Defend Indigenous People and the Amazon

President Correa:

I am writing as a fellow global citizen to first applaud your administration for what are truly revolutionary ideas – the Rights of Nature, Sumak Kawsay, and the Yasuni-ITT initiative. These have inspired the world's imagination, are major contributions to a more just and sustainable world, and will be hallmarks of your legacy.

I am also writing to express my concern about plans for new oil drilling in the rainforests of the south-central Ecuadorian Amazon. As you well know this new oil auction, the 11th Round, contains some of the last pristine old growth forests in Ecuador. It also includes the traditional and titled homelands of seven indigenous nationalities that have repeatedly voted to reject oil extraction on their lands.

As concerned global citizens, we stand in solidarity with these indigenous nations and urge you to immediately stop the 11th Round and pursue alternative strategies for Ecuador's long-term economic development that are consistent with your historic commitment to protect the rights of nature and the rights of indigenous people and to addressing the issue of poverty for your people.

As you also know, much of Ecuador's Amazon and its people have been gravely affected by oil extraction over the years, and drilling in an area of such high biological diversity and cultural sensitivity will have devastating effects. If the oil that is slated to be extracted lay beneath Quito or Guayaquil, voices of concern would surely be heard. The remoteness of these potential deposits cannot justify minimizing the environmental and cultural dangers of drilling. These potential oil deposits lie beneath ancestral lands that have been inhabited and protected by indigenous people for generations. The indigenous peoples' rights and commitment must be respected.

This is a historic opportunity for you and for Ecuador to lead the world towards a sustainable and just future. By halting the 11th Round, leaving the oil in the ground, and pursuing a truly sustainable future, your example would inspire people around the globe.

We urge you to do the right thing and respect the rights and wishes of indigenous people. The health and well being of future generations is in your hands.

Thank you.

(Your name and country)

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