Ecuadorians set a precedent for participatory governance in environmental matters.
In August 2023, Ecuadorians made a historic decision to protect two of the country's most biodiverse and culturally significant regions: Yasuní National Park and the Chocó Andino cloud forest. This achievement was the result of years of dedicated efforts by Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and civil society groups.
The movement to safeguard Yasuní began over a decade ago, spearheaded by the grassroots collective Yasunidos. In 2013, they initiated a campaign to collect signatures for a national referendum to halt oil drilling in the park. Despite facing bureaucratic challenges and delays, their persistence paid off when the Constitutional Court approved the referendum in May 2023. (Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie libre, AP News, Rainforest Foundation US)
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) played a pivotal role in mobilizing support, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indigenous territories and the environment. Leaders like Nemonte Nenquimo, a Waorani activist, brought international attention to the cause, highlighting the threats posed by oil extraction to Indigenous communities and biodiversity. (Rainforest Foundation US, Reddit) Other notable organizations involved included the National Union of Educators, the General Union of Ecuadorian Workers, and political parties such as Popular Unity, the Socialist Party – Broad Front of Ecuador, and Democracia Sí. (Wikipedia)
In the Chocó Andino region, the initiative was led by Quito Sin Minería, a citizen collective that gathered over 206,000 valid signatures to prompt a local referendum. Their efforts were supported by the Mancomunidad del Chocó Andino, a coalition of rural parishes committed to ecological conservation and sustainable development. (Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre) The referendum, held concurrently with the national elections, resulted in approximately 68% of Quito residents voting to prohibit new mining activities in the Chocó Andino. This outcome underscored the community's commitment to protecting their environment and cultural heritage.
The success of these referendums was the culmination of collaborative efforts by a diverse array of stakeholders:
Indigenous Communities: Groups like the Waorani, Kichwa, and others were instrumental in advocating for their ancestral lands and rights.
Environmental Organizations: Local and international NGOs provided support through advocacy, education, and legal assistance.
Civil Society: Educators, workers' unions, and political parties mobilized public opinion and participated actively in campaigns.
These collective actions demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in shaping national policies and protecting vital ecosystems.
These referendums marked a significant step in environmental democracy, demonstrating how citizen-led initiatives can influence national policies. By choosing to prioritize ecological preservation and Indigenous rights, Ecuadorians set a precedent for participatory governance in environmental matters.