Mining and indigenous peoples

15. The Committee notes with concern the increase in mining concessions awarded in indigenous territories and the lack of protection of the lands and territories of indigenous peoples. It is also concerned about the relaxation of the rules governing extractive activities in the buffer zone of the Yasuní National Park protected area, which is home to the Tagaeri and Taromenane indigenous peoples, who live in voluntary isolation (art. 1(2)).

16. The Committee recommends that the State party:

• (a) Take measures to ensure indigenous peoples’ legal security with regard to the land, territories and natural resources they have traditionally occupied and used, especially in Mirador, San Carlos Panantza, Río Blanco and blocks 79 and 83;
• (b) Ensure adequate consultation and the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples on the establishment and management of protected areas and other protection measures in respect of their lands and territories;
• (c) Take steps to ensure the integrity of the territories of the Tagaeri and Taromenane peoples;
• (d) Prevent hydrocarbon activities in the Yasuní National Park protected area and its buffer zone.