Special Episode: Yasuní: The Path to an Oil-Free Future
Special Episode "Yasuní: The Path to an Oil-Free Future" of "La Amazonia Habla" podcast: In this special episode of "La Amazonia Habla", the podcast that gives voice to those who defend and protect the heart of the Amazon, we explore the history of Yasuní and its path to the August 20 popular consultation in Ecuador. Yasuní, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, 204 species of mammals, 610 species of birds, 121 species of reptiles, 150 species of amphibians, and more than 250 species of fish. It is also the territory of isolated indigenous peoples. A few days before the popular consultation on #Yasuní we explore the road to the popular consultation in Ecuador and its challenges through conversations with experts, activists and passionate leaders from civil society, academia and the territory: Eduardo Pichilingue, an ecologist, immerses us in the world of Isolated Indigenous Peoples; Antonella Calle, ecologist and Yasunidos activist, shares the collective process up to popular consultation to suspend oil extraction and inputs to better understand the current campaign context; Alicia Cahuiya, Waorani leader, highlights the passion for her territory and the importance of the "Yes to Yasuní" vote; and Alberto Acosta, economist and former Minister of Energy, addresses the unequal battle and the need for global solidarity in this historic confrontation. On August 20, the world will be watching the consultation in Ecuador, where the decision to leave oil in the ground could be an important precedent in the fight against climate change and the defense of life and biodiversity. History can be rewritten, and we can all be part of this change. This episode was conceived by Lucia Villaruel, produced with the support of Lanceros Digitales for the recordings from the Territory, with archival support from Conaie's communication team, and translated by Olivia Palma. The music is by Joaquin Cornejo. How can you participate to support the Yes? Spread the word: Share the story of the importance of Yasuní and Ecuador's struggle on social media, among your friends, and in your communities. Use #SiAlYasuní to create a global wave of support. Amplify the message: Reach out to international collectives, environmental organizations, and allied countries to create a coalition dedicated to preserving Yasuní's biodiversity and protecting the rights of isolated indigenous communities. Engage policymakers: Write to your local representatives, policymakers, and international institutions urging them to support Ecuador's historic decision to leave oil in the ground. Encourage them to advocate for sustainable alternatives and climate action. Support NGOs and civil society: Support organizations that advocate for climate justice and ecological preservation in Ecuador and other countries. Your contributions can have a significant impact. Sources: https://www.entrepueblos.org/news/firma-por-el-si-al-yasuni/ https://www.primicias.ec/noticias/elecciones-presidenciales-2023/consulta-popular-itt-yasuni-consulta-popular/
