Tomorrow, Ecuadorians will cast their votes in a referendum to decide whether oil drilling should continue in Yasuní National Park, a rainforest reserve located in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. Yasuní is also the home of the Tagaeri, Dugakaeri, and Taromenane, the last Indigenous communities in Ecuador who have chosen to live in voluntary isolation.

Environmentalists and Indigenous rights advocates are urging Ecuadorians to vote “Yes” on the measure. If passed, it would initiate the phasing out of oil extraction at the Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini (ITT) block in the eastern part of Yasuni. At present, the ITT block produces about 55,000 barrels of oil every day.

Leonor Varela, a Chilean actress known for roles in movies and television shows from “Cleopatra” to “Blade II”, has been a staunch advocate for a “Yes” vote. She believes that supporting the measure would not only help conserve Yasuní but also serve as a profound message to the global community.

“On August 20th, 2023, the people of Ecuador have a historic opportunity to safeguard a significant portion of Yasuní rainforest,” Varela told Mongabay in a recent exchange. “With this first-of-its-kind referendum worldwide, Ecuador could become an example in democratizing climate action, offering its citizens the chance to vote YES for the forest, for Indigenous rights, our climate, and the well-being of our planet.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH LEONOR VARELA

 

What inspired your interest in nature?

Since I was little, I have found refuge and a connection to my most Inner self in nature: its harmony and beauty have always inspired me with something that I can only define as spiritual. And despite now being grown up, and living for long periods of time in large cities where my career has taken me, I have never lost that connection with the land that sustains me, and that I feel it is my turn to support in return. It has been natural to do so in my own country (Chile) as my ties to my land are strong.

Why did you decide to get involved with the campaign to protect Yasuni?

As a Latina, my gaze is also set on my continental brothers and sisters. So I have been following what is happening in the Amazon for a long time and I have had the opportunity to offer my support and voice for its defense, which I have done without hesitation. There are so few pristine places in the world, and it is now more necessary than ever to protect them.

What is your message to Ecuadorians voting in the referendum on August 20?

On August 20th, 2023, the people of Ecuador have a historic opportunity to safeguard a significant portion of Yasuní rainforest. With this first-of-its-kind referendum worldwide, Ecuador could become an example in democratizing climate action, offering its citizens the chance to vote YES for the forest, for Indigenous rights, our climate, and the well-being of our planet.

Yasuní National Park, located in the Provinces Orellana and Pastaza, is the most biodiverse place on our planet and home to some of the last Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation, the Tagaeri, Taromenane, and Dugakaeri. Yasuní is now being threatened by the expansion of the fossil fuel industry, but there is a chance to change this scenario: I support the Ecuadorian people in expressing their choice to say YES to the Yasuní!

I stand with the people of Ecuador saying #SíAlYasuní #YestoYasuní.