Post by cenydd on Aug 16, 2013 10:28:05 GMT
Ecuador has abandoned a conservation plan that would have paid the country not to drill for oil in previously untouched parts of Yasuni National Park in the Amazon rainforest.
President Rafael Correa said rich nations had failed to back the initiative, leaving Ecuador with no choice but go ahead with drilling.
The park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Hundreds of people gathered in Quito to protest against Mr Correa's decision.
Oil exploitation has been taking place in parts of the Yasuni National Park, which covers nearly 10,000 sq km (3,860 sq miles), since the 1970s.
Oil is Ecuador's main export. Exploitation of the new area is expected to start in the coming weeks.
President Rafael Correa said rich nations had failed to back the initiative, leaving Ecuador with no choice but go ahead with drilling.
The park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Hundreds of people gathered in Quito to protest against Mr Correa's decision.
Oil exploitation has been taking place in parts of the Yasuni National Park, which covers nearly 10,000 sq km (3,860 sq miles), since the 1970s.
Oil is Ecuador's main export. Exploitation of the new area is expected to start in the coming weeks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-23722204
We need to protect these unique environments and their species - once they are lost, they won't be back. It costs money, though, and that means we all need to be prepared to pay to help out countries that might not be able to do it on their own.
