Today, we have two new reasons to have hope for an end to oil drilling in Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and we invite you to turn hope into triumph with us.

Two court decisions could help ensure the permanent protection of the biosphere reserve and uphold the rights of the Tagaeri-Taromenane peoples living in voluntary isolation in Yasuní. These hard-fought wins move Indigenous rights and rainforest protection that much closer to being prioritized in Ecuador.

An Ecuadorian court recently ruled that the 750,000 signatures collected by advocates in 2014 to keep Yasuní's oil reserves indefinitely in the ground were valid, reversing previous decisions that subverted the will of voters. The decision will put the issue on the February ballot.

The Inter-American Court on Human Rights is now hearing a case concerning the impacts of extractive activities on the Tagaeri-Taromenane and the government's failure to guarantee their rights. This case could effectively restrict drilling activity in seven oil blocks that overlap the park.

The work is not over. Amazon Watch will continue to accompany Ecuadorian civil society organization Yasunidos in keeping oil in the ground, protecting the biocultural diversity of Yasuní, and upholding the rights of Indigenous and forest peoples. Can we count on you to join our calls for the future of Yasuní by beginning a monthly gift today? 100% of your donation will go directly to our program work in the Amazon.

Yes, I want to help uphold isolated peoples' rights and keep oil in the ground!

Thank you! Your support and solidarity make all the difference. ¡Que viva Yasunidos! ¡Que viva Yasuní!

For the Amazon,

Leila Salazar-López
Executive Director

P.S. Monthly gifts are cost effective, paperless, and convenient, and you can make changes to your monthly donation at any time. Our team is here to help.