Nemonte Nenquimo
“This is my message to the Western World -your civilization is killing life on earth!” — Namonte Nenquimo
Nemonte Nenquimo, an Indigenous Waorani leader from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, stands as a passionate advocate for the rights of her people and environmental preservation. Born into the Waorani community, Nenquimo has been a steadfast defender of her ancestral land and the rainforest's biodiversity. Her commitment to the cause became internationally recognized when she played a pivotal role in a landmark legal victory against oil extraction in the Ecuadorian Amazon. As the President of the Waorani Pastaza Organization, Nenquimo led her community in a successful legal battle that resulted in the Ecuadorian court ruling to protect half a million acres of rainforest from oil drilling, setting a crucial precedent for Indigenous rights and environmental conservation.
Nenquimo's advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as she actively engages in global conversations about the importance of safeguarding Indigenous territories and combating climate change. Her work has earned her accolades and awards, making her a prominent voice for environmental justice and Indigenous empowerment on the world stage. Nenquimo's life story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Indigenous communities in the face of environmental threats, and she continues to inspire others to join the fight for a sustainable and equitable future.
Articles https://time.com/6240836/indigenous-women-beating-big-oil/
https://www.unep.org/championsofearth/laureates/2020/nemonte-nenquimo
In Conversation https://www.synchronicityearth.org/an-interview-with-nemonte-nenquimo/