Action plan – Pastaza, Ecuador, 2024 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

May 2027

Date Submitted

31st December 2024

Foreword(s)

In an increasingly interconnected world, transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, participation, and interinstitutional collaboration are fundamental pillars for effective and sustainable governance. With this vision, the Decentralized Autonomous Government (GAD) of Pastaza presents its first Open Government Action Plan, an initiative aimed at positioning the province as a leader in implementing inclusive and innovative public management models, committed to the development of its territory.

The main goal of the plan is to strengthen trust between authorities and citizens by promoting accountability, access to relevant information, and participation from all sectors. This initiative is the outcome of a co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... involving government actors, civil society organizations, indigenous communities, academia, and the private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat..., all of whom contributed their perspectives and needs.

Implementation will embrace a participatory approach, ensuring community voices are heard at every stage. Tools like the digital portal and inclusive working groups aim not only to inform but also to empower citizens, making them key players in decisions that impact their environment.

Monitoring and evaluation are central to the plan. Collaborating with independent institutions, NGOs, and local communities, we commit to ensuring transparency and efficiency in fulfilling the plan’s objectives. These processes will measure the impact of actions and allow continuous improvement in achieving results.

We invite all residents of Pastaza to join this historic effort, actively participating in building an open and collaborative government. Together, we will create a stronger, inclusive, and sustainable Pastaza, turning every decision into an opportunity to grow as a society.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

This subsection details the Open Government Strategic Vision in your local area that should guide the commitments for the action plan period.

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

The Province of Pastaza envisions open, sustainable, and participatory governance as a cornerstone for national and international recognition. This vision prioritizes:

• Transparency: Citizens have access to government information through digital tools like open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... portals and monitoring systems.
• Citizen ParticipationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More: Inclusive decision-making processes involve all sectors, especially marginalized groups.
• Technological Innovation: Leveraging technology for efficient public service deliveryTo ensure that citizens of all groups are better supported by the government, OGP participating governments are working to improve the quality of and access to public services. Commitments in this are... (e.g., interactive maps, road planning systems).
• Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with civil society, academia, and the private sector for resource mobilization and plan implementation.
• Sustainable Development: Integrating environmental sustainability into all governance aspects.
• Accountability: Establishing mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation of government actions to build public trust.

The overarching goal is to transform Pastaza into a province where transparency, inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr..., and sustainability drive development. This citizen-centered approach, leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, aims to address current needs while building a resilient and adaptable governance model for the future.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Challenges:

• Limited Information Access: Unequal access, especially for rural and indigenous communities. Lack of accessible formats.
• Digital Divide: Inadequate rural connectivity, low digital literacy in some populations.
• Limited Citizen Participation: Barriers for vulnerable groups, lack of inclusivity in current processes.
• Poor Coordination: Weak inter-institutional coordination, difficulty attracting external support.
• Insufficient Accountability: Limited citizen evaluation, lack of real-time monitoring.
• Resource Pressure: Lack of transparent resource management.

Opportunities:

• Enhance Transparency: User-friendly tools (dashboards, maps), public information campaigns.
• Digital InclusionPrioritizing digital inclusion — such as by expanding broadband access to remote areas or removing barriers to affordable internet — helps ensure all citizens have the opportunity to participate. ...: Bridge digital divide, utilize traditional methods.
• Inclusive Participation: Specific spaces for vulnerable groups, expanded forums.
• Strategic Alliances: Collaborate with NGOs, academia, leverage best practices.
• Participatory Monitoring: Real-time citizen monitoring, surveys, interactive modules.
• Conservation: Participatory resource management, sustainability educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ....

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

Pastaza’s Open Government Strategy:

• Transparency:
  • Timely and clear access to project information
  • “Conecta Pastaza” portal for open data
  • Accessible formats (graphs, maps, local languages)
  • Real-time project monitoring
• Citizen Participation:
  • Expand dialogue spaces (technical tables, forums)
  • Combine digital and traditional participation methods
  • Raise awareness of citizen involvement
• Technological Innovation:
  • Enhance “Conecta Pastaza” with interactive tools
  • Digital literacy programs for all
  • Utilize technology for citizen feedback
• Inter-institutional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with NGOs, academia, and the private sector
  • Coordinate across government levels
  • Share best practices
• Sustainable Development:
  • Environmental education and citizen co-responsibility
  • Incentives for sustainable community initiatives
  • Monitor progress through open government tools

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

Pastaza’s Open Government Action Plan fulfills the vision of a transparent, participatory, collaborative, and sustainable province.

• Transparency: “Conecta Pastaza” improves information access, empowering citizens to monitor and influence decisions.
• Participation: Inclusive spaces like “Raíces de Pastaza” ensure citizen input in decision-making.
• Innovation: Digital tools modernize administration and empower citizens with real-time information.
• Collaboration: Partnerships with NGOs, academia, and international organizations strengthen the plan.
• Sustainability: “Raíces de Pastaza” promotes environmental conservation and citizen co-responsibility.
• Accountability: Real-time monitoring fosters trust and credibility in public administration.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The Pastaza Open Government Strategic Vision directly contributes to the 2023-2027 work plan, particularly proposal No. 54. By fostering transparency, citizen participation, sustainability, and innovation, it aligns with the goals of a transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered administration.

