The Waorani community of Guiyero, located in the Yasuní National Park in Ecuador, is under siege by the expansion of oil extraction and illegal mining. Once-pristine rivers have become contaminated with dangerous heavy metals such as lead, forcing the community to rely on rainwater for survival. The illegal gold mining operations, in particular, have led to severe deforestation, further damaging the environment. While oil companies have provided some infrastructure such as schools and water systems, these developments come at a steep environmental cost, affecting both human health and biodiversity.
Despite these challenges, the Ecuadorian government has not adequately addressed the growing impact of these industries, leaving Guiyero’s Indigenous residents to deal with the exploitation of their land and resources. The lack of proper regulation and enforcement allows these destructive activities to continue unchecked, causing irreversible damage to the local ecosystem. The Waorani way of life, deeply connected to the natural environment, is now at risk as deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity increase. This situation exemplifies the broader conflict in Ecuador between economic interests in exploiting natural resources and the preservation of Indigenous communities and their environment. The future of Guiyero and its people remains uncertain, as they face ongoing threats from both legal and illegal industrial activities.
This story was produced with support from Internews' Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Ecuador Chequea on August 30, 2024. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Banner image: A member of the Waorani community navigates the waters of Yasuní National Park / Credit: Esteban Cárdenas.
Esteban Andrés Cárdenas Verdesoto
