The March 13 oil spill in Ecuador released over 25,000 barrels of crude oil into affected communities, prompting a national emergency declaration. Local economies face disruption due to contaminated water and damaged ecosystems. Despite the crisis, government plans for new oil drilling continue, prompting advocacy from Amazon Watch to halt further extraction and protect Indigenous territories.
On March 13, an oil spill in Ecuador released over 25,000 barrels of crude oil into the rivers and protected areas in the province of Esmeraldas, severely impacting local ecosystems and communities. The spill traveled 86 kilometers to the Pacific Ocean, contaminating drinking water and disrupting the livelihoods of approximately half a million residents dependent on fishing and tourism. This disaster also impacted wildlife and mangroves in a designated protected area where the river meets the sea.
Witnesses reported a dramatic scene of oil surging for seven hours, prompting the mayor of Esmeraldas to declare a national emergency. Despite the gravity of the situation, President Daniel Noboa attempted to downplay the disaster, with initial government estimates suggesting only 3,600 barrels were involved. Further complications arose when a reservoir containing contaminated water breached on March 25, exacerbating the pollution and hindering cleanup efforts.
On April 7, residents protested in Quinde and neighboring areas, voicing their frustrations over the government’s insufficient response and inadequate emergency services like clean water and food. Fishing and tourism, vital to the local economy, remain paralyzed nearly a month post-spill. Notably, President Noboa did not visit affected regions or engage with impacted communities during a subsequent campaign trip.
This incident marks a significant environmental catastrophe in Ecuador, surpassing previous oil disasters in the past 30 years. Notably, since its inception in 1972, the Trans-Ecuadorian pipeline system was built with minimal safety measures, exposing it to frequent ruptures compounded by negligent management and outdated infrastructure. Petroamazonas has continued operations on this deteriorating system since 1989, which has been prone to spills due to systemic corruption and lack of disaster preparedness.
The situation has been deteriorating, with over 1,100 spills reported between 2005 and 2015, and a rising trend indicated by 248 incidents in 2016 and up to 11 weekly in 2022. Many communities affected by these spills have yet to receive proper cleanup or compensation for the long-term health and economic repercussions. The Esmeraldas spill signals a precarious future for those living near Ecuador’s stressed pipeline corridors.
In spite of this crisis, both President Noboa and opposition candidate Luisa Gonzales plan to auction additional oil drilling rights in the Amazon, endangering more rainforest areas. Amazon Watch advocates for the coastal and Indigenous communities affected, striving to halt the extraction of oil from these fragile ecosystems and hold the Ecuadorian government accountable.
In the upcoming weeks, Amazon Watch plans to bring Indigenous leaders to California—a major importer of Ecuadorian crude—aiming to engage in discussions and actions against the proposed auction. Should this initiative succeed, it could potentially safeguard around 800 million barrels of oil, thereby protecting vital Indigenous territories as well as global biodiversity and climate.
The recent oil spill in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas province has had devastating effects on local communities and the environment, exposing systemic issues related to pipeline safety and government accountability. With plans for new oil drilling emerging despite the disaster, advocacy groups like Amazon Watch are mobilizing efforts to prevent further environmental degradation and protect Indigenous rights. This incident highlights the urgent need to address vulnerabilities in Ecuador’s oil infrastructure and promote sustainable practices to safeguard both communities and ecosystems.
Original Source: amazonwatch.org
