Ecuadorans Vote to Protect Amazon Rainforest: A Historic Move to Halt Oil Drilling
In a groundbreaking decision, the people of Ecuador have voted to put an end to oil drilling in the Amazon rainforest. This referendum brings to fruition years of dedicated organizing by Indigenous groups, activists, and young Ecuadorans from across the country. Not only did voters decide to halt all current and future oil extraction in the heart of Yasuni National Park, but they also banned mining in the Choco Andino forest near the capital, Quito.
The significance of this vote, which advocates for keeping the oil in the soil, cannot be overstated. It means that approximately 1.67 billion barrels of crude oil will remain untapped, as a moratorium on drilling is implemented in the Ishpingo, Tambococha, and Tiputini (ITT) area of Yasuni National Park. This area is one of the few remaining intact sections within the Amazon River Basin, which is known for its unrivaled biodiversity. Furthermore, the decision to halt drilling protects the rights of Indigenous groups, namely the Taromenane, Tagaeri, and Dugakaeri peoples, who have chosen to live in voluntary isolation.
This remarkable achievement marks the first time in history that a country-wide referendum has successfully suspended both ongoing and future fossil fuel operations. Yasuni National Park, a designated United Nations World Biosphere Reserve, spans nearly a million hectares of tropical rainforest and is truly a haven for countless species. However, oil exploration and production have inflicted significant harm on the Ecuadorian Amazon and its inhabitants. Indigenous communities leading resistance efforts against oil activities have faced adversity, including harassment, repression, and tragically, even death.
The group YASunidos, one of the key organizers behind this victory, expressed their jubilation on social media, declaring, Today we made history! This consultation, born out of the people’s will, showcases Ecuador’s overwhelming national consensus. It is the first instance where a country has chosen to prioritize life and keep its oil reserves underground. This is a historic triumph for Ecuador and the planet!
While the share of Ecuador’s gross domestic product generated from oil has declined to just over 6 percent in 2021 from a peak of 18.7 percent in 2008, the costs of continual oil spills, environmental and health hazards, and the climate crisis continue to mount.
Around the world, moratoriums on fossil fuel operations are gaining popularity and expanding. Countries like Costa Rica, South Africa, Belize, and New Zealand have already implemented similar measures.
It is crucial to recognize that the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are major contributors to the climate crisis. Ecuador, through its bold actions, has demonstrated how to confront this crisis head-on, protecting both its people and the planet. This model serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit.
In line with their human rights obligations, governments should gradually phase out the use of fossil fuels and prioritize the preservation of forests and the rights of forest communities worldwide. By doing so, we can pave the way toward a sustainable and resilient future for all.
