Ecuadorians reject oil drilling in the Amazon, ending operations in a protected area
Ecuadorians voted against oil drilling in a protected area of the Amazon, forcing the state oil company to cease operations there. The referendum took place alongside the presidential election, with over 90% of the ballots counted showing approximately six in 10 Ecuadorians rejecting oil exploration in Block 43 within Yasuni National Park. The park is home to isolated tribes and is a biodiversity hotspot. The decision is seen as a victory for Indigenous groups and environmentalists who campaigned against drilling in the region. State oil company Petroecuador will dismantle its operations in the coming months.