It has been a year since Ecuadorians voted to halt oil drilling in Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse region in the Amazon. However, the government has not taken steps to shut down operations, causing frustration among supporters of the referendum. The Waorani people, whose territory overlaps the park, are disappointed by the lack of progress.
Last year, nearly 60% of voters supported the referendum to end drilling in block 43-ITT, aiming to protect nature and Indigenous communities. The government and state-run Petroecuador were given a year to close wells and infrastructure, but Ecuador now seeks a five-year extension beyond the original deadline of August 2024.
