Victory for uncontacted tribes in Ecuador mining referendum [View all]

ROGER MCKENZIE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023



Waorani Indigenous attend an event promoting a ‘yes’ vote in a referendum on not extracting oil in Quito, Ecuador, Monday, August 14, 2023

CAMPAIGNERS in Ecuador celebrated a referendum win on Monday that prohibits all types of mining activities in the Andean Choco.

The victory safeguards the biosphere reserve located in the north-east of Ecuador.

Over two million voters took part in Sunday’s referendum, held alongside presidential and parliamentary elections.

The National Electoral Council reported that 68 per cent had voted to ban mining in the Choco forests, with only 31 per cent of voters favouring its continuation.

Andean Choco Community co-ordinator Inty Arcos said: “This is a historic day, which means a before and an after for the Quito metropolitan district.

“It’s an important message, especially for politicians. It expresses our desire for a different model of development based on more sustainable life alternatives.”

More:
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/w/victory-uncontacted-tribes-ecuador-mining-referendum