what they had... I came home with feelings of being grateful, appreciative, thankful, and blessed.”

“I will now take a more global approach to what I do rather than a regional one. What I do in Washington state can and does affect people halfway around the world.”

“This seminar solidified the importance of maintaining an open mind and continually seeking additional perspectives on important issues. Things aren't always as they appear on the surface, and the first answer you get is unlikely to frame the entire picture.”

Thank you to our friends at Experience International and ALTROPICO for an itinerary full of incredible opportunities. We will never forget the dialogues with our speakers, discussions with every day people, our service project and the homestays. We also share our deep gratitude for the ongoing and generous support of AgForestry’s Giving Partners and Board of Trustees!
At the Henry Davis Foundation Orphanage, the class played a spirited game of fútbol with the children.
Class members planted trees with local volunteers to reforest a mountainside. A herd of alpacas grazed in the background.
Applications will soon be available for AgForestry Leadership Class 42.
Nominate someone who you think is a future leader.