Two months after the Government of Ecuador launched a pioneer proposal to save its most treasured national park from oil extraction, the international community is stepping up to support what could be a precedent setting victory for the environment and indigenous rights worldwide. Yasuni National Park is the most biodiverse rainforest on the planet, boasting the most plant and animal species per acre found anywhere. Below the ground sits an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil whose revenue is seen as critical to Ecuador’s export-led economy, but would only last 12 days according to current global consumption levels. The groundbreaking initiative seeks to keep the oil in the ground and still meet the country’s fiscal responsibilities by obtaining financial compensation from the international community. Several hundred million dollars are needed over the next decade. Now governments, public and private sector donors, and international aid organizations are joining the cause.
President Rafael Correa obtained a commitment from the United Nations and the Government of Spain last week for $4 million dollars. Norway has also committed support and funds, as has Italy and other countries within the EU. Even private companies, most looking to green their image, have approached the government with offers of significant financial contributions. On a trip this July to Ecuador, Trudie Styler, environmental advocate and wife of singer Sting, pronounced her support for the Yasuni proposal after an in person meeting with Vice President Lenin Moreno. She pledged financial support from her foundation and made a commitment to promote the proposal and raise funds. Styler has made several trips to Ecuador to witness the impacts of oil extraction in the Ecuadorian Amazon at the hands of Texaco, now Chevron. Chevron is currently on trial for environmental damages caused during its two plus decades of operation in what was once pristine rainforest and indigenous homeland.
In Ecuador, a national grassroots movement is emerging to support the government’s innovative plan. Tens of thousands of signatures supporting the proposal from all of the country’s provinces are creating a national mandate to save the park and keep the oil in the ground. Although the country’s average monthly income only totals roughly $250 dollars, citizens are lining up to ‘Buy a Barrel’ of oil to preserve the crown jewel of Ecuador’s Amazon.
