Gabriela Barzallo is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Will Ecuador voters set a precedent on oil drilling in the Amazon?

18 Aug 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Indigenous Rights

Ecuadorians will vote in a historic referendum to decide the future of oil extraction in Yasuni National Park, a biodiversity hotspot. The vote, driven by the environmental group Yasunidos, could set a global precedent for conservation. Indigenous leaders and activists advocate for halting oil drilling to protect the environment and Indigenous lands, while government officials warn of significant economic losses. The outcome may redefine Ecuador's extractive model and inspire global environmental movements.

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Michele Bertelli is a journalist based in Milan, Italy.

Journalist, video producer and communication consultant with 10 years of experience, I have been reporting on international news, migration, development, health, human rights and the climate crisis in Italy, Latin America and South Sudan. ...

Amazon nations rejoice after Ecuador’s Amazon oil drilling ban

06 Sept 2023  |  BusinessLIVE  |  English  |  Indigenous Rights

Ecuadorians voted in a national referendum to halt oil operations in the Yasuni Amazon reserve, a move celebrated by Indigenous leaders and environmental activists. The ban will protect the biodiverse rainforest and Indigenous communities, reducing Ecuador's oil output by 12%. The decision comes amid broader discussions in Latin America about transitioning away from fossil fuels. Despite economic concerns, the Ecuadorian government has committed to honoring the referendum result. The vote has inspired environmental movements across the region, although similar referendums are unlikely in other countries.

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Petroecuador Petrobras

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Stephan Kueffner is a freelance journalist based in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuador promises austerity to gain IMF support for its economic plan

01 Dec 2023  |  Bloomberg Línea  |  Spanish  |  Government Spending

Ecuador plans to reduce spending by approximately 2% of GDP to address fiscal, debt, and security crises, aiming to gain IMF support for a new financing program. Finance Minister Juan Carlos Vega outlines measures including reducing public contractors and eliminating inefficiencies in state enterprises. The government seeks a stand-by agreement with the IMF to facilitate access to other loans. President Daniel Noboa faces challenges with a low treasury balance and a significant fiscal deficit. Key decisions include potential fuel subsidy reversals and securing urgent liquidity through foreign banks and oil-backed loans.

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Petroecuador La Favorita CA Moore Stephens

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Carolina Mella Happe is a journalist based in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Lasso disregards the popular will to stop oil exploitation in the Yasuní reserve

23 Sept 2023  |  elpais.com  |  Spanish  |  Public Referendum

On August 20, 60% of Ecuadorians voted to halt oil exploitation in the Yasuní reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. However, President Guillermo Lasso has expressed his intention to continue oil production in block 43, disregarding the referendum. The Constitutional Court of Ecuador had ruled that if the referendum resulted in a 'yes', the state must not initiate new contracts for oil exploitation in block 43 and must take immediate measures to repair nature. Despite this, the state oil company Petroecuador plans to continue drilling until December 2023. Environmental group Yasunidos, which promoted the referendum, is concerned about the high investment in capital and the environmental impact. The Constitutional Court has given a one-year deadline from the official notification of the results to execute the referendum's outcome, which includes stopping oil production and addressing cultural, social, and environmental damages.

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Mie Olsen is a journalist based in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is specialized in European affairs, foreign reporting on macroeconomic dynamics and climate. She recently traveled to Colombia on a grant from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to report on environmental activism and extraction of ...

Ecuador expands oil drilling despite fierce opposition from locals

12 Apr 2024  |  www.courthousenews.com  |  English  |  Indigenous Rights

Ecuador is expanding oil drilling in Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, despite opposition from local communities and environmentalists. The state-owned PetroEcuador and foreign companies like China's CNPC are operating in the park, encroaching on areas meant to protect uncontacted indigenous groups. The government's push to increase oil production for economic gain is met with criticism over the lack of local consent and environmental oversight, with fears of irreversible damage to the ecosystem. The situation echoes the country's history with oil pollution, including a controversial legal battle with Chevron.

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PetroEcuador CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited

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I'm a journalist and communications specialist with over ten years of experience working in print, online, broadcasting, newswires and international development, creating and managing content, developing and managing communication strategies and campaigns for international organizations and ...

Top stories of change from Latin America in 2023

01 Dec 2023  |  Mongabay Environmental News  |  English  |  Oil Extraction

In 2023, Latin America saw significant environmental developments. Brazil's IBAMA seized a record 28.7 metric tons of illegal shark fins, highlighting the issue of shark meat consumption. Bolivia's Laderas Norte became a reserve to protect Andean condors. Pará, Brazil, introduced a mandatory cattle traceability program to combat deforestation. French banks faced accusations of funding deforestation through Brazilian meat companies. Afro-Brazilian quilombola communities sued Brazil Iron Limited in the UK for environmental damages. Ecuador voted to halt oil drilling in Yasuní National Park. The EU passed a law to track deforestation-linked imports. Panama's Supreme Court ruled against a major copper mine, and deforestation in the Amazon decreased by 55.8%, attributed to new policies by Brazil's President Lula.

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Petroecuador JBS Marfrig Brazil Iron Limited Minera Panama

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I'm a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia with three years of experience in broadcast and investigative journalism. You can watch some of my TV pieces on these links: 

1. Regresaron a la zona de tragedia - ****

2. Fiscal de fiscales en aprietos por correos agresivos a columnista - ****

3. ...

Oil spills in Ecuador remain unresolved

01 Sept 2024  |  es.mongabay.com  |  Spanish  |  Indigenous Rights

Indigenous communities in Ecuador's Amazon region report multiple oil spills between May and August 2024, affecting water sources and local livelihoods. Despite community protests and environmental organizations' support, companies like Repsol and Petroecuador are criticized for inadequate responses. The spills have led to significant environmental damage, including contaminated rivers and health issues among residents. Calls for government intervention and infrastructure updates remain unaddressed, exacerbating tensions and highlighting ongoing environmental and indigenous rights challenges.

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Petroecuador Repsol

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