The government of Ecuador has announced the initiation of the dismantling process for infrastructure related to oil drilling in the controversial 43-ITT block located within Yasuni National Park. This action comes as a court-imposed deadline for completion approaches.
The Ministry for Energy and Mines confirmed the closure of one well, the Ishpingo B-56, out of a total of 247 wells in the block. The decision to shut down operations follows a historic referendum held a year ago, where citizens voted in favor of halting oil drilling activities in the national park.
Despite the government's request for a five-year and five-month extension to cease operations, the constitutional court had mandated the closure of all wells by December 2029. The recent closure of the B-56 well is a step towards fulfilling this obligation.
However, concerns have been raised by the Waorani Indigenous people and rights groups regarding the government's perceived lack of progress in adhering to the court order. Critics argue that the government has not demonstrated sufficient political will to expedite the closure process.
Yasuni National Park, known for its exceptional biodiversity, is home to the Waorani tribe and two Indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation, the Taromenane and the Tagaeri. The environmental significance of the region underscores the importance of responsibly managing oil drilling activities.
The cost of ending oil drilling in the 43-ITT block is estimated at $1.3 billion, posing economic challenges for Ecuador, where oil contributes significantly to the GDP. The government faces pressure to balance environmental conservation with economic considerations as it navigates the closure of oil wells in the national park.
Efforts to comply with the court order and address the concerns of Indigenous communities remain ongoing, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparent and timely action to safeguard the ecological integrity of Yasuni National Park.
