A new report reveals significant expansion of mining in Morona Santiago, Ecuador, over the past four years, threatening forests and livelihoods in the Amazon.
A recent report from the MAAP (Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project) highlights the alarming expansion of mining activities in Morona Santiago province, Ecuador, documenting a near doubling in affected area over the last four years. This expansion poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of the region, as it directly impacts forests, territorial rights, and the livelihoods of local communities dependent on these resources.
According to the EcoCiencia foundation, the area occupied by mining activities rose from approximately 420 hectares in 2020 to 856 hectares in 2024, indicating a 100% increase within just four years. This growth reflects a consistent trend in the encroachment of mining frontiers into ecologically sensitive Amazonian territories, resulting in severe repercussions for biodiversity and environmental sustainability. In terms of scale, the mining impact now spans an area comparable to that of 2,000 football fields, underscoring the devastating effects of such industrial activities.
The report underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by this mining expansion, not only from an environmental perspective but also in the context of social justice for indigenous populations and affected communities. As mining encroaches deeper into the Amazon, it raises critical questions about regulatory frameworks, conservation strategies, and the need for sustainable development that balances economic interests with ecological preservation.
