Ecuadorians vote to ban oil drilling in Yasuní National Park, an Amazon rainforest area.

59% of voters reject oil drilling, while 41% vote in favor.

Climate change impacts and concern for Amazon's tipping point contribute to the decision.

Yasuní National Park is extremely biodiverse, spanning 1 million hectares.

Ecuador's largest crude oil reserve lies beneath the park.Previous proposal to leave Yasuní undisturbed for $3.6 billion failed in 2007.

Ecuador's state oil company started drilling in 2016, producing 12% of the country's oil.Environmental collective Yasunidos campaigned for a decade for the drilling ban.

Constitutional court authorized the drilling ban vote in the presidential election.Some argue drilling ban could harm Ecuador's economy and revenue.

Indigenous and environmental groups emphasize the need to protect the Amazon. Referendum seen as an opportunity for positive change by advocates.

Result celebrated by environmentalists and Indigenous rights advocates.Critics, including Fernando L. Benalcazar, emphasize economic implications.

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