In a historic determination, Ecuadorians voted on Sunday in opposition to the oil drilling of a protected space within the Amazon, which is dwelling to 2 uncontacted tribes and serves as a biodiversity hotspot
RIO DE JANEIRO — In a historic determination, Ecuadorians voted on Sunday in opposition to the oil drilling of a protected space within the Amazon that is dwelling to 2 uncontacted tribes and serves as a biodiversity hotspot.
With over 90% of the ballots counted by early Monday, round six in ten Ecuadorians rejected the oil exploration in Block 44, located inside Yasuni Nationwide Park, one of many world’s most biodiverse areas. The world is inhabited by the Tagaeri and Taromenani, who stay in self-isolation.
In 1989, Yasuni was designated a world biosphere reserve by the United Nations Academic, Scientific and Cultural Group, often known as UNESCO. Encompassing a floor space of over 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres), it boasts 610 species of birds, 139 species of amphibians, and 121 species of reptiles. A minimum of three species are endemic.
The result represents a big blow to Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso, who advocated for oil drilling, asserting that its revenues are essential to the nation’s economic system. On account of the vote, state oil firm Petroecuador might be required to dismantle its operations within the coming months.
The referendum befell alongside the presidential election, which might be determined in a runoff between leftist candidate Luisa González and right-wing contender Daniel Noboa. The nation is experiencing political turmoil following the assassination of one of many candidates, Fernando Villavicencio.
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