One month ago, on Aug. 20, Ecuador voted to end all oil extraction in Yasuní National Park, marking a historic decision in the global effort to halt fossil fuel extraction in ecologically important regions. As climate emergencies rise globally, Ecuador has set a global precedent by protecting one of the most ecologically diverse areas on the planet, a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve.
The move is set to end any current and future extractive projects in the region — protecting over 204 different mammals, 610 types of birds and just under 20,000 human inhabitants with 200-300 Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation.
This referendum is a testament to the change possible through citizen political involvement. It should signal the world over the possibility for action against extractive corporate interests as well as the policies that support these interests.