Key Contributions:

• Transparency: “Conecta Pastaza” enhances information access and promotes accountability.
• Citizen Participation: Integrates rural, indigenous, and marginalized communities in decision-making, ensuring policies align with real demands.
• Sustainability: Focuses on environmental protection and sustainable productive activities.
• Innovation: Drives participatory planning in priority sectors (road infrastructure, mobility, connectivity), positioning Pastaza as a bio-cultural tourism model.

This approach strengthens institutional credibility and ensures a lasting positive impact for the province and its people.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• 1. Decentralized Autonomous Provincial Government of Pastaza
• 2. Steering Committee
• 3. Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo (FCD)
• 4. Civil Society Organizations
• 5. Academia institutions
• 6. International organizations: USAID

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

The Open Government Plan utilizes five key structures:

1. Steering Committee: A multisectoral body (government, civil society, academia, private sector) overseeing plan progress, facilitating communication, and proposing strategic adjustments. It promotes inclusive decision-making.

2. Interinstitutional Technical Working Groups: Thematic groups addressing specific commitments (e.g., infrastructure, transparency) bringing together government departments and stakeholders. They facilitate planning/execution, identify synergies, and ensure strategic alignment.

3. Technical Team: Coordinated by the Planning Directorate, this team implements commitments, monitors progress, consolidates reports, liaises with stakeholders, and coordinates training on open government. It ensures operational efficiency.

4. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like FCD and USAID to enhance technical/financial capacity. They provide technical assistance, finance projects, and facilitate learning of best practices, strengthening plan sustainability.

5. Citizen Monitoring: Participatory mechanisms allowing citizens to evaluate progress and propose improvements via public consultations. This feedback informs strategy adjustments, strengthening accountability and trust.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

The in-person working groups were established as spaces for dialogue, consensus-building, and proposal generation. Organizations and institutions identified during the sensitization phase actively participated.

The invitation process was carried out directly with civil society organizations, chambers of commerce and tourism, and publicly promoted through social media to encourage the participation of other organizations, institutions, and the general public.

Three working groups were organized around the following development axes: Biophysical, Economic-Productive, and Human Settlements.
These sessions included the following stages:

• Sensitization: Introduction to the Open Government management model by the Foundation for Citizenship and Development (FCD).
• Presentation: Overview of the challenges, issues, and current status of activities conducted by the Provincial Government of Pastaza.
• Analysis: Examination of the main problems identified.
• Proposals: Collection of citizen-driven, consensus-based proposals for potential solutions to be included in the First Open Government Action Plan of the Province of Pastaza.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

The preparation and implementation of the Communication Strategy for the co-creation process of Pastaza’s first Open Government Action Plan included videos disseminated through institutional social media channels.

Who participated in these spaces?

The 3 workshops took place on november 21 and 22, 2024, with the following results:

Participation data:

Human Settlements (Road Infrastructure): 14 participants: 8 men and 6 women. Participating sectors: Civil society: 4, Community: 1, Non-governmental organization: 1, Public sector: 8.

Economic-Productive: 19 participants: 6 men and 13 women. Participating sectors: Associative: 8, Private: 2, Non-governmental organization: 3, Academia: 1, Public sector: 5.

Biophysical: 21 participants: 11 men and 10 women. Participating sectors: Associative: 1, Private: 1, Non-governmental organization: 1, Academia: 7, Civil society: 3, Public sector: 8.

Total: 54 participants.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

6

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

3

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

The Open Government Plan uses six collaborative structures:

1. Steering Committee: Government, civil society, academia, and private sector coordinate and oversee. Government leads and provides resources; non-governmental actors offer input and monitor. Regular progress reviews.
2. Thematic Working Groups: Ongoing groups on specific topics (transparency, etc.). Government provides data and leads; non-governmental actors advise and contribute expertise. Regular sessions with follow-up.
3. Monitoring & Evaluation: Non-governmental actors assess compliance. Government facilitates access to information; non-governmental actors audit and provide feedback. Periodic reports and dialogue.
4. Awareness & Training: Joint campaigns and workshops. Government organizes and provides resources; non-governmental actors facilitate and ensure diverse outreach. Collaborative scheduling.
5. Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with USAID, FCD, etc., for support. Government manages cooperation; non-governmental actors advise on standards and provide resources. Workshops and agreements.
6. Citizen Feedback: Platforms (surveys, forums) for input. Government addresses concerns; non-governmental actors facilitate dialogue. Periodic virtual/in-person spaces.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo (FCD) is the independent entity monitoring Pastaza’s Open Government Action Plan. Leveraging its expertise in promoting open government principles in Ecuador, FCD ensures transparency, objectivity, and effectiveness in plan implementation.

