Activists protest in Quito for the exploitation of Yasuni

Protests against Yasuni exploitation in Quito

As is becoming usual on Thursdays, yesterday a group of environmentalists gathered again in Quito to protest by tapping their feet, against oil in the ITT axis, located in the Yasuni National Park.

The protest was with music and strong footwork taps, with which the demonstrators rejected the regime’s decision to exploit the Ecuadorian fields of Ishpingo, Tambococha and Tiputini (ITT) and stop the environmental initiative that sought to leave oil underground to protect the ecological reserve.

“Yasuni is not to be sold, is respected and it must be defended,” chanted the activists who protested in the park El Arbolito, in the center of Quito, a place where indigenous demonstrations are commonly held and other social groups.

“The Constitution is not toilet paper,” the banners stood out in relation to the Constitution contains rules for the protection of the rights of nature.

During the demonstration a group of police stood outside the Constitutional Court, to one side of the park El Arbolito, to avoid any possible action of the protesters against the building.

The regime leader said to be willing to go to a referendum if the requirements are met to call it, believing that the people support his proposal to exploit the ITT under strict environmental standards. However, yesterday the Biodiversity Committee of the National Assembly ade a report which does not include the obligation of the regime to carry out a prior consult before start oil drilling in blocks 31 and 43.