The environmental movements of the Ecuadorian population have managed to put under the magnifying glass of the world the imminent need for an ecological transition, which calls into question the economic model of capitalist “development”. Today, Ecuador, an example for the world, has mobilized to protect its Amazon region.
The country that geographically divides the planet is currently one of the leading South American nations in organizing ecological initiatives that fight for the defense of the Amazons. These mobilizations are a model to follow for other Latin American countries that have yet to start their own struggles to protect their sacred natural territories.
The land
In 1989 UNESCO declared the Yasuni National Park a biosphere reserve. It is the territory of the Ecuadorian Amazon where the original Huaoranis and Kichwa peoples still live. It is one of the places with the highest biodiversity index on the planet. According to a report by WWF Ecuador, there are more tree species than in the United States and Canada combined. It is estimated that in just one hectare of the forest, there are more species of animals than on the entire European continent.
The defense of the land
In 2007, Ecuador began its struggles to defend the Amazon against oil exploitation. Its civilian population has managed to organize itself through the creation of environmental movements such as Yasuní-ITT and Yasunidos. These groups have been formed to fight against oil extractivism and mining extraction. These extractions currently emit millions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. This polluting inflammation would completely destroy this valuable ecosystem and its still-existing isolated populations.
The revolutionary environmental movement in this country clearly demonstrates that Ecuador, an example for the world, is today a nation at the forefront that fights for one of the most important causes of today: the environment.
The current situation
Since the beginning of this environmental challenge, the Ecuadorian people have sought to establish a popular consultation. Thei aim to decide on the oil field in this territory of the Amazon and the extraction conducted by ITT.
Unfortunately, in 2013, large economic elites blocked these proposals for years. However, the population continued with their defense. Thanks to their courage and solidarity they managed to resume the argument with the current government. It was in this way that last August the current president Guillermo Lasso called an extraordinary vote. He has been subjected to investigations. Halfway through his term in office, he has been forced to launch new elections for the presidency and vice presidency.
The elections include a referendum to decide whether to halt or continue the oil exploitation that makes up the territory of Yasuní.
The referendum not only decided about Yasuní Park but also about the possibility of stopping mining extraction. In this way, mining would be prohibited in six rural parishes of Quito that make up the Commonwealth of Choco Andino.
This consultation was conducted amid turmoil in the country and global tensions, with Latin America being the disputed area. Here, economic pressure drives the devastation of natural territories. We are witnessing a worrying growth in the occupation of natural parks by oil and mining companies. These companies, in alliance with governments, overshadow the preservation of these paradisiacal places in South America.
The historic victory
On August 20th of this year, Ecuadorians voted YES to the referendum against oil extraction in the Yasuni region and against mining in the Andean Choco.
They have achieved victory with a percentage of 59%. The majority has decided in favor of keeping the existing oil in the oil field called ITT, which integrates the Ishpingo, Tambococha, and Tiputini fields. The “yes” vote in the referendum was to stop exploiting these blocks. The 41% voted “no” and favored not stopping the exploitation.
The protracted struggle to save these territories is now a triumph not only for Ecuador but for all of Latin America. It set a historic precedent for the continent and the world.
Yasunidos
Yasunidos has been created to preserve the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of Ecuador. It has been battling for 10 years and going through three mandates.
During this time, from 2016, the ITT block began to be exploited. After the declaration of national interest that former President Correa had requested from the National Assembly in 2013, came into force.
Following the official publication of the referendum results, operations will have to stop. According to the law, the state-owned company Petroecuador will have one year to withdraw its facilities and abandon the entire territory of Yasuní.
However, representatives of that institution have indicated that the withdrawal would take at least five years since there are about 230 wells in operation there.
This is historic. Ecuador has taken the first firm step to fight climate change and has set a global example. This is important because it forces countries around the world to make real decisions in this regard. On the other hand, this shows us once again that the Ecuadorian people are in favor of the defense of life, nature, the rights of peoples and animals.”
Antonella Calle, spokesperson for Yasunidos
A natural continent
The natural wealth of the South American continent is coveted by the voracious mining and oil exploitation. This lack of environmental control ignores human rights and disguised as a green transition, destroys virgin, and “protected” territories.
The tenacity of the struggles of the Ecuadorian people has been a green flag that contrasts with a South American tricolor.
Ecuador, an example for the world, manages to turn on the lights in the thickness of the Amazon rainforest. Today, it opens the way to other populations on this continent. These nations of South America must set themselves the fundamental task of protecting and respecting their sacred natural territories.
