Yasuni Preservation [#SaveYasuni]

#SaveYasuní

Yasuni ITT

[ Yasuní Ishpingo Tambococha Tiputini ]

Yasuní, (Yah-soo-nee) one of the most bio diverse spots on the earth, is located in South America at the intersection of the Amazon, the Andean Mountains and the Equator. It is home to South American’s amphibian, bird, mammal and vascular plant diversity all reaching their maximum levels. One single hectare (or 10,000 square meters) in Yasuní contains more tree-species than are native to the whole of North America. Yasuní is home of two indigenous cultures living in voluntary isolation. And a number of other indigenous groups such as Kichwa and Naporuna also live in the area.

In all it’s beauty and uniqueness, Yasuní is in threat of oil and logging industries.

Ecuador aims to leave an extractive economy behind and advance towards an alternative, equitable and sustainable development process supported by a sustainable energy matrix. In preserving Yasuni, avoidance of approximately 407 million metric tons of CO2 emissions due to non-extraction and burning of oil and Avoidance of 800 million metric tons of CO2 from avoided deforestation.

Economically it is a sacrifice for Ecuador. But is it really a sacrifice in preserving creation? Somewhere so beautiful and precious, I don’t believe we can fully comprehend the depths of the damage if destroyed. This is an ongoing battle to save Yasuní!

Yasuní Initiative’s mission is to contribute to the protection of life, peace and sustainable development. It aims to create a set of conditions that emerge from the specific values of the Yasuní area and foster the protection of the life of present and future generations. The Yasuní Initiative’s main objectives are: To protect of Biodiversity; To support the livelihood and culture of the indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation; and to ensure net avoided emissions of greenhouse gases.

A forest is irreplaceable once destroyed.

In support of Saving Yasuní, please check out- www.yasunisupport.org

[Continue Reading about Bethany's visit to Ecuador, where she spoke at the CIMA Kids Environmental Summit, which is published on the November 2012 issue of "The Coconut Wire," Bethany's monthly e-newsletter.]