The exploitation of the Yasuni continues to have supporters and detractors

In the Amazon province of Orellana, the opinions of the authorities regarding the exploitation of the ITT block in Yasuni National Park, are divided.

At the political level, there is also a marked division, since the mayors of Francisco de Orellana, Joyas de los Sachas, Loreto and Aguarico, support the proposal of the Executive, because they see in it as an “opportunity” to improve the quality of life of their populations.

However, the prefect of this province, Guadalupe Llori, says her rejection to extract more crude is supported by her position focused on defending the Yasuní National Park and its ecosystem to prevent contamination of the province after 30 years of oil exploitation.

For her part, Anita Rivas, Mayor of Coca, asserts that President Rafael Correa have found unconditional support, as they have developed projects that have improved the quality of life of the canton.

However, there are those who no longer believe in political promises, as in the case of Hernán Velásquez, who is 55 and lives in the parish of San Carlos, one of the most affected by pollution.

Velasquez recalled that one of his daughters ran out of hair and she had to take medication for along time to be able to recover it, and while currently, the exploitation is promoted by commercial assuring  cutting-edge technology will be used for the extractive activity;  its position on this issue remains skeptical.