He The Minister of Energy, Fernando Santos Alvite, dismissed the importance of 26 events between spills, spills, leaks and fires which occurred for eight years in Block 43 ITT, and were reported by Petroecuador to the Ministry of the Environment. When asked about the problem, he said yes “insignificant events” that none of them caused environmental damage to nature.

He explained that the oil industry operates to very high standards: “a spill would be an event, but none has caused damage to nature,” he said.

From the report in the Ministry, it is learned that the amounts involved were from several gallons to 4.5 barrels of crude oil and diesel. Representatives of environmental protection associations said that the company has unclear reports and that there are certainly many more incidents.

Anyway, Minister Santos said that if Petroecuador leaves the ITT there are a number of threats to the Yasuní Park. believe to enter safely illegal logging, because ITT is rich in precious forest, and then he would come illegal miners because the Napo River is known to be rich in gold.

In addition, he confirmed that the suspension of ITT’s work would mean a big blow to the Ecuadorian economy because 55,000 barrels would be removed and the finances would be unbalanced.

Petroecuador estimates that around $1,200 million a year would be lost, in addition to the huge costs that have to be incurred due to closures and compensation to companies currently working in the area as subcontractors.

This June 22, the National Electoral Council (CNE) will issue an official call for consultations promoted by the Yasunidos collective to leave crude oil onshore. The consultation must take place on August 20, along with elections for the president and members of the assembly. After the call is made, various interested parties will be able to sign up for the campaign.