Extractive industries came under the spotlight in Ecuador during the national referendum in February 2018. The plebiscite included questions which sought to increase the regulation of mining activities and place restrictions on oil production in the Yasuní National Park. The proposals received enthusiastic support at the polls which raised hopes among environmental and indigenous activists that the incumbent government led by President Lenín Moreno would break with the extractive policies of the previous Rafael Correa administration (2007-2017). However, events since the referendum suggest the government will continue along the extractive path. While this will generate government revenues and appease international investors, it will also stoke social unrest and threaten the legitimacy of the president and government. End of preview - This article contains approximately 1545 words.
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