Tomorrow, Ecuadorians will solid their votes in a referendum to resolve whether or not oil drilling ought to proceed in Yasuní National Park, one of the biodiverse locations on the earth.Environmentalists and Indigenous rights advocates are urging Ecuadorians to vote “Yes” on the measure.Leonor Varela, a Chilean actress identified for roles in films and tv reveals from “Cleopatra” to “Blade II”, has been a staunch advocate for a “Yes” vote. She believes that supporting the measure wouldn’t solely assist preserve Yasuní but additionally function a profound message to the worldwide group.“With this first-of-its-kind referendum worldwide, Ecuador might change into an instance in democratizing local weather motion, providing its residents the prospect to vote YES for the forest, for Indigenous rights, our local weather, and the well-being of our planet,” Varela informed Mongabay in an August 2023 change.
Tomorrow, Ecuadorians will solid their votes in a referendum to resolve whether or not oil drilling ought to proceed in Yasuní National Park, a rainforest reserve positioned in one of the biologically various areas on Earth. Yasuní can also be the house of the Tagaeri, Dugakaeri, and Taromenane, the final Indigenous communities in Ecuador who’ve chosen to reside in voluntary isolation.
Environmentalists and Indigenous rights advocates are urging Ecuadorians to vote “Yes” on the measure. If handed, it might provoke the phasing out of oil extraction on the Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini (ITT) block within the japanese a part of Yasuni. At current, the ITT block produces about 55,000 barrels of oil day by day.
Rainforest close to Yasuni. The park is dwelling to Amazonian wildlife starting from jaguar to pink dolphins.
Leonor Varela, a Chilean actress identified for roles in films and tv reveals from “Cleopatra” to “Blade II”, has been a staunch advocate for a “Yes” vote. She believes that supporting the measure wouldn’t solely assist preserve Yasuní but additionally function a profound message to the worldwide group.
“On August twentieth, 2023, the folks of Ecuador have a historic alternative to safeguard a good portion of Yasuní rainforest,” Varela informed Mongabay in a current change. “With this first-of-its-kind referendum worldwide, Ecuador might change into an instance in democratizing local weather motion, providing its residents the prospect to vote YES for the forest, for Indigenous rights, our local weather, and the well-being of our planet.”
Leonor Varela in Yasuni.
What impressed your curiosity in nature?
Since I used to be little, I’ve discovered refuge and a connection to my most Inner self in nature: its concord and sweetness have at all times impressed me with one thing that I can solely outline as non secular. And regardless of now being grown up, and dwelling for lengthy intervals of time in giant cities the place my profession has taken me, I’ve by no means misplaced that reference to the land that sustains me, and that I really feel it’s my flip to assist in return. It has been pure to take action in my very own nation (Chile) as my ties to my land are robust.
Leonor Varela in Yasuni in August 2023
Why did you resolve to become involved with the marketing campaign to guard Yasuni?
As a Latina, my gaze can also be set on my continental brothers and sisters. So I’ve been following what is occurring within the Amazon for a very long time and I’ve had the chance to supply my assist and voice for its protection, which I’ve finished with out hesitation. There are so few pristine locations on the earth, and it’s now extra mandatory than ever to guard them.
What is your message to Ecuadorians voting within the referendum on August 20?
On August twentieth, 2023, the folks of Ecuador have a historic alternative to safeguard a good portion of Yasuní rainforest. With this first-of-its-kind referendum worldwide, Ecuador might change into an instance in democratizing local weather motion, providing its residents the prospect to vote YES for the forest, for Indigenous rights, our local weather, and the well-being of our planet.
Yasuní National Park, positioned within the Provinces Orellana and Pastaza, is probably the most biodiverse place on our planet and residential to a few of the final Indigenous peoples dwelling in voluntary isolation, the Tagaeri, Taromenane, and Dugakaeri. Yasuní is now being threatened by the growth of the fossil gas business, however there’s a likelihood to alter this situation: I assist the Ecuadorian folks in expressing their option to say YES to the Yasuní!
I stand with the folks of Ecuador saying #SíAlYasuní #YestoYasuní.
Leonor Varela in Yasuni together with her daughter in August 2023.
Hoatzins close to Yasuni NP. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Owls close to Yasuni NP. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Rainforest close to Yasuni NP. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Squirrel monkey close to Yasuni NP. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Leaf toad close to Yasuní. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Plant close to Yasuní. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
Rainforest cover close to Yasuní. Photo credit score: Rhett A. Butler / Mongabay
