A Wild Idea

Gr 9 Up—The Yasuni National Park in the Amazon region of Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world. Home to an extensive number of species of trees, plants, and animals as well as groups of indigenous people unfamiliar with westernized civilization, this area, known as the ITT (Ishpingo-Tamococha-Tiputini), also has a vast oil field coveted by developers. In 2010, Rafael Correa, Ecuador's president, offered an innovative suggestion to the United Nations. The oil in the ITT is valued at $7.2 billion. If his country were to be paid half of that value over 13 years, Ecuador would guarantee that the area would never be developed, thus preserving an invaluable natural resource, reducing CO2 emissions, and maintaining the way of life of the people living within the region. This video features live-action footage with some archival film of the area and its inhabitants, and the narration is supplemented by commentary from Ecuadorian environmentalists and activists. It chronicles the extensive international efforts to bring this solution to fruition. As of 2011, the initial pledges had been received and the initiative seemed to be moving forward. Available with both English and Spanish narration, the English version's slightly accented female narrator conveys the importance of this plan with a calm voice-over, while the Spanish speaking experts' testimonies are subtitled. Of special interest is the archival and contemporary footage of the people living within this region and their history of exploitation by Western institutions. Valuable for students studying environmental issues.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY