VOICED: Ecuador puts a price on an environmental treasure

Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but its future is threatened by the potential exploitation of oil reserves beneath it. The local population strongly opposes oil drilling due to its negative environmental impact. Ecuador proposes to leave the oil untapped to protect the forest and reduce CO2 emissions, asking the world to share the cost. This situation highlights the global responsibility to conserve such natural treasures and the challenges posed by dwindling oil reserves.

What is the main threat to the future of Yasuni National Park?

• Deforestation

• Oil reserves beneath its landscape

• Tourism

• Climate change

Why is the local population opposed to oil exploitation in Yasuni National Park?

• It would increase tourism

• It would improve the economy

• It would harm the biodiversity

• It would create more jobs

What environmental issue has been caused by oil drilling in non-protected areas of Ecuador?

• Deforestation

• Soil pollution

• Water scarcity

• Air pollution

What is Ecuador's unique proposal regarding the oil reserves under Yasuni?

• To sell the reserves to another country

• To use the oil for local consumption

• To leave the oil untouched

• To drill and export the oil

What global benefit does Ecuador claim will result from leaving the oil reserves untouched?

• Reduced CO2 emissions

• Improved local economy

• Enhanced biodiversity

• Increased tourism