Ecuadorans have successfully voted to put an end to an oil drilling project within the precious Yasuni National Park in the Amazon reserve. This outcome, revealed on Monday, marks a significant triumph for climate democracy and is viewed as a historic event.
With 59% of the votes supporting the cessation of oil exploitation in the park, the “Yes” vote won by a comfortable margin. This victory is of great importance considering that Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
The two main indigenous organizations in Ecuador, Confeniae and Conaie, expressed their satisfaction with the referendum’s outcome on social media. They emphasized that this decision would safeguard life, biodiversity, and the rights of indigenous people.
The decision to hold this referendum came after years of persistent demands from the public. In May, the highest court in Ecuador granted authorization for the vote, giving citizens the power to determine the fate of “block 43.” This specific block contributes 12% of Ecuador’s daily oil production, which currently amounts to 466,000 barrels.
The drilling operations, which started in 2016, faced significant opposition. Former President Rafael Correa attempted to persuade the international community to provide Ecuador with $3.6 billion in exchange for not drilling in Yasuni National Park. However, all efforts were in vain until this successful referendum.
The potential economic loss resulting from the halt of drilling is estimated at $16 billion over the next 20 years by the government of outgoing President Guillermo Lasso. Nevertheless, the importance of preserving the reserve and protecting the Waorani and Kichwa tribes, along with the Tagaeri, Taromenane, and Dugakaeri communities, has prevailed.
Spanning over one million hectares, the Yasuni National Park is not only home to various indigenous populations but also hosts an extraordinary array of plant and animal species. The park’s significance extends beyond its borders, as the Amazon basin is a crucial carbon sink, absorbing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. Scientists warn that the destruction of this rainforest could push it to a tipping point, resulting in the release rather than absorption of carbon, leading to disastrous consequences for the climate.
The fate of the Yasuni reserve has garnered attention from celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg. DiCaprio expressed his admiration for Ecuador’s groundbreaking referendum, emphasizing its potential to democratize climate politics and protect indigenous rights, the climate, and the planet. Thunberg also hailed this historic event on her Instagram account.
The NGO Amazon Frontlines applauded the vote as a demonstration of climate democracy, emphasizing the power of people rather than corporations in deciding the limits of resource extraction.
Notably, there were differing opinions within the local communities of Yasuni. While some supported the oil companies and their contributions to economic growth in their villages, others recognized the critical importance of preserving the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
With this momentous decision, Ecuador sets a precedent for other nations to follow in prioritizing the preservation of valuable ecosystems and the rights of indigenous communities over short-term economic gains.
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