Ecuador to world: Help us, and we won't drill in the rainforest

In response to intense pressure from indigenous and environmental organizations opposed to drilling for oil in an Amazon rainforest, this May Ecuador asked the world for financial help, according to the Environmental News Service.
The oil fields under Yasuni National Park are estimated to contain 900 million to 1 billion barrels of oil, about one-quarter of Ecuador's total reserves. In about a year, international oil companies will be allowed to bid for the right to drill.To avoid this fate, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa is asking the international community for about $350 million a year.

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