In the program, the contestants were asked to prepare various dishes with capybara, shark, venison and crocodile meat.
“The Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (Maate), safeguards the integrity of wildlife and rIt categorically calls for the promotion and dissemination of graphic or audiovisual content that encourages the purchase and consumption of wild species or their constituent elements, such as that presented in a national television program, which, although it was filmed outside the country, exposes a situation that could provoke illegal consumption of bushmeat”Stated the country’s State portfolio in relation to the questions that activists, scientists and teachers have made to the Masterchef Ecuador program broadcast on the night of January 3, 2022 by Teleamazonas.
In the program, the contestants were asked to prepare various dishes with capybara, shark, venison and crocodile meat. The four species are wild and are in different categories of danger of extinction or there is insufficient data to determine the risk of their population in Ecuador.
The Maate reaffirmed that the consumption of wild meat is a crime in Ecuador. In addition, he pointed out that to fight against the trafficking and hunting of these species, the secretariat, together with control entities, carry out operations on the roads and localities, applying current environmental regulations as the case may be.
During the year 2021, this State portfolio has developed 527 retention and rescue operations, has initiated 12 criminal proceedings for crimes against wildlife and has raised 23 administrative proceedings for crimes against biodiversity.
Additionally, for several years, the national campaign “Stop, Wildlife Trafficking is a Crime, if you take one, there will be none left” has been promoted, which seeks to sensitize the population about the importance of protecting wild fauna and flora of the country and inform about the related legal implications.
“We call on citizens to respect and protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the country and we urge the media to support the strengthening of the national environmental policy”Added the Maate.
Meanwhile, the National Animal Movement of Ecuador (MAN) affirmed, through a statement on its social networks, that the consumption of bushmeat is prohibited in the country except for non-commercial or profit subsistence purposes: “Exceptions that clearly do not apply to that show. “
In addition, he asked the program and the channel for an explanation of where the meat came from: “These types of dishes, in this type of shows, try to normalize the consumption of protected animals whose possession makes up the trafficking of wild animals and the destruction of ecosystems”.
Although if there were to commit a crime, it would not be criminally punishable in Ecuador, since the hunting and commercialization of these animals did not occur in the country. The Colombian Platform for Animals STOP! He indicated that in the coffee nation there are capybaras and babillas hatcheries, but that the production of the program must demonstrate the origin of that meat. However, for the deer and the tollo “we would think that their use is illegal.”
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Last December, organizations such as WCS Ecuador, Proyecto Sacha and the Quito Zoo launched a campaign to discourage wildlife trafficking in Ecuador.
“At the same time that this (Masterchef program) is happening we are campaigning with WCS. While we are taking the air off fighting for the issue, that is broadcast on television with the scope they have, “says Eliana Molineros, director of Proyecto Sacha.
The Herpetological Foundation Gustavo Orcés / Vivarium of Quito, Ecuador Animal Protection (PAE), Coca Zoo, Amaru Bioparque Cuenca, Washu Project, Ecuador’s Primates Study Group (GEPE), Yanacocha also participate in the campaign Your house is not my habitat. Animal Rescue Center, and the National Environmental Protection Police Unit.
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The Organic Comprehensive Penal Code (COIP) of Ecuador, article 247, indicates that crimes against wild flora and fauna are punishable by imprisonment of one to three years. Additionally, article 318 of the Organic Environmental Code (COA) sanctions this type of illegal activity with up to 200 unified basic salaries.
So far there has not been a statement from the production of the program or the television network in the face of the questions. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
