Ecuador's struggle to honor a referendum demanding an end to oil drilling in Yasuní national park highlights deep economic divisions.
Kimberley Brown reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The Indigenous Quichua community in Yasuní celebrates the referendum result but faces internal conflict over the economic impact.
- President Noboa has proposed a moratorium on the referendum result, citing severe economic repercussions.
- Oil remains crucial to Ecuador's economy, accounting for nearly one-third of the GDP, and its cessation could exacerbate the fiscal crisis.
Key quote:
“The government has forgotten about these people. And it is the oil and service companies that take on this responsibility.”
— Ramiro Páez Rivera, executive with Petrolia Ecuador
Why this matters:
Yasuní National Park is home to countless species and indigenous communities who have lived there for centuries. Ending oil drilling in the park is a significant step toward protecting these invaluable natural and cultural resources.
