Despite Ecuadorian drug and violence struggle currently taking place, a presidential election and a referendum about the future of the country´s nature took place on August 20, 2023. The outcome of the referendum was unprecedented and unexpected. Citizens of the Latin American country voted in favour of nature protection, above fossil fuel extraction and mining activities in the UNESCO Biosphere reserves Yasuni (Amazon) and Chocó Andino (near Quito). Yet, the implementation of the protection status for both areas is of utmost importance now as the presidential elections remain undecided. This article describes the challenges Ecuador is facing while arguing from an eco-democracy view, how the international community can support the proper implementation of this historical referendum.

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