To analyze the effects of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Ecuador, this study estimates a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model using data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Income and Expenditure for Urban and Rural Households. We derive own-and cross-price elasticities by income quintiles and consumption deciles for five beverages, including two types of sugary drink: (i) milk, (ii) soft drinks, (iii) water, (iv) other sugary drinks, and (v) coffee and tea. Overall, results show that a 20% increase in the price of SSBs will decrease the consumption of soft drinks and other sugary drinks by 27% and 22%, respectively. Heterogeneous consumer behavior is revealed across income and consumption groups, as well as policy-relevant complementarity and substitution patterns. Policy impacts are simulated by considering an 18 cents per liter tax, implemented in Ecuador, and an ad-valorem 20% tax on the price. Estimated tax revenues and weight loss are larger for the latter. From a health perspective, high-income and heavy consumer households would benefit the most from this policy. Our study supports an evidence-based debate on how to correctly design and monitor food policy.

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From a comprehensive diagnosis of the associated basins, islands, and wetlands of the coastal lagoon system of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia, this work describes feasible options for the recovery of its ecosystem’s health and ecological resilience. Firstly, the state of the coastal lagoon was assessed, finding that hydrology, wave climate, and the morphological changes of the coastline explain recent changes in the coastal wetlands. Key variables were used to describe the level of conservation or degradation of the coastal lagoon system and to identify measures to improve its ecological functions. Finally, to mimic some of these functions and improve connectivity of the ecosystems, green infrastructure alternatives were proposed for the short and medium term to recover the services of these ecosystems and restore their resilience.

Con el objetivo de explorar el potencial de un impuesto a las bebidas azucaradas como medida de salud pública en Ecuador, se estiman las elasticidades precio propia, precio-cruzada e ingreso de la demanda de bebidas no alcohólicas a nivel de hogar. Utilizando un Sistema Casi Ideal de Demanda Cuadrática (QUAIDS), se encuentra que, contrario al consumo de bebidas soft, el consumo de gaseosas es elástico. Estos resultados revelaron ser independientes del nivel de ingreso del hogar. Además, se halló una relación de sustitución entre las bebidas gaseosas y los lácteos. El gravamen de gaseosas, por tanto, podría disminuir su consumo y dirigirlo hacia bebidas más saludables.   Palabras clave: Elasticidad de la demanda; bebidas azucaradas; impuesto.   ABSTRACT This paper explores the potential effects of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages as a public health policy in Ecuador by estimating the own, cross-price and income elasticities of non-alcoholic beverages at household level. We estimated a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) and found that, contrary to soft drinks, the consumption of soda is elastic. This revealed to be independent of the household income level. It was also found a substitution relationship between soda drinks and dairy drinks. Thus, taxation of soda drinks could decrease its consumption and direct it to healthier alternatives.   Keywords: Elasticity of demand; sugar-sweetened beverages; tax.

Entrevista realizada a Alexandra Kennedy, historiadora y docente universitaria radicada en Cuenca, Ecuador. La finalidad de este trabajo es la de problematizar la relación investigación/docencia, y la re-escritura de la Historia desde los discursos y locus de enunciación del docente. De la misma manera, visibilizar la interdisciplinaridad en la docencia y la experticia de una voz que representa al Ecuador en la academia, a nivel mundial.