The decision follows a petition by the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca to allow a ballot referendum on mining near water sources, including near the Tomebamba, Machángara, Norcay, Yanuncay, and Tarqui rivers.
Region: South America
Bogotá embarks on a massive bike-lane building strategy
Mayor Claudia López announced that the city will add a total of 280 kilometers of bike lanes to the existing 550-kilometer network over the next four years. The long-term goal is to have half of all trips made on bikes or other micromobility alternatives such as scooters.
Giant tortoise breeding program in the Galapagos Islands saves species from brink of extinction
In the 1960s, 15 tortoises were all that remained of the entire species. After 55 years of an ambitious breeding program, there are now more than 1,900 tortoises and they will be brought back to their home in the Galapagos Islands.
Valentina Sampaio becomes first openly trans model in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
The model Valentina Sampaio has made history by becoming the first openly transgender model to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue. The 23-year-old Brazilian has been selected as a model for the issue that will be released on 21 July.
Santiago, Chile to purchase more than 700 electric buses in 2020
Chile just order 150 electric buses from BYD to transport people around its capital city of Santiago. Santiago intends to have its public transportation system fully electric by 2040.
Brazil deploys thousands of troops to protect Amazon’s trees
Brazil has deployed thousands of soldiers to protect the Amazon as the government mounts an early response to surging deforestation in the run-up to the high season for forest fires.
Indigenous group in Brazil wins decades-long battle over illegal logging
The Ashaninka indigenous community will receive $3 million in compensation and an official apology from companies. Experts said the case could serve as a legal precedent in other indigenous and environmental lawsuits in Brazil.
A wild tapir gave birth in Brazil for the first time in more than a century
Scientists said video clips of the baby tapir proved the initial success of a re-introduction strategy for the threatened mammal, which is often described as “a forest gardener” because it plays a vital role in the dispersal of seeds.
Chileans now consume a lot less sugar after landmark public health law
The world’s toughest controls over the promotion of sugary drinks, brought in by a nation beset by obesity, have cut purchases by nearly a quarter in two years, research has shown.
Peru to plant one million trees around Machu Picchu
President Vizcarra said the ambitious target of one million trees is “a commitment from the government, the region, the municipality and all the citizens who want to protect this world wonder.”