Ecuador faces challenge in ending oil extraction in national park

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.

www.theguardian.com

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