"This is a historic victory for Ecuador and the planet," environmental group Yasunidos posted on social media.
It is the first time a country has decided to protect life and leave oil in the ground.".
The referendum took place alongside a first-round presidential election held under heavy security, with an explosion of violence linked to the drug trade dominating voter concerns.
Members of the Waorani indigenous community pushed hard for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum © Martin BERNETTI / AFP/File.
Voters also chose to ban mining in parts of the Choco Andes forest in a second referendum.
Crude oil, its leading export, generated revenues of $10 billion in 2022, around 10 percent of gross domestic product.
Locals in Yasuni were divided, with some supporting the oil companies and the benefits that economic growth have brought to their villages. »