Ecuador Begins Shuttering Oil Wells in Nature Reserve

The Ecuadorean government has initiated the closure of oil wells in the 43-ITT block, located in a nature reserve, following a referendum last year. The energy ministry announced the closure of one of the 247 wells, part of a plan that will span approximately five-and-a-half years.

The Ecuadorean government has started the process of closing oil wells in the 43-ITT block, a significant area within a vast nature reserve. This move comes after voters overwhelmingly supported a referendum last year aimed at ending drilling in the environmentally sensitive region.

The energy ministry released a statement confirming the closure of one of the 247 wells in the block. This marks the beginning of an extensive plan expected to unfold over the next five-and-a-half years.

The decision underscores Ecuador's commitment to environmental conservation, reflecting a significant shift in policy driven by public sentiment and environmental concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)