The gold rush in the Ecuadorian Amazon is devastating the ancestral lands of the Kichwa Indigenous peoples, threatening their health and way of life. Illegal mining operations have expanded, contaminating rivers, destroying forests, and desecrating sacred sites. This has sparked a conflict between the push for economic development and the need for environmental protection.
The experience of the Andi-Aguinda family, who have lived in the region for generations, highlights the human toll of mining. The legend of the "Kuri Amu," a mythological figure linked to gold, symbolizes the destruction wrought by these activities.
Despite the resistance of Indigenous communities, mining continues to spread, fueled by economic and political interests. The Ecuadorian government has prioritized economic growth by granting mining concessions in Indigenous territories, often ignoring the environmental and social consequences. Even the global shift toward a “green” economy fails to ensure the protection of Indigenous rights, leaving these communities to suffer the harmful impacts of resource extraction.
This story was produced with support from Internews' Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in La Mula on August 30, 2024. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Banner image: Ancestral islands of the Kichwa communities Venecia Derecha, Tiyu Yaku and Santu Urku / Credit: La Mula.
Elizabeth Virkina Swanson Andi