FCD’s Key Functions:

• Supervise CommitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... Fulfillment: Verify adherence to timelines and standards, conduct periodic auditsInstitutional and legal frameworks are necessary for providing assurance of the integrity of financial information and of compliance with budgetary rules and procedure. Technical specifications: These...
• Technical Evaluation: Issue independent reports, identify areas for improvement, and propose recommendations
• Facilitate Accountability: Design and oversee citizen evaluation processes, ensure transparent publication of results
• Mediation: Bridge between the Provincial Government, civil society, and other stakeholders

Selection Criteria:

• Experience: Extensive track record in transparency, citizen participation, and open data
• Independence: External to the Provincial Government, ensuring impartial evaluations
• Recognition: Strong history and partnerships with organizations like the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP)

Monitoring Mechanisms:

• Periodic Reports: Quarterly and annual reports publicly available
• Citizen Feedback: Surveys, forums to gather public perceptions
• Indicator-Based Evaluation: Utilize clear and measurable indicators to assess progress.

FCD’s work ensures transparent, inclusive, and principled monitoring, guaranteeing the plan’s success and legitimacy before the public.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Marcelo Espinel, Subdirector, mespinel@ciudadaniaydesarrollo.org

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

Meetings have been held with the management and technical staff of the operational departments of Management, Environment, Sustainable Development, and Public Works, as it is necessary to consider budgets in the 2025 POA (Annual Operational Plan) for each of the departments responsible for implementing the commitments.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

Here’s a reduced version of the text under 1500 characters:

Monitoring the Pastaza Open Government Plan

Transparency and citizen participation are ensured through various mechanisms:

• Periodic Reports: Implementing institutions submit quarterly and annual progress reports published on “Conecta Pastaza” and the Provincial Government website.
• Steering Committee Meetings: Open meetings with civil society discuss progress, share results, and address challenges. Minutes are published online.
• Technical Follow-up Workshops: In-depth discussions on specific themes (transparency, participation, sustainability) with relevant stakeholders. Outcomes are published online.
• “Conecta Pastaza” Portal: Provides real-time information on commitment progress, timelines, and milestones.
• Spaces for Citizen Feedback: Surveys, suggestion boxes, and public forums allow citizens to provide input and raise questions.
• Technical and Social Audits: Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo conducts independent audits to assess commitment fulfillment. Results are published in public reports.
• Interinstitutional Meetings: Internal coordination meetings ensure efficient implementation and alignment with strategic objectives. Outcomes are shared through official reports.

These mechanisms guarantee public access to information, facilitate dialogue, and promote citizen participation in monitoring the plan’s success.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

Dissemination of Monitoring Results:

• “Conecta Pastaza”: Central hub for all monitoring results (reports, indicators, audits). Public access with user-friendly visualizations.
• Provincial Government Website: Additional repositoryAccess to relevant information is essential for enabling participation and ensuring accountability throughout the OGP process. An OGP repository is an online centralized website, webpage, platform or ... for reports, documents, and key monitoring results.
• Quarterly and Annual Reports: Published in accessible formats for public consumption.
• Social Media: Summaries and updates shared on official social media accounts.
• Citizen Audiences: Events for public presentation of results, Q&A sessions.
• Community Forums: Results shared in rural communities with language and format adaptations.
• Educational Materials: Pamphlets, bulletins, and videos summarizing results distributed through various channels.
• Local Languages: Results translated into local languages (e.g., Kichwa) for accessibility.
• Open Data Repository: Data used in monitoring made available for download on “Conecta Pastaza” for independent analysis.
• Citizen Feedback: Online surveys, suggestion boxes, and real-time feedback mechanisms for citizen input.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• • Miriam Léon, President, ASOTURISMER
  • Julio Castro, Administrator, ASOGAP
  • Shyma Andino, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Nuri Espinoza, President, CONFERIB WANYA
  • Sofía Salas, President, CAPTUR
  • Raúl León Ulloa, Member, Victoria de León
  • Raúl León Torres, Member, Agua Manú
  • Jerson Guamán, Member, Socorro Violeta
  • Paulette Caizabanda, Member, Socorro Violeta
  • Iván Quishpe, President, Centro Agrícola
  • Catalina Santana, President, Pastaza Manchi
  • Mayak Edit, President, JIMIA
  • Cecilia Escobar, Member, CAPTUR
  • Clemencia Santi, Member, Comunicad Putuimi
  • Juan Manuel Herrera, Representative, Private sector
  • Luis Bermeo, President, Neighborhoods
  • Juan Baldeon, Assistant, FCD
  • Andrea Ante, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Sheyla Santi, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Rosa Aguinda, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Cintya Jumbo, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Jefferson Freire, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Wellington Freire, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica
  • Leonardo Jipa, Student, Universidad Estatal Amazónica

Commitments

• Establish an entrepreneurship center to promote entrepreneurship and innovation
• Comprehensive program to improve Pastaza’s environmental situation
• Conecta Pastaza: Developing portal for road monitoring and transparency system