A few weeks ago, Ecuadorians voted in favor of reducing the area of oil extraction and being able to extend the protected area in the Yasuní National Park , located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region.
President Lenín Moreno called for a referendum in which citizens responded affirmatively to the seventh question. This question asked: Do you agree to increase the intangible zone by at least 50.000 hectares and reduce the area of oil exploitation authorized by the National Assembly in the Yasuní National Park from 1.030 hectares to 300 hectares?
The results were decisive: 67.3% of the votes supported this initiative , while 32.7% voted against it. The data was recorded with 99.62% of the ballots processed, according to Ecuador's National Electoral Council.
In Pastaza and Orellana , the provinces where Yasuní is located, the support was even more significant, with 83,36% of voters in Pastaza and 75.48% in Orellana voting “Yes”.
Yasuní National Park: Biosphere Reserve
Yasuní National Park is undoubtedly one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. With over 3.000 known and documented plant species , the park encompasses a vast rainforest where 598 bird species, 200 mammal species, 150 amphibian species, and 121 reptile species have been identified. In addition to being an area of immense ecological importance, it is home to several indigenous groups.
Among the communities that inhabit the park are the Waorani, Shuar, Kichwa, Tagaeri and Taromenane ; the latter two are groups in voluntary isolation, a characteristic that makes the region an even more sensitive area in terms of cultural and environmental conservation.
Yasuní National Park was created in 1979 and covers more than 1.022.736 hectares , making it one of the largest parks in Ecuador. In 1989, UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve , a status that reflects its ecological importance on a global scale.
The importance of the Tagaeri-Taromenane Intangible Zone (ZITT)
Back in 1999, under the government of President Jamil Mahuad, the Tagaeri-Taromenane Intangible Zone (ZITT) was created to preserve the integrity of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation and protect their territories from any type of extractive activity. Originally encompassing 758.773 hectares , the ZITT is intended to remain free from any external intervention, including oil exploitation.
This decree was reinforced during the mandate of Alfredo Palacios (2005-2007), when the area was delimited to guarantee the permanent security of indigenous territories and the biodiversity of the park.
The question that was recently put to the population sought to expand the ZITT by at least 50.000 additional hectares, ensuring a larger protection zone within the park.
The expansion of the ZITT: more than 60.000 hectares at stake
The consultation proposed adding at least 50.000 additional hectares to the ZITT, but Carlos Pérez, then Ecuador's Minister of Hydrocarbons, stated that the expansion would be 62.188 hectares in total.
Environmental movements such as YASunidos promoted the campaign under the slogan "Not one more well ," and although they recognize limitations and pending technical details in the plebiscite, they consider the expansion of the ZITT as a step forward towards the protection of the environment and indigenous communities.
Pedro Bermeo, a representative of YASunidos, argued that although the government did not give clear details of when and how these changes would be made, the simple fact of recognizing the existence of uncontacted peoples was already an important achievement to guarantee their survival.
Reduction of oil exploitation in Yasuní Park
The second part of the consultation concerned the reduction of the oil exploitation area approved by the National Assembly. It was proposed to decrease it from 1.030 hectares to 300 hectares in the heart of Yasuní National Park.
The exploitation began in 2016 in key areas of the park under the names Ishpingo, Tambococha and Tiputini (ITT), and these areas hold 42% of Ecuador's total crude oil reserves.
This extraction was initially approved by the Assembly at the request of former President Rafael Correa, who unsuccessfully attempted to raise more than $3.600 billion in exchange for not exploiting the oil reserves in an international initiative known as “Yasuní ITT.” Failing to secure the necessary funding, the exploitation of Block 43 continued.
Despite the proposal to reduce exploitation to 300 hectares, organisations such as YASunidos question whether the government will actually respect this reduction, given that internal reports already claim that more areas have been intervened than those initially authorised. According to data from Petroamazonas, more than the proposed 300 hectares have already been exploited.
Lawyer and environmental defender Ramiro Ávila Santamaría said the government had not been clear about the implementation of the reductions. He said it had not been specified whether the reduction would be to the north, south, east or west, which creates uncertainty about its real scope.
Economic and environmental impact of oil exploitation in Yasuní
With sales exceeding 50.000 barrels per day , Block 43 has generated significant revenue for the country. Between 2016 and 2022, according to the Central Bank of Ecuador, oil extraction from this area generated over $6.733 billion in revenue . Furthermore, it represents 12% of the country's total oil production.
However, mining has had critical and severe environmental impacts on the park. Studies document 17 critical and 86 severe environmental impacts , affecting the area's biodiversity and Indigenous communities. These include wildlife roadkill, illegal hunting, and the risk of oil spills.
The YASunidos group has reiterated its commitment to monitor the implementation of these changes, and warned that the government could be “inflating” figures on the economic importance of Block 43.
Ultimately, the true value of the Yasuní lies in its biodiversity, its role in global climate balance and the preservation of the indigenous cultures that have inhabited the region for centuries.
The fight to preserve the Yasuní is not just an issue for Ecuador but for all of humanity. Decisions about its exploitation or conservation will have a direct impact on the global environment and the way we manage the most important natural reserves on the planet. With the victory of the “Yes” vote in the referendum, Ecuador has taken a step in the right direction, but vigilance and action continue to be essential.