Ecuador: Voters reject oil drilling in the Amazon
Ecuadorians have said 'no' to oil extraction in a portion of the Amazon, one of the world's most biodiverse regions, in a referendum hailed as a historic example of climate democracy.
Ecuadorians voted on Sunday against oil drilling, according to early results of an election-day referendum published early Monday.
Voters were asked whether to ban mining in the highlands and further oil drilling in Yasuni National Park in the Amazon. With over 90% of the ballots counted, some six in 10 Ecuadorians rejected the oil exploration in Block 44, situated within Yasuni National Park, one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The referendum asked voters if they agreed with stopping all oil exploration in the area, and the "Yes" vote won by 59%, according to Ecuador's electoral body.
"Today Ecuador takes a giant step to protect life, biodiversity, and indigenous people," the country's two main indigenous organizations, Confeniae and Conaie, posted on social media.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg also hailed the "historic referendum."
The referendum took place alongside the presidential election, which will be decided in a runoff between leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez and right-wing contender Daniel Noboa.
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