Yasuni National Park Oil Wells Dismantled as Ecuador Faces Criticism for Delays

Ecuador’s government has initiated the process of dismantling infrastructure within the contentious oil drilling area known as the 43-ITT block in Yasuni National Park. This move comes as the court-imposed deadline for ceasing operations approaches. The Ministry for Energy and Mines announced the closure of one of the 247 wells, specifically the Ishpingo B-56 well, signaling the start of what is expected to be a lengthy and complex process.

Despite the referendum held a year ago that called for an end to drilling in the park, Indigenous groups like the Waorani and various rights organizations have voiced their dissatisfaction, claiming that the government has been slow to act.

In light of the looming deadline, the government has sought an extension from the constitutional court, requesting an additional five years and five months for Petroecuador, the state-run oil company, to completely halt operations.

Antonio Goncalves, head of the Ministry, acknowledged the challenges involved in shutting down the ITT block, emphasizing that it requires careful planning and technical expertise. The government’s plan is to have all wells in the area decommissioned by December 2029, a timeline that has sparked criticism and concern among environmentalists and Indigenous advocates.

The closure of the B-56 well was reported shortly after the Associated Press published a story highlighting the growing frustrations of the Waorani people and others who feel the government has dragged its feet in complying with the court order.

The Ministry and Petroecuador have remained unresponsive to repeated inquiries from the press. Kevin Koenig, a representative from Amazon Watch, has criticized the government for failing to meet its judicial obligations and for lacking the political commitment to enforce the will of the people as expressed in last year’s referendum.

Yasuni National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and is home to the Waorani people, as well as the Taromenane and Tagaeri, two Indigenous communities that live in voluntary isolation. The area’s ecological and cultural significance has made the issue of oil drilling particularly sensitive.

Environmental groups and Indigenous rights advocates argue that the government’s slow response is not only a violation of legal obligations but also a threat to the park’s fragile ecosystem and the rights of its Indigenous inhabitants.

The economic implications of ending oil drilling in the 43-ITT block are substantial, with the government estimating the cost at $1.3 billion. Given that oil constitutes nearly one-third of Ecuador’s GDP, the country’s economy, which is already struggling with debt obligations, faces significant challenges in balancing environmental responsibilities with economic needs.

This financial strain, coupled with the political and environmental pressures, adds complexity to the government’s ability to fully comply with the court’s mandate and protect Yasuni National Park.