Bahía de Caráquez became an Ecocity on February 23, 1999 due to the devastation caused by two natural disasters in 1997 and 1998: the "El Niño" phenomenon and an earthquake in august of the later year. Due to the high magnitude of destruction, Bahía had to completely reconstruct itself. Given the suggestions of a Japanese organization ACTMANG, Fundación Stuarium and other public and private organizations in Bahía, the city was reconstructed in an ecological manner.
The governing authorities of the District of Sucre made the Official Declaration and since then Bahía de Caráquez has been planning it´s development within the sustainable principals of an Ecocity.

• Volunteer as an English Instructor with the children at the Escuela Genesis or other local schools (See Volunteer Opportunities page).
• Volunteer at an organic farm or with ecological projects in Bahía de Caráquez (See Volunteer Opportunities page).
• Take ecological tours to the mangroves, Island of the Friget Birds, organic farms, etc.
• Visit Miguelito- Bahía's famous Galapagos Turtle.
• Kayak in the River Chone in Bahía.
• Hike to the look-out point in Bahía.
• Surf or swim in the Pacific Ocean.
• Sun-bathe on the beach.
• Learn salsa and merengue at the local discotecas.
• Take a tour of the Museum and learn the ancient cultures of the Bahía region.
• Attend a program at the local municipal theater.
• Rent a movie at the local movie theater.
  Taste the delicious cuisine of the ocean that is caught fresh daily!.
• Plan trips to other sites in Ecuador or Latin America from Bahía de Caráquez.