An Amazon tribe won a big lawsuit against Big Oil, and saved their rainforest. The Ecuadorian government planned to drill for oil throughout south central Ecuadorian Amazon.the Waorani people of Pastaza won a historic rule, and protected seven million acres of rainforest.

The Waorani people managed to protect their territory and stop the contemplated auctioning of 16 oil blocks covering over seven million acres of rainforest.

Executive Director of Amazon Frontlines, Mitch Anderson, said this is a big precedent for indigenous rights across the area. The court recognized the manipulative tactics of the Ecuadorian Government.

This is a big stem forward, and these people protected their rights of the land. It was about time that someone said ‘no’ to destructive projects and halt climate changes.

The ruling was brought by three-judge panel of the Pastaza Provincial Court.

Spokesperson for the Waorani of Pastaza, Oswando Nenquimo, said they protected their forest from oil drilling and their water from contamination. The children are now safe from sickness, but the war is far from over. The government will probably appeal, because they still want the oil.

Waorani leader Nemonte Nenquimo talked to The New Yorker, and said the court recognized that the government had violated their right to live free and make their decision about their territory. He believes they have the right to protect their surrounding.

This is a positive change, and hopefully it will trigger even greater changes. We deserve to live a better life without the destructive power of major industries. Our planet deserves our attention and respect. The Waorani are fighting their battle, and we have to fight ours.

Sources:
www.unilad.co.uk
twentytwowords.com