Environmental Governance in the Andes

Cuenca is one of the three major cities in Ecuador, and as in other cities, the air pollution is a public health issue mainly related to particulate matter pollution from traffic. According the annual air quality reports from the Mobility, Transit and Transport Enterprise of Cuenca, it has been observed that particulate matter PM10 has increased its concentrations up to 50 ug/m3, reaching the World Health Organization limits for health welfare. El Vado is a neighborhood in Cuenca that has been historically segregated neighborhood despite its central location. El Vado experienced rural migration and economic marginalization during the 19th century. It was marked by limited urban infrastructure, including the absence of adequate water management systems, until the late 20th century.