In a groundbreaking move, the people of Ecuador have made their voices heard by voting against the oil drilling activities in the Amazon’s protected area. This region is not only home to two uncontacted tribes but also serves as a significant biodiversity hotspot. With over 90% of the votes counted as of early Monday, nearly six in ten Ecuadorians have rejected the oil exploration in Block 44, located within the renowned Yasuni National Park. This park is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is inhabited by the Tagaeri and Taromenani tribes, who choose to live in isolation.
The Yasuni region was designated as a world biosphere reserve by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1989. It covers a vast surface area of over 2.5 million acres and boasts an impressive number of species, including 610 bird species, 139 amphibian species, and 121 reptile species. According to the AP, at least three species in this area are endemic, adding to its ecological importance. The outcome of the vote represents a significant setback for Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso, who argued in favor of oil drilling, citing its economic significance for the country.
As a result of this historic vote, state oil company Petroecuador will be compelled to dismantle its operations in the coming months. Notably, this referendum took place simultaneously with the presidential election, which will be decided through a runoff between leftist candidate Luisa González and right-wing contender Daniel Noboa. Ecuador is currently facing political turmoil following the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio. (Read more Ecuador stories.)
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