A group of Ecuadorian Indigenous women, known as Yuturi Warmi, is making strides in protecting their Amazonian homeland from environmental threats posed by extractive industries.
Gabriela Barzallo reports for the BBC.
In short:
- The Yuturi Warmi, an all-female Indigenous group, protects a pristine area of the Amazon Rainforest from mining and pollution.
- Their efforts preserve local biodiversity and traditional practices, maintaining the ecological and cultural integrity of their land.
- The group, which uses non-violent methods and community engagement, has successfully countered illegal mining through advocacy and legal action.
Key quote:
"We chose this name for the group because it symbolises our fight and strength, much like the ants that resist and protect their territory."
— Elsie Alvarado, member of Yuturi Warmi
Why this matters:
The pressures the Yuturi Warmi face are immense: the Amazon is a hotbed for illegal mining operations, which not only threaten biodiversity but also bring about devastating environmental impacts such as deforestation, water pollution, and the displacement of native species. The environmental significance of the Amazon cannot be overstated — it is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," playing a pivotal role in global oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption.
