It’s been a year since Ecuador’s citizens voted overwhelmingly to end oil drilling in the heart of the Amazon, specifically within Yasuni National Park. The landmark referendum aimed to protect one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and honour the rights of Indigenous communities. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite the strong mandate from voters, efforts to halt drilling have stalled, and the government is now seeking a significant extension.
Ecuador’s Referendum: A Bold Step for the Amazon
In August 2023, Ecuadorians cast their votes in a historic referendum to halt oil drilling in Block 43-ITT of Yasuni National Park. This area is crucial not only for its incredible biodiversity but also for the Indigenous Waorani people and the Taromenane and Tagaeri tribes who live in voluntary isolation.
The referendum was celebrated as a victory for environmental and Indigenous rights advocates. Nearly 60% of voters supported the move, hoping to keep around 700 million barrels of crude oil underground and safeguard the delicate ecosystem of the Amazon.
The Government’s Lack of Action and Extension Request
A year has passed since the referendum, and frustration is mounting among those who fought for this cause. The Ecuadorian government has yet to make significant progress towards shutting down the drilling operations as promised.
Instead of moving forward with the closure, the government has requested a five-year extension to complete the shutdown of the state-run Petroamazonas operations. This extension request is seen as a major setback and has sparked outrage among environmentalists and Indigenous leaders.
Juan Bay, president of the Waorani organisation NAWE, expressed his disappointment:
“We should already have advanced results, with the closures almost 100% complete, but the government has not committed to that. There has been no political will to guarantee the rights of the Ecuadorian people that the ballot boxes decided.”
Challenges and Criticisms
Several factors contribute to the slow progress and the government’s request for an extension.
Economic Pressures: Oil is a significant part of Ecuador’s economy, contributing nearly one-third of its GDP. President Daniel Noboa’s administration has faced a challenging economic climate, exacerbated by rising violence and debt. Some experts argue that the government’s delay is partly due to the economic necessity of oil revenue.
Technical and Logistical Issues: Dismantling oil infrastructure in a remote and ecologically sensitive area like Yasuni is no small task. Antonio Goncalves, the new head of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, noted that this process is unprecedented and complex. He assured that the government is working on an “exit plan” and “dismantling” the facilities.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The environmental toll of oil drilling in the Amazon is severe. The region has suffered from frequent oil spills, leading to health issues for local communities. According to Amazon Watch, Petroamazonas has a history of frequent spills, which have resulted in elevated cancer rates, respiratory problems, and other health issues among nearby residents.
Kevin Koenig, Climate and Energy Director at Amazon Watch, criticised the government’s budgetary allocations, stating:
“They already knew they were not going to comply with this. They are using a bunch of technical arguments, but it seems like they are just trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes.”
The Waorani People’s Continued Struggle
The Waorani people have been at the forefront of the fight against oil drilling in their ancestral lands. For them, the promise of the referendum was a beacon of hope. Yet, the ongoing delays and the government’s lack of action have been disheartening.
Donald Moncayo from the Union of People Affected by the Petroleum Operations of Texaco highlighted the regularity of oil spills in the region, noting an average of ten spills a month from 2016 to 2021. The continued environmental degradation and health risks underscore the urgent need for action.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Yasuni National Park?
As the government seeks more time to address the shutdown, the future of Yasuni National Park remains uncertain. The promise of the referendum and the rights of Indigenous communities hang in the balance.
The Waorani leader Juan Bay is preparing to address Congress in the capital, aiming to push for immediate action and reaffirm the commitment to protect Yasuni’s unique ecosystem.
For further reading on Ecuador’s oil drilling controversy and the status of Yasuni National Park, check out these resources:
