Ecuador’s government has initiated the long-awaited dismantling of oil infrastructure in Yasuni National Park, as the deadline for halting operations in the environmentally sensitive area nears. The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed the closure of the Ishpingo B-56 well, one of 247 in the controversial Block 43-ITT oil field. This comes just days before a court-imposed deadline requiring all wells to be shut down.
The government’s announcement follows increasing criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous communities, particularly the Waorani people, who have long fought against oil drilling in their ancestral lands. Despite a historic 2022 referendum where Ecuadorians voted to cease drilling in the Amazon, many argue that little has been done to follow through on this decision. The referendum was hailed as a victory for environmental protection and Indigenous rights, but frustrations have grown due to the lack of visible progress.
Antonio Goncalves, head of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, stated, “The closure of the ITT field is not an easy task; it requires specialized technical planning.” However, Indigenous leaders and activists argue that the government’s efforts have been too slow. Kevin Koenig, Climate and Energy Director for Amazon Watch, criticized the government, stating that they are “not meeting their judicial obligation or respecting the rights of the Waorani people.”
The government has sought an extension of over five years to fully dismantle the oil operations, aiming for a December 2029 deadline. However, this request has sparked outrage among activists and environmental organizations, who claim that Ecuador’s economic dependency on oil is slowing the transition to greener policies. Ending oil drilling in Yasuni could cost an estimated $1.3 billion, a significant blow to an economy that heavily relies on oil revenues.
As Ecuador faces the dual challenge of honoring its environmental commitments and managing its economic struggles, the future of Yasuni National Park remains uncertain.
