A historic referendum in Ecuador halts oil exploration in the biodiverse Yasuní National Park, preserving both wildlife and Indigenous communities.

In a groundbreaking move for environmental protection, Ecuadorians have voted in a referendum to stop the development of new oil wells in the Yasuní National Park. Located in the heart of the Amazon, the park is one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions, home to an incredible variety of species, as well as to the Tagaeri and Taromenane Indigenous groups, who live in voluntary isolation.

With more than 58% of voters supporting the measure, Ecuador becomes one of the first countries globally to protect vital natural resources through a democratic vote. The referendum result will prevent the extraction of approximately 726 million barrels of oil from the park, helping to preserve its delicate ecosystems. The Yasuní reserve plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of global biodiversity and carbon storage, and the decision highlights Ecuador’s leadership in the global fight against climate change.

The referendum, which was part of Ecuador’s presidential elections, reflects the growing demand for environmental accountability. Alongside the vote on Yasuní, citizens in Quito also overwhelmingly approved a ban on gold mining in the Chocó Andino, a highland biosphere, by a margin of 68% to 31%.

The decision to halt oil drilling and mining in these sensitive areas comes as the world faces an escalating climate crisis, with the Amazon rainforest rapidly nearing an irreversible tipping point. Ecuador’s move sends a powerful message about the role of democratic processes in environmental stewardship.